Swim Ireland, the National Governing Body for aquatics on the island of Ireland, seek a dynamic and experienced Head of Department to establish and lead a nationwide team of ‘Get Ireland Swimming Activators’ who shall be responsible for driving the implementation of the National Swimming Strategy 2024-2027 at a localised level. This is a very exciting opportunity to help shape the future landscape of swimming in the Republic of Ireland, through a nationally led, locally driven approach.

The post holder will put in place and oversee a team and a structure to work with Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs), Local Authorities, facility operators, clubs, schools, and community groups to boost swimming participation. Efforts will align with the Swim Ireland Strategic Plan 2022-2026 and the National Swimming Strategy 2024-2027’, aiming for increased participation in the short term and for the progression of community health, increased capacity, and aquatic workforce development in the longer term.

Reporting to the Swim Ireland Chief Executive Officer, the Head of Participation & Activation will be supported by the Swim Ireland Community Manager, who will report directly to the post holder.

Swim Ireland is the National Governing Body (NGB) for Swimming, Water Polo, Diving and associated Aquatic Disciplines on the island of Ireland.  Swim Ireland’s Head Office is based at Irish Sport HQ, National Sports Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 with circa 60 employees.  Swim Ireland’s remit as a Governing Body is to increase participation, run the competitive aspect of our sport and to provide a framework for regulation. For further information, please see our website at www.swimireland.ie.

 

Link to National Swim Strategy

Link to Swim Ireland Strategic Plan

Swim Ireland’s selection process aims to ensure that we get the right people recruited into the right role.  We want to ensure that you have the best opportunity to display your skills and experience.  Swim Ireland has identified Core Values that we consider to be integral to delivering exceptional service to our stakeholders.  These Core Values are

  • Skills, Professionalism, Knowledge
  • Wellbeing & Inclusivity
  • Integrity and Excellence in Governance
  • My Passion, Our Vision
  • Teamwork & Collaboration

If selected for interview, you will be provided with a candidate support pack giving you information and guidance on the selection process.

 

REMUNERATION:         Package will include a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience to commence at circa €68,000 per annum.

RESPONSIBLE TO:       Chief Executive Officer

HOURS OF WORK:       An initial position tenure of a 3-year fixed-term full-time contract. This will involve a minimum of 39 hours per week and may include working outside normal office hours at evenings, weekends and on Public Holidays

LOCATION:                     Swim Ireland Head Office in Irish Sport HQ on Sport Ireland Campus with a level of hybrid working permitted dependent on the requirements of the business.  On occasions, any other location at which it is necessary for delivery to take place, including locations both within and outside of Ireland, as directed by the Chief Executive Officer

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Strategic Planning:
    1. Develop and implement plans to increase swimming participation which align to the goals set out in the ‘National Swimming Strategy 2024-2027’ and the ‘Swim Ireland Strategic Plan 2022-2026’, with a particular emphasis on Focus Area 1(National Infrastructure) and Focus Area (Community Participation)
    2. Identify and pursue opportunities for programme expansion and improvement
    3. Collaborate with identified key stakeholders to align programmes with National objectives
  1. Leadership & Management:
    1. Recruit, mentor, and manage a team of local ‘Get Ireland Swimming Activators’, supported by the Community Manager
    2. Prepare annual business plans and establish a set of qualitative and quantitative metrics, setting clear performance goals and providing regular feedback
    3. Foster a positive and collaborative team environment
  1. Programme Development & Implementation:
    1. Oversee the design and delivery of swimming programmes and initiatives
    2. Ensure programmes are inclusive, accessible, and meet the needs of diverse communities
    3. Monitor and evaluate programme effectiveness and make data-driven improvements
  1. Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement:
    1. Build and maintain strong relationships with Sport Ireland, Local Authorities, LSPs, relevant government departments and with organisations who represent the interests of hard-to-reach target groups as outlined within the National Sports Policy
    2. Represent Swim Ireland at events, meetings, and conferences
    3. Advocate for swimming at local and national levels, contributing as relevant to public consultations where our interests are aligned to the outcome
  1. Financial Management:
    1. Develop and manage the Department’s budget in line with relevant grant allocations
    2. Ensure efficient use of resources and adherence to financial policies
    3. Identify and secure funding opportunities to support initiatives
  1. Reporting and Compliance:
    1. Oversee the writing and reporting of  grant applications including, but not limited to, Dormant Accounts and Healthy Ireland
    2. Prepare regular reports on programme outcomes and Departmental performance
    3. Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards
    4. Maintain accurate records and documentation
  1. Internal Collaboration:

Engage with other Swim Ireland departments and staff to deliver the ‘National Swimming Strategy 2024-2027’ and the ‘Swim Ireland Strategic Plan 2022-2026’, including but not limited to:

    1. Promoting and showcasing the work of the Activation and Participation Department, in line with the Swim Ireland Communications Framework.
    2. Ensuring Swim Ireland operated facilities are utilised for programme delivery.
    3. Engaging with Education department to expand and continually develop Participation Coach workforce.
    4. Identifying potential pathways to club programmes.
    5. Ensuring all programmes are delivered in line with Safeguarding policies and procedures.
  1. Miscellaneous:
    1. Take part in Performance Review arrangements made by Swim Ireland on a bi-annual basis
    2. Attend all necessary Swim Ireland meetings as requested by the Chief Executive Officer
    3. Report information to the Chief Executive Officer as requested from time to time
    4. Drive a personal performance development plan, actively identifying new areas for learning and committing to a culture of continual improvement
    5. Where required, support the Chief Executive Officer in liaising with key funding/support agencies and/or sponsors
    6. Work cooperatively with Swim Ireland staff, primary partners and sponsors to support marketing and promotional activities and media requirements
    7. Any other reasonable duties as required by the Chief Executive Officer

 

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive; it is to be seen as enabling rather than restrictive and will be subject to regular review. It is intended as an outline indication of the areas of activity and will be amended in light of the changing needs of the Activation/Participation Programme and/or Swim Ireland

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management, Education, Public Health, or a similarly related field
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in programme management or within a similar role
  • Experience in the sports or non-profit sector is highly desirable
  • Knowledge and experience of designing, delivering and evaluating programmes

KEY QUALITIES

  • Proven leadership and team management skills
  • Strong strategic planning and organisational abilities
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Eligibility to work in Ireland on a full-time basis
  • Some evening and weekend work is expected, with an availability for flexible working hours also required.
  • Full, clean driving license and access to vehicle
  • Excellent working knowledge of IT and software packages including MSOffice, Word, Excel and PowerPoint

APPOINTMENT SUBJECT TO SATISFACTORY

  • Safeguarding & vetting requirements and reference checks.
  • Applications should be made for the attention of the HR Manager – chloekinahan@swimireland.ie and should include a Cover Letter and current CV.

RELEVANT DATES

  • Closing date for applications is Monday 6th January 2025 @ 12 midday
  • Interviews will be held in Irish Sport HQ on Tuesday 14th January 2025/Wednesday 15th January

At Swim Ireland, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every element in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.  You may be just the right candidate to for this or other roles.  Swim Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.