Boxing Ireland is recruiting to fill four Board of Directors vacancies, and is inviting female applicants.

These are: two Independent Directors and two Appointed Directors. Appointed Directors should be members of affiliated clubs. Independent Directors should not be already connecting with a boxing club.

Boxing Ireland’s is the volunteer-led National Governing Body of amateur boxing on the island of Ireland. Our goal is to translate our keynote success in the ring to success in the administration and growth of our sport – becoming innovative, inclusive and development-focused.

As a volunteer-led organisation and a company limited by guarantee, the organisation of boxing is stewarded by the directly-elected Central Council. The Board of Directors is tasked with originating strategic direction and growing the company. Boxing Ireland the trading name is used by the legal entity, the Irish Athletic Boxing Association.

Required Skillsets:

Remembering Ciara Mageean: Champion Athlete and Inspiration

Clare Louise O Donoghue — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 12:48:32 +0000

It is with great sadness that we remember Ciara Mageean, the champion athlete from Portaferry, who passed away this morning.

Ciara Mageean’s life was vibrant and full of colour; gold, silver and bronze. Just three months ago this essence was perfectly captured at the ‘Run with Ciara’, at the Morton Stadium in Santry.

Ciara continued to inspire those around her with her bravery, determination and humility.

We extend our sincerest sympathies to her husband, Thomas, her family and her many friends.

May She Rest in Peace.

(Photo: Sportsfile)

The post Remembering Ciara Mageean: Champion Athlete and Inspiration first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

VACANCY: National Centre Pathway Coaches (Limerick)

Alison Deane — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:28:07 +0000

As part of our Performance Strategy for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle and beyond, and with the support of the Sport Ireland High Performance Unit, Swim Ireland Performance is seeking a talented, motivated and ambitious swimming coach to take up the role of National Centre Pathway Coach, at National Centre Limerick, from January 2027 (or earlier).

We are seeking a coach with a clear, long-term commitment to coaching at Performance level in Ireland. This role combines in-service coaching with structured formal and informal education, alongside continued professional development opportunities both within Ireland and internationally.

The UL Sport Arena, home to National Centre Limerick, features a 10-lane 50m Olympic-standard pool with movable booms to facilitate short-course training, alongside a dedicated 4-lane 25m pool. Strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, and nutrition services are fully integrated into the daily performance environment, with additional Sport Science and Sports Medicine (SSSM) support available as required from the Sport Ireland Institute. Athletes within the Centre are undergraduate or postgraduate students at the University of Limerick.

Role Overview

The National Centre Pathway Coach will report to the National Centre Head Coach and work within a collaborative coaching team to deliver world-class Performance programmes in the Centre environment.

In collaboration with the Regional Pathway Development Coach in their region, they will connect National Centre activity with regional programmes, Performance Pathway Hubs and club environments. This will include supporting athlete and coach identification, targeted National Centre engagement, and clear communication between Centre, regional and club coaches to strengthen progression through the Performance pathway.

Working with the National Centre Head Coach and coaching colleagues, the successful candidate will:

Support and oversee a designated group of athletes within the National Centre programme
Contribute to coaching initiatives associated with the National Centre
Deliver coaching hours at the National Centre
Undertake outreach responsibilities by building and sustaining positive relationships with clubs that express an interest in developing links with the National Centres
Operate as a bridge between club programmes, Regional Athlete Support Programmes, potential Regional Performance Pathway Hubs, and the National Centres
Support the development of athletes and coaches through National Centre activity, regional engagement, camps, competitions, and aligned coach development opportunities

The role forms an integral part of the Swim Ireland Performance Plan 2024–2028, supporting athletes preparing for national and international junior and senior competitions, with the ambition of developing world-class performers for the 2028 and 2032 Olympic Games.

Our Vision for Performance Swimming in Ireland

“Through a unified endeavour across Irish aquatics, power a dynamic system and an ever-evolving culture to develop and support identified aquatic talent, those who wear the Green Jacket with pride, and particularly those who are driven to stand on World & Olympic podiums.”

Our work is guided by the following core principles:

Commitment to a long-term Performance programme aimed at recurrent, sustainable success
Dedication to developing a system that enables athletes to reach their full potential consistently
Aspiration to deliver success at Olympic, World, and European level
A people-centred Performance programme focused on developing world-class athletes, coaches, and practitioners
A commitment to ensuring the Performance pathway is a positive and transformative experience for all involved

What Successful Applicants Will Benefit From

Formal coach education opportunities from Level 2 through Level 3, plus Team Management qualifications as required
Membership of the Sport Ireland Performance Pathway Coach Development Programme
Sport-specific mentoring from the National Performance Director and Performance Team members
Annual domestic and/or international coaching internships (expenses provided)
The opportunity to work within a high-performance Multi-Disciplinary Team environment

Ideal Candidate Profile

Applicants will ideally demonstrate:

Knowledge and experience in developing, organising, and delivering coaching programmes that maximise athlete potential
Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to establish credibility with athletes and partners
Excellent communication skills and the ability to support short- and long-term programme development
A desire to contribute to the evolution and success of the Swim Ireland Performance programme, with the National Centre Limerick playing a central role in the national pathway

Key Expectations of the Role

Applicants should understand that they will:

Support the transition of athletes from club environments into Performance programmes capable of delivering international success, working constructively with clubs and pathway partners to strengthen alignment across the Performance pathway.
Attend swim meets and/or training camps as required to support National Centre, Regional Programme, National Programme, and National Team athletes
Work unsocial hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, as required
Operate as a key member of the Regional and/or National Programme, and serve as National Team staff when needed
Coordinate and deliver education opportunities as required
Maintain their Swim Ireland Coach qualification in line with the Register of Aquatic Professionals

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be directed in the first instance to the National Centre Head Coach (Limerick), John Szaranek johnszaranek@swimireland.ie

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We particularly welcome applications from female candidates and from Black and minority ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented within our Performance Team. Swim Ireland appoints strictly on merit.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Ireland at the time of application.

All applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Applicants may indicate their current salary and/or remuneration expectations during the application process.

How to Apply

Please click on the following link National Centre Pathway Coach (Limerick) and upload the following:

Cover letter, including a personal statement addressing the role requirements, outlining how your skills, experience, and values align with the position
Comprehensive CV relevant to the role, including details for three referees (one of whom must be your current employer)

Closing date for applications: Close of business on Monday 16^th November 2026.

This is a full-time position, with a preferred start date of 1^st January 2027 (or earlier), offered as an initial fixed-term contract to 31^st August 2028.

The post VACANCY: National Centre Pathway Coaches (Limerick) first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

VACANCY: Project Co-Ordinator

Alison Deane — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:25:58 +0000

Swim Ireland, the National Governing Body for aquatics on the island of Ireland, have been successful in sourcing funding through the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund to support the expansion of the Swim Access Project. This project will utilise an accessibility audit tool for swimming pools, called Swim Access and scale its impact by transitioning from pilot delivery to structured rollout. For more information please see: Swim Access Project – Swim Ireland

To help deliver on the key objectives of the programme, Swim Ireland wish to appoint an experienced Project Co-ordinator for a fixed term 1-year contract. Reporting to the DEIB & Women in Sport Manager, the Project Co-ordinator will be responsible for leading and co-ordinating the successful delivery of the Swim Access Project in agreement with the funding guidelines and criteria.

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

Link to Swim Ireland Women in Sport Action Plan 24-26

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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning and coordination of delivery of the Swim Access Project in line with the agreed action plan and funding guidelines

Ensure that all project deliverables are to the appropriate levels of quality, on time and within budget, in accordance with the action plan and the overall project objectives.
To co-ordinate the audit of swimming pools using the Swim Access tool
To support preparation of audit reports as audited by the Swim Access tool
To provide a quality training and education programme for pool auditors
Support the steering group and partners around the project aims and objectives
Develop and maintain an efficient project administration system including general administration, database management and financial records
Work collaboratively with other organisations and networks where appropriate, both locally and nationally
Maintain up-to-date files and records, preparing periodic reports as required
Ability to travel regularly throughout the audit delivery area as required
Ensure that the highest safeguarding and GDPR standards are ingrained throughout the project
Other related duties as required by the needs of the project

Other

Attend Swim Ireland conferences, competitions and events as required.
Attend leisure industry events and networking opportunities as required.
Support other departments in Swim Ireland in the delivery of their work.
Support the roll out of Swim Ireland initiatives.
Other duties as required.

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 considering the changing needs of the Activation/Participation Programme and/or Swim Ireland

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

A third level qualification in a sport or health or community development related field and/or experience in the sports sector or project management field
Experience and understanding of community grant applications and delivery

KEY QUALITIES

Excellent planning, organisational and administrative skills as well as good written, verbal, analytical and interpersonal skills
Highly organised, with the ability to work well under pressure and have a flexible and
adaptable work approach
Effectively work as a team member and independently, with a high-level of self-motivation and ability to set and meet goals

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility to work in Ireland on a full-time basis.
Some evening and weekend work is expected, with 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 by clicking on the following link:

RELEVANT DATES

Closing date for applications is the 16^th November 2026 with interviews to be held w/c 23^rd November. Please apply by clicking on the following link: Project Co-Ordinator

RENUMERATION AND LOCATION

The package will include a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Position Tenure: 12 month fixed-term full-time contract.
Position Location: Hybrid/Swim Ireland Head Office, Irish Sport HQ, Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

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.

The post VACANCY: Project Co-Ordinator first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

VACANCY: Marketing Manager

Alison Deane — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 15:15:50 +0000

The Role

The Marketing Manager is a commercially minded, hands-on marketer who will turn Connacht Rugby’s brand and marketing strategy into high-performing campaigns that fill Dexcom Stadium and grow our supporter base.

This is a pivotal role in the club’s marketing team, where you’ll be involved in the day-to-day planning, delivery and optimisation of tactical campaigns. You’ll work cross functionally to bring creative campaigns to life, particularly with the Commercial and Ticketing teams to support their respective sales initiatives.

You’ll bring an exceptional creative mindset and a passion for turning insights into standout campaigns that capture attention and inspire action. As one of the club’s key creative thinkers, you will act as an ideas hub for the organisation, continually generating innovative concepts, fan engagement initiatives and campaign strategies that strengthen the Connacht Rugby brand, grow audiences and drive commercial results.

