Participation Officer, Monaghan GAA

Gaelic Athletic Association; Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District; On-site; EUR 22,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Gaelic Athletic Association’s Monaghan GAA unit is seeking a Participation Officer (Part-Time, 16.5 hours per week) to deliver games development, player participation and retention programmes within clubs and schools in County Monaghan.

You will report to the County Head of Games and work with coaches, volunteers, principals, and local partners to grow participation, support coaching development, and ensure safeguarding requirements are met. Garda Vetting is required.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience of working in the GAA or similar sporting organisation (voluntary or professional capacity).
• Foundation Level or Introduction to Coaching Gaelic Games coaching qualification.
• Exceptional interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Excellent administrative and IT skills with a strong working knowledge of IT related packages and systems.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to work independently on own initiative and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Deliver games development, player participation and retention programmes within club and school settings.
• Grow playing numbers and support coaches with programme delivery.
• Establish relations with clubs and schools to promote Gaelic Games.
• Report on project implementations using AMS with monthly data updates.
• Assist with coach development and safeguarding requirements.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

IT skills

Communication skills

Organisation skills

Education

Foundation Level coaching Gaelic Games

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.

Monaghan GAA is now welcoming applications for the position of Participation Officer (Part-Time, 16.5 hours per week) within County Monaghan.

Role/Purpose

The jobholder will be responsible for the delivery of games development, player participation and retention programmes within the club and school settings. The role will focus on growing playing numbers and supporting coaches with the delivery of programmes in areas where our games need support and attention.

Reports/Accountable to:

The Participation Officer will report to the County Head of Games. In addition, they will have day to day operational reporting relationship to the County Games Development Coordinator who is responsible for the geographic area they work in if required.

Working Relationships:

• Club Chair, Coaching Officer, Other Club volunteers
• County Coaching Officer and members of County Coaching and Games Development Committee and Steering Committee
• Primary and Post-Primary school Principals and Teachers
• Games Development Staff within the County
• Local sports partnerships/3 rd party service providers

Principal Accountabilities

Operations

• Implement an annual work programme to support the delivery of the county games development plan focused on player and coach participation and retention within the club, community and school setting;
• Establish key relations with clubs and schools to support growth and engagement across all Gaelic Games; Camogie, LGFA, Handball and Rounder;
• Report on the implementation of the project(s) on a regular basis, and particularly ensure that data relating to the implementation of the project(s) is available on a monthly basis through the use of the GAA Games Development Activity Management System (AMS);
• Liaise with and advise clubs on the implementation of, and adherence, to all games development policies and programmes within the club;
• Assist 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)
• Assist, support and provide as required on-going training and development opportunities to Club Coaching Officers;
• Liaise with Club Coaching and Children’s Officer ensure all coaches and volunteers meet the required coaching, vetting and safeguarding requirements;
• Support clubs with the development of player pathways and lead the delivery of participation and retention programmes to help transition as many players and as possible through child, youth and adult stages of the pathway to include assisting the 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 with the delivery of programmes in targeted areas to grow participation, retention and increase awareness of GAA in local communities

Schools Support

• Assist the delivery of the GAA 5 STAR Programme in primary schools introducing and engaging children in all Gaelic Games;
• Assist and support 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
• Assist local clubs with establishment of Club School Links

Coach and Referee Development

• Identify coach development opportunities appropriate the needs of coaches within the Club – alongside the Club Coaching Officer –, Primary, or Post-Primary School
• Assist Coach Developers in the organisation of coach development opportunities for coaches within the Club, Primary, or Post-Primary School

Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with the relevant Coaching and Games Development Committees at County level
• Work effectively with all key stakeholders (Province, County, Clubs, Schools, Third, etc) to grow participation and increase retention rates including LGFA, Camogie, GAA Handball and Rounders;

Other

• Complete any other duties as may reasonably be assigned by the County Head of Games
• At least 3 years’ experience of working in the GAA or similar sporting organisation (Voluntary or Professional Capacity);
• Foundation Level or Introduction to Coaching Gaelic Games Coaching Qualification.
• Exceptional interpersonal and influencing skills;
• Excellent administrative and IT skills with a strong working knowledge of IT related packages and systems;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (verbal and written);
• Excellent relationship and conflict management skills; ability to be flexible and handle challenging situations;
• Ability to work independently on own initiative and perform as part of a team;
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and deadlines; hands-on approach to getting things done with a demonstrable ability to work well under pressure;
• Clear and detailed knowledge of the GAA’s coaching schemes and initiatives;
• Award 1 GAA Coaching Qualification;
• Experience of coaching and development in Gaelic games.
• Relevant third level qualification;

Other Requirements

• The role holder must have access to a form of transport which will enable them to fulfil their responsibilities in full.

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.