Inclusive Sports Development Lead

Special Olympics Ireland; Dublin; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Special Olympics Ireland is seeking a dynamic Sports Development Lead to grow participation and athlete pathways across the organisation. You will work with Regional Development Officers, clubs, and partners to deliver inclusive programmes and sustainable youth routes, including Women in Sport initiatives.

This role involves partnerships with NGBs, Sport Ireland, and volunteers, plus grant reporting and data-informed planning.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree in Sport Management, Sports Development, Sports Science, Physical Activity, Coaching, Leisure Management, or related discipline.
• Minimum four years' experience in sports development, participation programmes, community sport, or related area.
• Strong understanding of athlete development and participation principles.
• Experience coordinating projects and working with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience delivering participation campaigns and sports development initiatives.
• Experience supporting volunteers and community-based sports programmes.
• Experience producing reports and managing programme outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and implementation of annual participation campaigns including the development of a Women in Sport strategy.
• Collaborate with Regional Development Officers to promote participation opportunities at club, regional and all-island level.
• Develop and support Ireland Volunteer Sports Coordinators and their Teams with Regional Development Officers for consistent planning across the organisation.
• Identify opportunities to expand participation across existing and emerging sports.
• Build relationships with NGBs, Local Sports Partnerships and disability sports groups to increase opportunities for athletes.
• Support sport-specific projects aligned with organisational objectives.
• Monitor participation trends and inform programme development with data.
• Lead development of youth sport pathways across Special Olympics Ireland clubs.
• Work with coaches and volunteers to establish sustainable youth pathways.
• Develop clear transition pathways for youth into regular activities, training, competition, and wider Special Olympics opportunities.
• Identify barriers to youth participation and create solutions with clubs and regional teams.
• Create resources and best-practice models for youth sport development at club level.
• Monitor progression trends and use findings to inform programmes.
• Expand network of Inclusive Clubs with Memoranda of Understanding with NGBs.
• Align youth pathway initiatives with wider sport development frameworks.
• Represent Special Olympics Ireland at meetings and sporting events.
• Coordinate sports department reports and strategic reviews.
• Cultivate relationships with external partners to promote programmes and impact.
• Lead grant applications and ensure timely reporting to funders and partners.

Skills

Project coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Volunteer management

Data driven decision making

Education

Relevant degree in Sport Management or related field

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office 365

Programme databases

Job description

Special Olympics Ireland is seeking a dynamic Sports Development Lead to grow participation and athlete pathways across the organisation. You will work with Regional Development Officers, clubs, and partners to deliver inclusive programmes and sustainable youth routes, including Women in Sport initiatives.

This role involves partnerships with NGBs, Sport Ireland, and volunteers, plus grant reporting and data-informed planning.