Reporting to the Senior Brand & Marketing Manager, you will be a key contributor to a multi-disciplinary team that includes the PR & Media Manager, Graphic Designer and Content Executive.

Key Responsibilities

Creative Championing

Serve as a creative catalyst across the club, proactively generating innovative campaign ideas, fan engagement concepts and marketing initiatives that support ticketing, commercial, community and brand objectives.
Lead campaign ideation sessions and contribute fresh thinking that helps Connacht Rugby stand out in a competitive sports and entertainment landscape.
Identify emerging marketing trends, cultural moments and digital innovations, translating them into relevant and impactful campaigns for supporters and partners.
Challenge conventional approaches and bring a bold, creative perspective to campaign planning, helping the club continually evolve its marketing output.

Campaign Management & Delivery

Plan, deliver and optimise day-to-day marketing campaigns in line with the annual marketing strategy and campaign calendar.
Manage campaign timelines and briefs, ensuring delivery on time, on brand and on budget.
Track, analyse and report on campaign performance, using insights to improve results and return on investment.

Email Marketing & CRM

Own email marketing, including strategy, planning, build, segmentation, scheduling and reporting.
Support the growth of the club’s CRM database, executing campaigns that capture data to allow us to have a more meaningful dialogue with our fans.
Use audience segmentation and automation to deliver relevant, timely communications that increase conversion, retention and engagement.
Work with the Ticketing team to ensure data is accurate and that CRM and ticketing systems work together.

Match Day Experience

Lead planning and delivery of the match day experience at all home games and hosted international fixtures, including fan activations and promotions.
Develop tactical match day campaigns and initiatives that engage supporters of all ages and encourage repeat attendance.
Contribute marketing input to the ideation and design of club-led events and experiential initiatives.
Work with the Operations, Commercial & Marketing and Club & Community teams to deliver a consistent, high-quality supporter experience.

Sales Collateral & Creative Delivery

Brief and manage the design and delivery of sales, marketing and partnership material for the rugby and stadium commercial teams, including print, digital and in-stadium materials for ticketing, hospitality, partnerships and events.
Deliver creative promotions and advertising campaigns from brief through to implementation, working with the Graphic Designer and Content Executive.
Brief and work closely with the Graphic Designer and Content Executive, ensuring all output follows brand guidelines.
Support the activation of partner rights across campaigns, match day and digital channels, including approvals.

Digital, Content & Channel Management

Own the club’s social media, content and channel strategies, driving audience growth, engagement and digital performance.
Lead content planning and delivery across social media, website, app and email channels.
Manage the club’s content calendar in collaboration with the Content Executive, Graphic Designer and PR & Media Manager.
Monitor channel performance and use audience insights to optimise content and engagement.

Campaign Delivery & Digital Marketing

Deliver marketing campaigns that support ticketing, memberships, hospitality and sponsorship objectives.
Oversee day-to-day management of the club’s digital platforms, ensuring content is accurate, engaging and up to date.
Coordinate the creation and delivery of marketing content and campaign assets.
Manage relevant agencies, suppliers and content partners.
Identify opportunities to increase audience growth, engagement and conversion across digital channels.

Collaboration

Work closely with the PR & Media Manager to ensure alignment between marketing activity and club communications.
Collaborate with the wider marketing team, commercial, rugby and stadium teams to deliver integrated campaigns and supporter experiences.

General

Undertake any other duties as required by the Head of Commercial & Marketing.

Experience & Qualifications

Desirable

Degree in Marketing, Business, Communications or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
Minimum 4 years’ experience in a marketing role, with a track record of delivering campaigns that drive measurable results.
Highly creative and naturally curious, with a proven ability to originate compelling campaign concepts and turn ideas into commercially successful marketing activity.
Demonstrable experience of developing innovative marketing campaigns that have driven engagement, audience growth, ticket sales, revenue or brand awareness.
Confident presenting and championing new ideas, with the ability to influence stakeholders and bring others on a creative journey.
Passion for sport, entertainment and fan culture, coupled with a strong understanding of what captures attention and motivates audiences to engage.
An excellent understanding of rugby, its supporters and the club’s audiences.
Proven experience in email marketing and CRM, including segmentation, automation and performance analysis.
Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple campaigns, deadlines and stakeholders at once.
Experience working with designers, content creators and agencies, from brief to delivery.
Strong understanding of digital marketing channels and analytics.

Reporting Relationships

The Marketing Manager will report to the Senior Brand & Marketing Manager and will have close working relationships with the CEO and Head of Commercial & Marketing.

Working Pattern

Connacht Rugby operates a hybrid working model with an expectation that the successful candidate will attend the office approximately three days per week.

The candidate will be expected to work appropriate hours in order to fully carry out their responsibilities. The nature of the work is such that these hours may be irregular or outside the norm i.e., during evenings and at weekends (including Sundays).

Application Process

As part of you’re application we want your creative idea! Learn More Here. This can be submitted via a Google Drive or One Drive link embedded within your application. This allows you flexibility to submit your idea in a format of your choosing.

Please apply at www.connachtrugby.ie/careers, with a cover letter and up to date CV. Closing date for applications is Monday 9th November 2026.

Connacht Rugby is an equal opportunity employer.

