Job Opportunity – Cork GAA Head of Games Development

Applications are now welcome for the role of Head of Games Development in County Cork to work closely with the County Officers, including the County Chairperson, Secretary/CEO and Games Development Committee to implement the games development programmes in the county.

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael is Ireland’s leading sporting and cultural organisation with membership approaching one million people and in excess of 500,000 playing participants at all levels. Inspired by its amateur status and supported by the voluntary efforts of all its members, the GAA devotes its entire resources to the development of Gaelic Games and Culture nationally and in local communities.

Role Summary

The Cork Head of Games Development will play a key leadership and management role working with the County Officers and Games Development Committee in discharging their responsibility for the implementation of games development activities at club, school and county levels, and implementing National Games Development Policy.

The role holder shall also act as secretary to the County Coaching and Games Development Committee and be a member of the County Coiste na Óg.

The role holder shall be required to work 39 hours per week, which will include weekends and evenings when required, and the hours may vary depending on seasonal changes.

Principle Accountabilities include but are not limited to:

Strategic Management

• Lead, manage and monitor the efficient and timely implementation of Association policies, strategies and programmes relating to coaching and games development in the county;
• Drive growth and engagement across all Gaelic Games working closely with Camogie, LGFA, Handball and Rounders.

People Management 

• Lead and manage a team of knowledgeable, qualified and motivated personnel at county level to include responsibility for performance management and employee development, and lead and support a team of Coach Developers in the county.

Leadership and Governance

• Ensure compliance throughout the county with coaching and games development policies and funding criteria to achieve the highest standards in governance and delivery;
• Build and support volunteer capacity and engagement across clubs and schools.

Financial Management

• In conjunction with relevant county personnel and county officers, assist in the management of annual budgets, identification of additional revenue streams, and overseeing, monitoring, and evaluating the investment in Coaching and Games Development in the county.

Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with the relevant Coaching and Games Development Committees at County level;
• Work effectively with all key stakeholders (National GAA, Province, County, Clubs, Schools, Third Level, etc) to grow participation and increase retention rates including LGFA and Camogie;
• Develop, build, and maintain effective partnerships with key local internal and external stakeholders, partners, agencies, as well as Local Authorities.

Programme Management and Development

• Oversee the development and implementation of:
• Volunteer, coach and referee pathways in the county to ensure there is sufficient number of volunteers to support delivery of programmes;
• Participation, retention, talent and high-performance pathways in the county in aligned with the Gaelic Games Player Pathway;
• Inclusion and diversity programmes;
• Formal and informal games programme in conjunction with relevant organising bodies ensuring they align with national standards for child, youth and adult levels in clubs and schools.

Other

• The role holder is required to work and attending evening and weekend meetings/activities in line with business needs and undertake any other such projects or duties as deemed appropriate by their manager.

Experience and Skills

The successful candidate shall have:

• At least 3-5 years’ experience of working in the GAA or similar sporting organisation (Voluntary or Professional Capacity);
• Strong experience of managing people and building good team relationships;
• Evident leadership, influencing and decision-making skills;
• Excellent administrative and IT skills with a solid working knowledge of IT related packages and systems;
• Proven organisational skills and demonstrable ability to effectively managing multiple projects and priorities, with a hands-on approach to getting things done;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills that can motivate change;
• Superb stakeholder management skills and experience of managing multiple projects to tight deadlines;
• Clear and detailed knowledge and experience of the GAA’s coaching schemes and initiatives;
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of best-practice coaching, learning and development strategies and tools;
• A strong interest in and understanding of Cork GAA.

Qualifications

Essential

• A minimum Level 7 Degree (NFQ) in a relevant area;
• Level 1 GAA Coaching Qualification.

Desirable

• Qualified GAA coach education tutor;
• GAA Child Safeguarding.

Other Requirements

• Own car with a full clean driving licence;

Please note this role is subject to Garda Vetting.

Candidates interested in the above role should apply by sending an up-to-date cover letter and Curriculum Vitae to info.munster@gaa.ie no later than 3pm on Wednesday March 29^th

Munster GAA is an equal opportunities employer.