Games Development Coordinator, Limerick GAA

Gaelic Athletic Association; Limerick; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Gaelic Athletic Association in Ireland seeks an experienced professional to deliver games development policy and programmes across county clubs and schools, building capacity within volunteers to sustain coaching pathways.

You will lead operations, people and leadership tasks, coordinate coach and referee development, and support Go Games, clubs and school-link coaches while ensuring safeguarding and IT systems compliance. Evening and weekend commitments may be required.

Qualifications

• At least 3–5 years’ experience in the GAA or a similar sporting organisation.
• Minimum Award: GAA Coaching Qualification and related mentoring.
• Third level qualification (Level 7 NFQ) required; coaching development experience is essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee policy delivery and programmes in a county region.
• Manage relations with clubs and schools to grow Gaelic Games participation.
• Coordinate and supervise county personnel and coach developers.
• Lead recruitment, training and deployment of coaches and club-school link coaches.
• Support development of player pathways and inclusion initiatives.
• Coordinate learning opportunities for volunteers and coaches.
• Ensure safeguarding and vetting requirements are met.
• Deliver regional games activities and talent development programmes.

Education

GAA Coaching Qualification

NFQ Level 7 qualification

GAA Tutor/Coach Developer qualification

Job description

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael is Ireland’s leading sporting and cultural organisation with membership approaching one million people and more than 500,000 playing participants at all levels. Inspired and supported by the voluntary efforts of its members, the GAA is focused on the development and promotion of Gaelic Games and culture nationally and in local communities.

Home of the GAA, Croke Park Stadium is Ireland’s foremost sporting and entertainment venue. Over 1,500,000 visitors are welcomed annually to national and international events and the Croke Park campus also features Croke Park Meetings & Events and GAA Museum & Tours.

Role Summary

The role holder will be responsible for the delivery of GAA games development policy and related programmes as contained in the county coaching and games development plan in local clubs and schools (Primary and Post Primary) within a geographic area of a county. The role will also focus on establishing self-sufficient and sustainable clubs by building capacity and capability within the volunteer structure to deliver a games development programme.

Principle Accountabilities include but are not limited to:

Operations

• Oversee the timely implementation of Association policies, strategies and programmes relating to coaching and games development within a region of a county;
• Manage key relations with clubs and schools to support growth and engagement across all Gaelic Games working closely with Camogie, LGFA, Handball and Rounders within a region of the county.

People Management

• Coordinate and supervise other county personnel e.g., Participation Officers as required to include responsibility for supporting the formulation of weekly/monthly work programmes with the County Head of Games;
• Liaise with and support a team of Coach Developers in the County to deliver coach and referee development;
• Coordinate the recruitment, training and deployment of Cúl Camp and Club-School Link coaches within a region of the county.

Leadership

• Assist the County Head of Games, County Coaching and Games Committee and key County Officers with the development and implementation of the County Games Development Strategy in the county and associated multi-annual plan;
• Ensure the effective use of GAA coaching and games development IT Systems;
• Ensure programmes are delivered in line with national games development policy;
• Coordinate the delivery of programmes in areas of potential growth and develop strategies to increase engagement in Gaelic Games and specific codes.
• Coordinate the delivery of a club support programme in clubs to achieve the GAA’s goal of creating self-sufficiency and sustainability by building capacity and capability (Club Compass)
• Liaise, support and provide on-going training and development opportunities to Club Coaching Officers;
• With the Club Coaching and Children’s Officer ensure all coaches and volunteers meet the required coaching, vetting and safeguarding requirements;
• Assist clubs with the development of player pathways and lead the coordination of participation and retention programmes in the region to help transition as many players and as possible through child, youth and adult stages of the pathway to include coordination and delivery of:
  • Club Nursery Programme
  • Intra and inter-Club Go Games
  • Camps
  • Intra and Inter-Club Super Games
  • Diversity and Inclusion Programmes
  • Intra and Inter-Club Recreational Games for youths and adults
• Assist clubs with the development of coach and referee pathways and coordinate and lead the provision of volunteer, coach and referee education in the region;
• Coordinate and lead the provision of learning opportunities to club volunteers, club coaches, referees and teachers required to assist the delivery of games development programmes.

Schools Support

• Coordinate the delivery of the GAA 5 STAR Programme in primary schools introducing and engaging children in all Gaelic Games;
• Coordinate and oversee the delivery of participation and retention programmes in primary and post-primary schools to include:
  • Intra and inter-school Go Games
  • Intra and Inter-school Super Games
  • Diversity and Inclusion Programmes
• Assist with the delivery of Transition Year and GAA Future Leaders Programme;
• Coordinate and provide ongoing training and support to a network of Club School Link Coaches.
• Support the County Head of Games in identification of players and coaches to participate in the county talent academy programme;
• Coordinate and organise as required regional/divisional games activities to support the programme;
• Guide and support clubs and schools on the delivery of player development supports ensuring coherence with talent academy programme;.

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, Camogie, GAA Handball and Rounders.

Other

• It is a natural function of the role that the role holder is required to work and attend evening and weekend meetings/activities in line with business needs and undertake any other such projects or duties as deemed appropriate by their manager;
• The role holder may be responsible for fulfilling a lead programme function within the county games development operation.

• At least 3-5 years’ experience of working in the GAA or similar sporting organisation (Voluntary or Professional Capacity);
• Minimum Award 1 GAA Coaching Qualification;
• Appropriate third level qualification (Level 7 NFQ);
• Clear and detailed knowledge and experience of the GAA’s coaching schemes and initiatives;
• Excellent administrative and IT skills with a strong working knowledge of IT related packages and systems;
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and a strong ability to work in high-pressure situations;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (verbal and written);
• Demonstrably excellent leadership skills and influencing ability;
• Excellent ability to manage people/resources and build and sustain good team relationships and manage conflict;
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills;
• Strong organisational skills and demonstrable ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities; hands-on approach to getting things done;
• Ability to clearly present goals and direction.
• Experience in managing/supervising staff;
• GAA Tutor/Coach Developer qualification;
• Strong coach education experience.

Other Requirements:

• Own car with a full clean driving license;
• Have completed the GAA Child Protection in Sport Awareness/Safeguarding 1 programme;
• Ability to work and attend evening and weekend meetings/activities in addition to normal day-to-day activities.

Please note this role is subject to Garda Vetting.

The GAA is an equal opportunities employer.