IRFU Vacancy: Rugby Growth & Participation Manager

The IRFU would like to invite applications for the position of Rugby Growth and Participation Manager.

Reporting to the Director of Rugby Development, the successful candidate will provide strong leadership and strategic direction of the IRFU’s work to grow the breadth and depth of the game across all levels and to integrate alternative forms of the game into the IRFU’s overall plans.

With overall responsibility for increasing the numbers of people playing rugby on a regular basis, they will maximize existing opportunities and develop innovative solutions to address identified challenges. Whilst they will have a particular focus on strengthening the capacity in IRFU clubs to grow the adult game they will also be responsible for identifying, and partnering with, appropriate external organizations to support this work.

Due to secondment of the present manager, this role is being offered on a 2 year fixed term contract basis.

The post is responsible for the line management of 6 full-time staff and a variety of season staff.

KEY QUALITIES

Essential:

• Excellent organisation, communication and teamwork skills.
• Experience in managing a full time team of staff, and a volunteer workforce
• Ability to work as part of a team of dedicated staff, and with staff from other Rugby affiliated bodies (i.e. Provincial Branches and Clubs)

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish and manage a range of strategies to support clubs to grow the opportunities for adults to play the different variants of the game within their existing operational capacities
• Assume overall responsibility for the further development and implementation of the Participation strategy across Clubs and 3^rd level (and indirectly support the Age Manager in the promotion of participation programmes in schools)
• Initiate strategies to undertake in depth and targeted work to grow the game through the Regional Model (i.e. identified geographic locations and with identified population groups). This will require the post holder to actively engage with the Provinces to implement programmes which increase participation. This includes the deployment of resources through the Club Community Rugby programmes. Strategically the point of engagement will be through the Domestic Rugby managers.
• Manage and all levels of Rugby activity (competitive and participation) at 3rd level institutions throughout Ireland, and agree implementation strategies with IRFU 3rd Level Development Officer.
• Lead the creation of innovative solutions to develop the promotion and take up of Sevens /TAG/Touch Rugby
• Develop creative solutions to encourage and support more institutions, and participants, to take up the playing of Rugby
• Working closely with colleagues, identify the changing needs of rugby clubs as they develop new and different growth strategies and ensure that innovative solutions are created to support clubs in this move
• Responsible for central coordination, including policy and procedures, of Summer Camps, Play Rugby and other initiatives to increase participation in clubs and schools
• In conjunction with 3^rd Party Organisations, including identified Local Authorities and Local Sports Partnerships, seek opportunities to partnership in delivery of participation activities
• Manage and operate relevant management information systems (including website and phone apps) which will underpin the operation of the participation rugby competitions
• Manage and facilitate ongoing sponsorships of the Participation rugby programmes, in conjunction with the IRFU Commercial & Marketing department
• As directed, leaded event management/coordination activities for National and International Tournaments

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Delivery of all agreed Participation Rugby annual objectives as agreed
• Maintain effective relationships with staff across the IRFU and Provincial Branches
• Carry out duties and responsibilities in line with outlined policies & procedures
• Establish efficient work practices
• Make effective and informed decisions in relation to the role of ‘Participation Rugby Manager’
• Portray a competent and professional image of the IRFU

To apply for this position, please send your CV along with a one page cover letter to Eoin Ward, HR Generalist at recruitment@irfu.ie Please note that the closing date for applications is strictly 13:00 on Friday, 31^st July 2015. Please also note that this position is based in Dublin 4 and is offered on a 2 year fixed term contract basis.