The post VACANCY: Marketing Manager first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

VACANCY: Operations Manager

Alison Deane — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 15:10:28 +0000

Role Description: The Operations Manager (OpsMgr) is an appointed OI Officer with responsibility for the implementation of OI’s strategy, the management of the day-to-day operations of OI, and manages the performance of OI Staff and panel members.
Directly Reports to: The Chairperson.
Contract Duration & Type: 12-month Part-Time contract (25 hours per week)
Location: Remote, with occasional travel required.
About Orienteering Ireland
Orienteering Ireland (OI) is the National Governing Body for the sport of orienteering in Ireland. With our innovative programmes, and exciting competitions being developed, OI strives to promote orienteering and support our clubs at all levels. We value integrity, ambition, inclusivity, teamwork, and have a passion for continuous improvement.
As our participation rates continue to grow, adding to our diverse membership, we would like to invite a candidate who thinks they are a good fit to join us and be an active player in continuing our growth.
The Role
The Operations Manager (OpsMgr) is an appointed OI Officer with responsibility for the implementation of OI’s strategy, the management of the day-to-day operations of OI, and manages the performance of OI Staff and panel members. The following list of responsibilities is not exhaustive.
Primary Responsibilities:
1. Manage the performance of OI Staff, Panels and service providers:
a. Establishes workload priorities and timelines.
b. Coordinates activities between multiple stakeholders to ensure maximum efficiency.
c. Ensures clear communication is given for tasks, with follow-up where required.
d. Provides reports on OI activities as required to the BOD/MgtGp.
e. Ensures that OI Staff, panels or service providers meet OI’s safety requirements.
2. Provide support to our clubs and ensure delivery of OI’s programmes:
a. Oversees the design and implementation of OI’s development plan annually.
b. Manages club affiliation process.
c. Ensures our clubs and stakeholders gain maximum benefit from OI’s programmes in line with our goals.
d. Assists our clubs to ensure they are well governed and in their development programmes and advises them of best practice and available opportunities.

e. Promotes orienteering and it’s benefits within our community, and to areas where orienteering has no presence to continue our growth and
make our sport more accessible.
f. Ensures that OI builds and maintains its capacity to deliver our programmes.
3. Manage OI’s relationships with external stakeholders:
In all cases, the OpsMgr will ensure that appropriate linkages are in place so that the maximum support can be derived to promote and enhance the levels of participation/infrastructure and standards in orienteering.
a. Represents OI where required with the International Orienteering Federation.b. Represents OI where required with Sport Ireland.
c. Represents or manages OI’s relationship with other stakeholders as required.
4. Provide supporting roles to ensure the efficient running of the organisation:
a. Acts as secretary to the BOD & MgtGp as required.
b. Provides advice to the BOD & MgtGp as required.
c. Creates and manages OI’s annual operations plan.
d. Administers OI’s finances relating to recording, payment, billing and audit preparation.
e. Efficiently manages assigned subhead budgets.
f. Ensures that OI maintains a positive and easy to use online presence.
g. Act as OI’s Agent with our insurers.
h. Act as OI’s Agent with the Company’s Registration Office.
5. Creation of business plans and funding applications:
a. Creates, coordinates and submits business plans and funding applications on behalf of OI as required.
b. Ensures that OI meets any terms of investment requirements.
6. Completes any required training or task as determined by the BOD:
From time to time, OI may require the OpsMgr to complete training or tasks to meet the needs of OI.
The OpsMgr will operate in an open, collaborative, and task-oriented environment and will normally complete their work during working hours on weekdays. A working schedule will be agreed with your direct report prior to commencement with some flexibility being allowed for other commitments. Occasionally their tasks may require work outside of normal working hours, and they must be willing to travel as required.
They will also perform other supporting tasks as required by OI.
Essential Qualifications & Skills:
1. Relevant third level qualification at a minimum of Level 7 NFQ in
Business/Sports Management (or related) degree.
2. Have 3 or more years proven management experience.
3. Proven experience of project management and dealing with multiple stakeholders.
4. Strong organisational abilities.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
5. Ability to communicate effectively and clearly.
6. Be an EU/EEA/UK/Swiss citizen or hold a current and valid Work Permit and be resident in Ireland.
7. Hold a full EU driving licence and have access to personal transport.
8. High level of competency with software such as MS Office.
9. Undergo Garda Vetting if successful in the role.
Desirable Qualifications & Skills:
1. Have a knowledge of orienteering.
2. Have experience of managing an organisations online presence.
3. Knowledge of accounting practices.
4. Hold a valid Sport Ireland Level 1 Safeguarding Certificate.
5. Have a knowledge of the Governance Code for Sport.
6. Experience of working with community and/or voluntary organisations.
Not Sure?
If you think you have what it takes, but don’t necessarily meet every criteria above,
please still get in touch. We’d love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.
Why Work With Us?
Competitive salary.
Flexible working arrangements.
Working in a task and goal orientated environment.
Rewarding activities.
Working in a collaborative environment where new ideas are encouraged to achieve our goals.
How to Apply
Please submit your cover letter outlining your suitability for this role & CV to the Chairperson before 5pm on 08-November-2026 to vacancies@orienteering.ie. Interviews are scheduled to commence on the week of 16-Nov-2026.

