Participation Manager

Swim Ireland the National Governing Body for aquatics on the island of Ireland seek a dynamic and experienced Participation Manager to support and manage 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.

Reporting to the Head of Participation & Activation the Participation Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing an action plan to deliver more aquatic programmes to communities across the country with a special focus on hard-to-reach groups together with driving local activation through our Swimming Activators and Local Sports Partnerships. The role holder will have a strong understanding of the opportunities for increasing participation levels across the industry and line management of staff.

Swim Ireland is the National Governing Body (NGB) for Swimming Water Polo Diving and associated Aquatic Disciplines on the island of Ireland. Swim Irelands Head Office is based at Irish Sport HQ National Sports Campus Blanchardstown Dublin 15 with circa 60 employees. Swim Irelands 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 .

Link to National Swim Strategy

Link to Swim Ireland Strategic Plan

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

Swim Irelands 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

Participation Management

Develop and implement plans to increase swimming participation which align to the goals set out in the National Swimming Strategy Swim Ireland Strategic Plan Swim Irelands DEIB Action Plan and Women in Sport Strategy

Mentor and line manage a team of Swimming Activators based throughout Ireland at both local and regional level.

Conduct monthly objective meetings with direct reports.

Stakeholder Management - maintain and develop existing relationships with:

Local Sports Partnerships Local Authorities Facility & Aquatics Academy partners Community Agencies Health Promotion Charities/ Organisations and Sport Ireland; Others as relevant

Identify opportunities to establish new relationships and funding opportunities.

Ensure partnerships are mutually beneficial monitored and maintained.

Internal Collaboration - engage with other Swim Ireland departments to deliver programmes and other strategic objectives including but not limited to: Supporting the roll out of the Swim Ireland Communications Framework; Infrastructure Operations (Pop-up pools; Seán MacDermott Street pool Askeaton Pool); Clubs & Education; Competitions and Events and others as required.

Programme Development

Develop a pathway of participation programmes to support sustained participation in aquatics including transition pathways to clubs (Pool and Open Water).

Design and develop new programmes / promote initiatives for target groups that may face barriers participating in sport

Periodically review and update existing programmes as set out in the Participation Programme Prospectus such as AquaMoves Swimmin Women HE Swims etc.

Other

Ensure that the highest safeguarding standards are ingrained throughout programmes and CPD.

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

Bachelors Degree in Sports Management/ Science Education Public Health or a similarly related field.

Previous experience in people management and direct line management

Knowledge and experience of programme development in the sports or non-profit sector is highly desirable.

KEY QUALITIES

An expertise in developing and leading the implementation of programmes to support more people participating in sport and physical activity.

Excellent people skills in particular management skills.

Excellent communication and administration skills with attention to detail.

Strong work ethic flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic working environment.

Team player with ability to work on their own initiative or under pressure.

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 made for the attention of the HR Manager - and should include a Cover Letter and current CV.

RELEVANT DATES

Closing date for applications is 24th February

Interviews will be held in Irish Sport HQ on w/c 2nd March

RENUMERATION AND LOCATION

The package will include a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Position Tenure: 3 year fixed-term full-time contract.

Position Location: 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 youre excited about this role but your experience doesnt 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.