Regional Development Officer Clubs – Eastern Region
Special Olympics transforms lives through sport. We are a sports organisation for people with an intellectual disability from the age of 4 years old with no upper age limit. Currently, almost 8,000 athletes from across the island of Ireland participate in 15 different sports through Special Olympics.
Through our sports, club, health and leadership programmes, our athletes learn to be physically, mentally, and emotionally fit. They learn new skills, increase confidence, and most importantly, experience the joy of sport and make life-long friendships!
None of this would be possible without the great passion, energy, and support of our volunteers, clubs, and partners.
Special Olympics Ireland has one of the strongest Special Olympics Programmes worldwide. We are looking for a motivated individual to join our dedicated team to help build upon our success.
Role Summary
To strengthen and support affiliated clubs in implementing high standards in governance, management, and operations, in line with the prevailing Special Olympics Ireland Strategy, at regional level. Engage with clubs to develop structures, policies, and procedures that will enhance the experience and involvement in Special Olympics for athletes, volunteers, and family members, and that will support the delivery of a quality sports training and competition programme. The role will involve occasional evening and weekend work.
Skills & Experience
* Third-level education qualification essential, a qualification in sport is desirable.
* Minimum of one year’s experience in a leadership role.
* Experience as a member of a sport club or serving on a sports club committee is desirable.
* Thorough knowledge of all aspects of Microsoft Office.
* Knowledge and experience of using online meeting platforms (i.e., Microsoft Teams, ZOOM).
* Excellent interpersonal, communication, and planning skills.
* Flexible, self-motivated, and enthusiastic.
* A current, full, clean driving license. Own car or access to a car is required. An applicant who declares that they have a disability, which debars them from driving, must have access to a form of transport, which will permit them to meet the requirements of the post in full.
Duties and Responsibilities:
* Manage and implement a structured and cohesive plan for the development and operation of affiliated clubs within the region.
* Drive a culture of strong governance and management amongst Club Management Teams and provide and/or signpost training opportunities to clubs on good governance and management practices.
* Promote, educate, and support clubs on the implementation of best practice in relation to safeguarding, policies, and standards.
* Plan and oversee relevant and timely training for Club Management Teams and club volunteers.
* Provide support to new and existing clubs through relationship building, club visits, engagement, guidance, and training.
* Establish and support the set-up of inclusive opportunities and inclusive clubs.
* Co-ordinate, oversee, and manage the registration of athletes and affiliation of clubs.
* Ensure all data in relation to affiliated clubs is accurately maintained, updated, and fit for purpose.
* Monitor, track, and assist in the resolution of club matters or needs that arise to support clubs and to assist in improving standards.
* Promote and establish Young Athletes (a programme of play & sport activity for children with intellectual disabilities from 4-12 years) as an integral element of the regional programme.
* Manage the regional growth and delivery of the Young Athletes programme.
* Drive the development and implementation of the Health and Wellbeing programme in clubs to complement their sports training and enhance athletes’ knowledge and skills.
* Be responsible for the promotion and development of the Athlete Leadership programme to expand athlete opportunities for active involvement within the club and region.
* Strengthen and grow the number of clubs offering Athlete Leadership opportunities and the numbers of athletes engaged in the programme through regional initiatives such as the Athlete Leadership Forum.
* Assist and support the re-vetting of club volunteers.
* Recruit, train, and assign key support volunteers to play an active role in the planning, development, and roll out of key projects associated with the role.
* Liaise and work with staff, committees, and volunteers, in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Club programme.
* Attend and participate in regional meetings as necessary.
* Develop and manage a budget related to your areas of responsibility.
* Undertake any other assignments, as may reasonably be requested by the Regional Director.
Working at Special Olympics Ireland
Our core values are embedded in the culture of our organisation:
* Passion & Pride
* Equipped for Empowerment
* Flexibility & Adaptability
* One Team
Benefits include:
Flexible and Hybrid Working Practices - Enhanced Sick Pay - Enhanced Maternity Pay - Annual Passion & Pride Day - Time off in Lieu - Employer Pension - Staff Welfare Activities – Employee Assistance Programme.
This role will be based in the Sport Ireland Campus, Snugborough Road, Dublin 15 with a Hybrid working practice in place.
Closing Date: 24 February 2025
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