The post VACANCY: Operations Manager first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

PR & Media Manager

Michelle Mc Carthy — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 11:52:10 +0000

Post Title: PR & Media Manager
Location: Dexcom Stadium, College Road, Galway. Travel is required as part of this role.
Contract: Full-time, 2-year fixed term.

Role and Purpose of Position
The PR & Media Manager is a full-time, fixed-term position based at the Connacht Rugby High-Performance Centre (HPC) at Dexcom Stadium, Galway, Ireland. The person in this role will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the organisation’s public relations, media, and communications strategy. The role will help drive positive media coverage, strengthen the organisation’s reputation, support commercial objectives, and enhance engagement with supporters, sponsors, governing bodies, players, and the wider rugby community.

This role will require frequent weekend work and travel.

Responsibilities
Media Relations
 Be the key contact for the club in relation to all media and PR matters.
 Build effective working relationships with regional, national and international journalists and media outlets.
 Organise and manage press conferences, media events, interview requests, and media briefings.
 Ensure effective monitoring is in place and media results are logged, analysed and summarised for the Senior Leadership Team regularly.

Public Relations & Communications
 Develop and implement a proactive annual PR & Media plan.
 Manage the club’s PR activity across all media channels.
 Proactively manage and promote the profile and reputation of Connacht Rugby by engaging effectively with all stakeholders.

 Ensure consistent messaging and brand positioning across all communications.
 Support executive leadership with communication planning and key messaging.

Team & Player Communications
 Brief and prepare coaching staff and players for media duties, including broadcast interviews and press conferences and media training.
 Work with the wider Commercial & Marketing team to help meet the commercial needs of the club.
 Develop compelling player, coach, and organisational stories that support brand growth and fan engagement.
 In conjunction with the Senior Marketing Manager, implement a Tone of Voice guide for the club, and update where required.

Content & Digital Collaboration
 Work closely with marketing to maximise media coverage and content opportunities.
 Identify and leverage storytelling opportunities across rugby, community, academy, women’s, and commercial programmes.
 Contribute to content planning and campaign activation around key fixtures, commercial partnerships, and organisational milestones.
 When necessary, organise and produce compelling content for distribution across all owned channels.

Match Day Media Operations
 Manage all aspects of the club’s media obligations for home match days, including accreditation, interview requests, broadcast requirements, press conferences and mixed-zone interviews.
 Ensure professional delivery of media services and compliance with competition regulations.
 Ensure the club’s media obligations for away matches are fulfilled.

Stakeholder Engagement & Other
 Ensure the club’s media and commercial obligations to tournament organisers and club partners are met.
 Lead crisis and issue management communications in coordination with senior leadership.
 Support communications with sponsors, governing bodies, community partners, and key stakeholders.

Skills & Abilities
 Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
 Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.
 Well-developed time-management skills, including the ability to set and meet deadlines in a fast-paced sporting environment.
 Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
 Ability to work alone and as part of a team.
 Understanding of sports governance and commercial partnership activation.

Desirable Experience / Background
 Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Communications, Media and PR related fields.
 A minimum of 5 years relevant PR and Media experience.
 A proven history of content development and capture.
 Proven relationship building and people management skills.
 Advanced experience and relationships in the Irish media industry.
 Knowledge of Rugby in Ireland and its structures.
 Driver license.

Reporting Relationships
The PR & Media Manager will have close working relationships with the CEO, Head of Commercial & Marketing, Head Coaches and wider playing squads of the Connacht Rugby Men’s and Women’s senior teams.

Working Pattern
Connacht Rugby adopts a hybrid working model, with a requirement to be in the office at least three days a week. However, the nature of the role is such that flexibility will be necessary, with a potential for further days in the office if and when required.
The successful candidate will be expected to work at all Connacht Rugby fixtures, meaning frequent weekend work and domestic/international travel throughout the playing season.

Application Process
Please apply at www.connachtrugby.ie/careers, with a cover letter and up to date CV.

Closing date for applications is Thursday 5th November.

Connacht Rugby is an equal opportunity employer.

The post PR & Media Manager first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

Director of Commercial, Marketing and Communications

Michelle Mc Carthy — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 09:48:59 +0000

Director of Commercial, Marketing & Communications

Job Description Reports to Chief Executive Officer

Location Cricket Ireland Headquarters / Hybrid Working Contract Full-time, permanent Working pattern Flexibility required, including evenings, weekends and match days as necessary

Purpose of the role
The Director of Commercial, Marketing & Communications is a member of Cricket Ireland’s management team and leads an integrated portfolio covering commercial development, marketing, brand, communications, digital, fan engagement, broadcast and content production.
The role gives equal strategic importance to growing sustainable revenues, strengthening Cricket Ireland’s brand and reputation, building audiences and participation, communicating effectively with stakeholders, and delivering high-quality broadcast and content across international and domestic cricket.
Broadcast and production are central to the role. Cricket’s volume, duration and scheduling create distinctive production, distribution, rights, content and partner-delivery requirements. The Director will provide strategic oversight of this area and ensure that broadcast activity supports audiences, reputation, participation and commercial value.

The Director will lead a small multidisciplinary team and will work through clear priorities, effective delegation and coordinated use of agencies, production partners, broadcasters, consultants and suppliers. The role is accountable for setting direction, integrating the functions and ensuring delivery, rather than personally undertaking every activity within the portfolio.

