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.

We are currently recruiting for a newly created role of Clubs Manager to join our dynamic team.

This is an exciting time as we are currently going through a reinvigoration of the Clubs Department who are on the front-line working with clubs in relation to their day-today operations, club governance, training and development needs and general support to enable them to be high performing and sustainable clubs.  The Clubs Team are committed to enhancing the lives of our members by working with all our clubs across the island of Ireland to provide the framework for ever improving standards, governance and accessibility.

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.

 Role and Reporting Structure

Reporting to the Head of Department, the Club Manager will lead in the development and delivery of the annual Club Development Programme across the network of Swim Ireland clubs. They will encourage and promote good governance, support Swim Ireland Clubs in providing structured programmes and resources to help them deliver in their day-to-day operations.

 Key Areas of Responsibility

  • Club Governance – working with Club Support Officers, the role holder will ensure that Swim Ireland clubs understand and meet club governance requirements, including:
    • Managing the annual club affiliation process.
    • Monitor and support day-to-day operations clubs on general club operations and volunteer management.
    • Monitor and support clubs dealing with governance, conflict, complaints or disciplinary matters.
    • Manage issues around operational and governance standards in clubs, engaging proactively to resolve matters.
    • Ensuring safeguarding of young people is prioritised in all support and development initiatives with clubs.
  • Programme Development and Delivery – the role holder will lead in the development and delivery of a comprehensive club development programme, to include:
  • Identifying and developing new training opportunities and resources for clubs to ensure that we are meeting their needs.
  • Reviewing and updating policies, resources, templates etc. as required.
  • Creating an annual calendar of training events (online and face to face) to support clubs.
  • Setting clearly defined outcomes for programmes and direct reports, including tangible measures of success.
  • Creating and managing use of evaluation and reporting tools for all programmes.
  • Managing annual club development budget in conjunction with the Head of Clubs.
  • Club Engagement – the Club Manager will lead on the ground support for clubs, to include:
    • Club visits and events.
    • Regular newsletters to provide relevant updates.
    • Phone calls and emails to club volunteers.
    • Outreach at competitions and other Swim Ireland events.
    • Improving the club volunteer experience.
    • Providing support at regional competitions and events.
    • Maintain and develop existing relationships with Swim Ireland clubs and regions, Local Sports Partnerships, Swim Ulster, Sport Ireland and Swimming Pools.
    • Measuring the impact of all staff engagements with club volunteers.
  • Line manage two Club Support Officers, including recruiting, training and supporting staff.

 Other

  • Ensure Swim Ireland website is up to date with club resources and club support information.
  • Respond to all phone and email queries within 24 hours.
  • Attend industry events and networking opportunities as required.
  • Deliver on relevant objectives within the Swim Ireland strategy, DEIB Action Plan, Women in Sport Strategy and Communications Framework.
  • Engage with other Swim Ireland departments to deliver programmes, initiatives and other strategic objectives.
  • Other duties as required.

Education and Experience

  • Relevant experience in a similar role, or previous experience in a sports environment.
  • People Management experience.
  • Relevant Third Level Qualification.

 Key Qualities

  • Excellent communication and administration skills, with attention to detail.
  • Excellent people skills, willing to meet new people and work with volunteers.
  • Comfortable presenting and directing meetings.
  • Strong work ethic, flexibility and adaptability.
  • Team player, with ability to work on their own initiative or under pressure.

 Essential Requirements

  • Be eligible to work in Ireland on a full-time basis.
  • Some evening and weekend work is expected, availability for flexible working hours is required.
  • Full, clean driving license and access to vehicle.
  • Excellent working knowledge of IT and software packages including MSOffice, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Knowledge and experience of designing, delivering and evaluating programmes.

 Applicants should note that this list is not exhaustive and is subject to change as required as appropriate.

 Remuneration and Location

  • The package will include a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience to commence at circa €40,000 per annum.
  • Position Tenure: 3 year fixed-term full-time contract.
  • Position Location: Swim Ireland Head Office, Irish Sport HQ, Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

Appointment will be made subject to satisfactory:

Safeguarding and 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 up to date CV.

Closing date for applications is Monday 11 November 2024 @ 12pm.

Interviews will be held in Irish Sport HQ on Monday 18 November 2024.

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.