Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Organisation: Special Olympics Ireland
Reporting To: Board of Directors
Location: Sport Ireland Campus, Dublin 15
Tenure: 5 year fixed term contract
Overview:
Due to the retirement of the long serving incumbent, Special Olympics Ireland wishes to recruit a new Chief Executive Officer. The role of the CEO of Special Olympics Ireland is to lead the overall strategy, operations, and financial sustainability of the organisation. This includes running a successful programme of events, overseeing fundraising efforts, creating strong external partnerships, execution of strategic plans, and ultimately the successful achievement of the organisation’s mission and vision. The CEO will report to the Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Ireland, and will work closely with the Board to ensure the continued long-term sustainability and positive impact this unique organisation has in Ireland.
The mission of Special Olympics Ireland is "to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with an intellectual disability, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community."
Our vision is an inclusive world for all, driven by the power of sport, through which people with intellectual disabilities live active, healthy and fulfilling lives.
As CEO, you will continue to shape the future of a trusted organisation dedicated to support people with intellectual disabilities. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to lead a passionate team, expand our reach, and strengthen our impact on communities across the island.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Strategic Vision
1. Develop and implement the strategic plan in collaboration with the management team and the Board of Directors.
2. Lead the organisation’s vision, mission, and values, ensuring that programmes and activities are aligned with our core objectives for the benefit of our Athletes, families and other stakeholders.
3. Foster a culture of innovation, transparency, accountability, and excellence within the organisation.
4. Provide visionary leadership and direction to staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.
5. Be accountable for the effective management of the whole organisation.
Financial Management and Fundraising
1. Oversee the organisation's financial resources and manage the organisations budget, ensuring financial stability, accountability and transparency.
2. Lead and oversee fundraising strategies to support the organisation’s programmes and initiatives.
3. Build and maintain relationships with our patrons, donors, sponsors, funding bodies and corporate partners to secure funding and financial support.
Governance and Operations
1. Provide guidance and support to senior staff and programme directors, fostering collaboration across teams.
2. Ensure risks of the organisation are appropriately managed and ensure compliance with the relevant governance codes.
3. Provide oversight and management of the performance of key programmes and activities, ensuring they are impactful, aligned with our mission, and meeting community needs.
Stakeholder and Community Engagement
1. Represent the organisation both nationally and internationally including in the media.
2. Build strong relationships with community organisations, government entities, and other stakeholders to advance the mission, including but not limited to Sport Ireland, Sport NI, the Irish and NI governments, Federation of Irish Sport, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia and Special Olympics International and the wider communities.
3. Actively engage with beneficiaries, volunteers, and staff to understand their needs and experiences and improve the organisation’s impact.
4. Increase the visibility and public awareness of the organisation’s work.
Human Resources and Team Development
1. Ensure the organisation has the appropriate management systems and structures to carry out its work effectively, accountably and safely.
2. Ensure a positive organisational culture that encourages teamwork, accountability, and high performance.
3. Ensuring appropriate resourcing within the organisation to ensure its work is carried out with accountability and efficiency in an appropriately safe manner.
Public Relations, Advocacy and Policy Influence
1. Act as the primary spokesperson for the organisation.
2. Ensure the marketing strategies, materials and other communications accurately and persuasively present the vision, mission and values of the organisation.
3. Raise the profile of Special Olympics in Ireland through effective engagement, communication and public relations strategies.
Requirements for the post
Experience:
* Proven experience as a CEO or in other senior managerial position.
* Experience in building and maintaining relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including experience in fundraising and securing sponsorship.
Knowledge:
* Strong financial and business acumen and an understanding of finance and performance management principles.
* Familiarity with diverse business functions, including marketing, fundraising, and human resources.
* Knowledge of the charity and sports sectors, including regulations, trends, and challenges.
* Knowledge of the Irish sporting landscape including an interest in sport.
Skills:
* A Strategic thinker, with visionary leadership skills, with a track record of leading diverse teams and driving organisational growth.
* Ability to drive the development and implementation of strategic plans.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
* An entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to identify and seize new opportunities for growth.
* Excellent communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to represent the organisation effectively at all levels.
* Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with a collaborative approach to leadership.
* Strong IT experience with a commitment to digitisation.
* Experience in ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
* Drive for continuous improvement.
This role will suit a candidate who is passionate about fostering positive change through sport.
To apply please send you CV and cover letter outlining why you are suitable for the position to our recruitment partner Fleming Executive Recruitment – mairead@flemingexecutive.com no later than 5.00pm on 6th May 2025.
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