Key responsibilities
Integrated Strategy and Leadership
•Develop and deliver an integrated commercial, marketing, communications, broadcast and content strategy aligned with Cricket Ireland’s strategic objectives.
•Set clear priorities, objectives, budgets and measures for the portfolio, balancing growth ambitions with available resources.
•Advise the CEO, management team and Board on opportunities, performance, reputation, audiences, broadcast and commercial matters.
•Ensure the functions work together so that campaigns, content, partnerships, match promotion, broadcast and communications reinforce one another.
Commercial, Sponsorship and Partnerships
•Lead sustainable income growth across sponsorship, partnerships, ticketing, hospitality, merchandising, licensing, media and digital opportunities.
•Maximise the value of existing partnerships and develop credible propositions and products for new partners.
•Oversee major commercial negotiations, contracts, partner activation and sponsorship fulfilment.
•Maintain appropriate commercial forecasting, pipeline management, budgeting and performance reporting.

Broadcast, Production and Content
•Set the strategic direction for Cricket Ireland’s broadcast, production and content activity across international and domestic cricket.
•Oversee the planning and delivery of broadcast and live-stream production, working with rights holders, broadcasters, production companies, venues and internal colleagues.
•Ensure appropriate production standards, editorial approach, distribution, scheduling, technical planning and contractual delivery.
•Lead the development and management of broadcast, media and digital rights opportunities in conjunction with relevant advisers and partners.
•Build an integrated content approach that serves broadcast audiences, digital channels, supporters, participants, media and commercial partners.
•Ensure broadcast and production plans are realistic, cost-conscious and aligned with fixture, venue and operational requirements.
Marketing, Brand, Communications and Audience Growth
•Lead Cricket Ireland’s overarching brand, marketing, communications and audience strategy across international cricket, domestic competitions, participation programmes and wider organisational priorities.
•Develop and deliver integrated campaigns that strengthen the Cricket Ireland brand and grow awareness, attendance, viewership, participation and fan engagement.
•Lead corporate communications, media relations, stakeholder communications and public affairs, ensuring clear, timely and consistent communication across all audiences.
•Protect and enhance Cricket Ireland’s brand and reputation, overseeing issues and crisis communications and acting as a senior organisational spokesperson where appropriate.
•Oversee Cricket Ireland’s digital ecosystem, including website, social media, digital content and emerging platforms, driving audience growth, engagement and effective content distribution.
•Ensure a coherent and compelling audience and brand proposition across match-day, broadcast, digital, social, media and partner channels.
•Use audience insight, data and performance metrics to improve targeting, supporter journeys, campaign effectiveness, channel performance and return on investment.
•Develop appropriate digital and audience-led commercial opportunities, ensuring commercial activity strengthens rather than compromises brand and audience priorities.
•Ensure marketing and communications effectively support Cricket Ireland’s organisational, sporting, audience and commercial objectives, maintaining the appropriate balance across each.

People, Resources and Delivery
•Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, translating strategy into focused and achievable work plans.
•Create a collaborative culture with clear accountability, effective delegation and shared priorities.
•Commission and manage agencies, production partners, consultants and suppliers where specialist capacity is required.
•Manage departmental budgets, contracts and resources and ensure compliance with relevant governance, legal and contractual obligations.
•Work closely with cricket operations, competitions, participation, finance, people and operations colleagues to coordinate delivery.

Experience and knowledge
Essential
•Senior commercially focused leadership experience across a combination of commercial, marketing, communications, broadcast, media, content or audience functions.
•A strong record of setting strategy and delivering results in a high-profile, multi-stakeholder environment.
•Demonstrable understanding of sponsorship and partnerships, brand and marketing, communications and reputation, and broadcast or content production.
•Experience of leading a multidisciplinary team and delivering through colleagues, agencies, production partners and specialist suppliers.
•Experience of managing budgets, contracts, competing priorities and organisational risk.
•Ability to operate credibly with a Board, senior colleagues, broadcasters, media, partners and external stakeholders.

Desirable
•Extensive relationship network across the Irish business and commercial community, with a proven ability to build and leverage senior-level relationships to create sponsorship, strategic partnership and revenue-generating opportunities.
•Experience in sport, media, entertainment or another rights-led and audience-focused environment.
•Understanding of the particular broadcast, production and content demands associated with cricket.
•Experience of digital audience development, data-led marketing or media and digital rights.

Skills and approach
•An integrated leader who gives balanced attention to commercial, marketing, communications, broadcast and content priorities.
•Strong strategic judgement with the ability to convert ambition into a focused and deliverable programme of work.
•Commercially astute, with sound negotiation, financial and partnership-management skills.
•An excellent communicator who can manage reputation, influence stakeholders and make complex issues clear.
•Audience-focused, creative and informed by evidence and insight.
•A collaborative people leader who delegates well, develops capability and makes effective use of limited resources.
•Calm and decisive in a fast-moving public and sporting environment.

Qualifications
A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience in business, marketing, communications, media, broadcast, sport management or a related field.
Indicative success measures

Specific annual objectives and measures will be agreed with the CEO, reflecting organisational priorities and available resources. They are expected to include:
•Delivery of agreed commercial income, partnership and activation objectives.
•Growth in brand reach, audience engagement, attendance, viewership and participation support.
•Effective delivery of marketing and communications priorities and the protection of organisational reputation.
•Quality, reach, reliability and value of broadcast, production and content output.

•Delivery of agreed media, broadcast and digital rights objectives.
•Effective financial, contractual and risk management.
•Delivery of an integrated departmental plan through a focused, capable and well-supported team.

Remuneration
The Director of Commercial, Marketing & Communications role will be established within a salary range of €100,000–€125,000 per annum with usual benefits to include pension, health etc to form part of the remuneration package.

Why join Cricket Ireland?
This is an opportunity to shape how Cricket Ireland grows revenues, builds its brand, communicates with its stakeholders and brings the game to audiences. The Director will connect commercial partnerships, marketing, communications, broadcast and content into one clear strategy, helping cricket across Ireland to grow its reach, relevance and long-term sustainability.

Applications
To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV together with a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and demonstrating how your skills, experience and qualifications meet the requirements of the position.

Applications should be submitted by clicking on the link: Vacancies – Cricket Ireland

Closing date for applications: Monday, 2 November 2026

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

The post Director of Commercial, Marketing and Communications first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

VACANCY: Finance Director

Clare Louise O Donoghue — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 11:15:41 +0000

Special Olympics Ireland is seeking an experienced and strategically minded Finance Director to join their Executive Leadership Team.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this is an opportunity to shape their financial strategy, lead the modernisation of their finance function, and help ensure the long-term sustainability of an organisation supporting athletes with an intellectual disability across the island of Ireland.

They’re looking for a qualified accountant with significant senior financial leadership experience, expertise in charity finance and governance, and a proven track record in financial transformation.

📍 Location: Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin (hybrid working)

📅 Closing date: Thursday 12 November, 5pm

🔗 Full role details and applications: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4479798676/

The post VACANCY: Finance Director first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

VACANCY: Finance Director

Alison Deane — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:37:23 +0000

1. Role Purpose
The Finance Director will provide strategic leadership, governance and executive oversight of Special Olympics Ireland’s financial strategy, financial management, statutory compliance, control environment and finance operations. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and a direct report to the CEO, the Finance Director will ensure that the organisation has the financial insight, effective controls, institutional capability and professional standards required to deliver its strategic objectives compliantly and sustainably.
A critical focus of this role is leading the next stage of development and digital modernisation of the finance function. The Finance Director will set and sponsor the finance transformation roadmap, approve the future finance operating model and ensure that suitably skilled resources are accountable for the design, implementation and adoption of automated financial workflows and improved reporting systems. The successful candidate will set clear standards for accuracy, service and delivery, while developing a strategic, technology-enabled, and highly analytical finance function.
2. Strategic Context
Special Olympics Ireland’s 2026–2028 Strategic Plan represents a critical bridging period prioritising financial stabilisation, operational consolidation and digital enablement. The finance function currently relies on a number of manual, Excel-heavy workflows and administrative processes, creating avoidable administrative burden and material key-person dependencies that constrain efficiency and scalability.
The incoming Finance Director will lead the next stage of development of the finance function, establishing a modern financial architecture, strengthening organisational capability, developing the skills and confidence of team members and implementing proportionate systems, processes and controls that support efficiency, compliance and sustainable delivery.
Special Olympics Ireland — Job Description
3. Key Responsibilities
A. Finance Transformation & Digital Modernisation
• Set and sponsor a comprehensive finance transformation roadmap, approve the future finance operating model and ensure that suitably skilled resources are accountable for replacing Excel-heavy shadow spreadsheets with controlled, automated workflows.
• Lead the evaluation and selection of appropriate financial systems, secure approval for investment, and provide executive sponsorship and governance for their implementation, integration, and effective adoption.
• Establish clear expectations for process efficiency, automation, data quality and service delivery, holding process owners accountable for reducing manual administration and improving financial workflows.
• Define the organisation’s management-information framework and Board reporting requirements, ensuring that finance personnel deliver timely, accurate and decision-useful reports, forecasts and dashboards from controlled data sources.
• Ensure that the finance function provides responsive, decision-useful financial information to other departments and maintains controlled sources of key financial information to support decision-making.
B. Strategic Financial Leadership & Sustainability
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to develop and execute financial strategies that support stabilisation, overhead absorption, and long-term sustainability.
• Lead the organisation’s annual and multi-annual financial planning framework, ensuring that robust budgets, forecasts and financial scenarios are prepared, challenged, consolidated and presented to the CEO, ELT, Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (FARC) and Board for consideration and approval.
• Identify key financial risks to the organisation and ensure that these, together with proportionate mitigating actions, are reported to the CEO and Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (FARC) and Board as appropriate.
• Provide executive oversight of cash flow, reserves, investments, liquidity and financial commitments to support organisational resilience and protect against external economic disruption.
• Act as a principal strategic advisor on all corporate financial matters to the CEO, Board of Directors, and Board Subcommittees.
C. Team Turnaround, Leadership & Accountability
• Provide clear, purposeful, and supportive leadership to the finance team, communicating a compelling vision for a professional, modern, and high-performing finance function.
• Set clear expectations for performance, service, output and professional development, addressing barriers to effective delivery and ensuring appropriate accountability throughout the finance function.
• Conduct a comprehensive review of team structure, roles, and competencies; identify skills gaps and implement structured upskilling, training, or strategic recruitment plans.

Balance clear performance expectations and professional accountability with mentoring, support and modern tools, empowering team members to take confident ownership of their responsibilities.
• Establish and oversee a finance business-continuity and process-documentation framework, ensuring that designated process owners maintain current procedures, control records, systems documentation and appropriate cross-cover arrangements to reduce material key-person dependency.
D. Financial Controls, Risk & Charities SORP Compliance
• Maintain a rigorous standard of internal control and robust financial governance, ensuring appropriate protection of assets and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Ensure appropriate implementation of Charities SORP 2026, FRS 102 and subsequent amendments, consistent with the organisation’s adopted accounting framework and reporting obligations.
• Ensure that the organisation’s financial management, accounting and reporting arrangements comply with applicable legal, tax, charity, company, funding and regulatory requirements across the jurisdictions in which it operates.
• Lead the organisation’s relationship with the statutory external auditors, ensuring that the audit is appropriately planned, supported, completed, and that significant findings are addressed.
• Own the organisation’s financial policy and delegated-authority framework, ensuring that policies are appropriately developed, reviewed and approved.
E. Grant Stewardship & Restricted Funds
• Provide executive oversight and assurance in relation to public and private grant income, restricted funds and designated funds, ensuring transparent accounting and proportionate control arrangements.
• Oversee the complex compliance and multi-annual reporting requirements for primary statutory funding partners, including Sport Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland and the HSE.
• Provide executive oversight and assurance in relation to grant stewardship, restricted funds and funder compliance, ensuring that designated finance and programme personnel maintain complete audit trails, timely reporting, effective expenditure controls and appropriate escalation arrangements.
• Ensure that effective responsibilities and controls are in place so that grant leads, budget holders and finance personnel appropriately authorise, verify, evidence and report grant expenditure.
F. Management Information & Reporting
• Transform management information from a retrospective summary to a predictive, highly strategic asset, delivering clear and actionable insight across the organisation.
• Champion financial accountability and capability across the organisation, ensuring that appropriate training, guidance, reporting tools and business-partnering support are provided to budget holders.
• Agree on the organisation’s key financial and finance-related performance measures and provide the CEO, ELT, RLT, FARC and Board with clear analysis of material performance, trends, risks and corrective actions.

4. Person Specification
Essential Experience & Qualifications
• A recognised professional accountancy qualification, such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or an equivalent qualification, with current professional standing.
• Significant post-qualification experience in a senior financial leadership role, including responsibility for organisational financial strategy, governance, controls and Board-level reporting.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading substantial finance transformation or change, including operating-model development, structural realignment and team capability-building.
• Proven experience in implementing modern accounting/ERP software and driving digital change in a transactionally complex environment.
• Proven experience in financial risk management and reporting.
• Deep expertise in charity accounting, including the application of the Charities SORP, restricted funds accounting, reserves stewardship, and public grant management.
• Experience operating as a trusted strategic adviser to a CEO, Executive Leadership Team, Regional Leadership Team, Board of Directors, Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and external auditors.
Core Competencies & Skills
• Strategic Transformation Leadership: Strong programme and change-leadership skills, with the ability to establish clear structures, accountability and sustainable high performance.
• Digital and Technology Capability: Strong capability in selecting and leveraging modern digital tools to automate processes, reduce paperwork and improve analytics.
• Financial Modelling and Analysis: Exceptional financial analysis and problem-solving capability, with the ability to translate complex numerical data into clear strategic options.
• Communication & Influencing: Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to influence executive and regional leaders, build financial capability in non-finance staff, and champion organisational values.
Leadership & Cultural Style
• Visionary & Grounded: Strategic and forward-looking, but comfortable ‘rolling up the sleeves’ to provide hands-on detail and guidance during a transitional period.
• Purposeful and Supportive: Able to set clear expectations, address barriers to effective delivery and hold individuals and teams appropriately accountable, while providing the leadership, resources, development and support required for success.
• Passionate Advocate: Committed to Special Olympics Ireland’s mission, values, and the enablement of athletes with intellectual disabilities through the strategic power of a modernised finance function.

Working at Special Olympics Special Olympics Ireland provides benefits and supports, as follows:
• 25 days’ annual leave with increments for service up to a maximum of 31 days, plus two extra company days (Good Friday and New Years Eve)
• Pension scheme with 7% employer contribution
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Hybrid working environment (2 days per week on site at Sport Ireland Campus offices)
• Discounted Gym Membership Equal Opportunities Special Olympics Ireland is committed to equal opportunities and to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and abilities. We value the perspectives and experiences that a diverse team brings. Recruitment decisions are based on the skills, experience and capabilities relevant to the role. We are committed to an accessible recruitment process. If you require reasonable accommodations at any stage, please let us know so we can support you to participate fully.

How to Apply Please click on the link to submit your application, including your CV with cover letter attached, by 5pm on Thursday, 12 November. Careers | Special Olympics Ireland Shortlisted candidates will be contacted during the week commencing 23 November. Please note that interviews will take place from 30 November to 4 December.

The post VACANCY: Finance Director first appeared on Federation of Irish Sport.

Federation of Irish Sport

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