Development Manager
Company: Sustainable Projects Ireland
Location: Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Co. Tipperary
Job Type: Part-time, 14 hours per week
Annual Pay: €36,400 gross (Full Time Equivalent)
About Cloughjordan Ecovillage and Sustainable Projects Ireland (SPI)
Imagine being part of Ireland's largest Ecovillage, a vibrant community of over 130 people dedicated to building a sustainable future. Located on 67 acres in County Tipperary, we're a hub of innovation for climate action and sustainability education.
Sustainable Projects Ireland CLG (SPI) is the member-led organisation behind the Ecovillage. Founded in 1999, our purpose is to create models for sustainable living, share our journey with others and serve as a resource for education, enterprise and research.
The Opportunity
SPI is entering an exciting new chapter of development initiatives and as Development Manager, you'll be at the heart of this evolution. This is a unique opportunity to lead impactful projects that will directly influence how we live, build and grow sustainably. You'll collaborate with a passionate team of professionals, community members and stakeholders to bring visionary ideas to life — from infrastructure upgrades to a bold new community-led development plan.
Why This Role Matters
You won't just manage projects — you'll drive change. Your leadership will ensure that development pathways are clear, collaborative and resilient, helping us avoid common pitfalls and deliver real results. You'll be instrumental in:
* Bringing infrastructure projects to shovel-ready status — unlocking funding and accelerating implementation.
* Guiding community-led planning — shaping the next phase of Ecovillage development.
* Creating processes that support success — ensuring every project has the structure and support it needs to thrive.
Your Working Relationships
You'll work closely with our General Manager, Fundraising Manager, dedicated steering groups and a network of professionals and community leaders. Together, you'll turn ideas into action and help build a model for sustainable development that others can follow.
Key Responsibilities
As the Development Manager, your core responsibilities will be to:
* Work with key stakeholders to establish development pathways that will support efficient, effective and timely delivery of projects.
* Oversee the progression of prioritised development projects, via these pathways, from concept through to delivery.
* Work with others to achieve timely engagement of stakeholders and professionals in the above processes.
* Lead on the advancement of infrastructure projects to funding-ready status, with support and guidance of a specialist steering group and professional contract design team.
* Work with the General Manager to facilitate the creation of a new community development plan with a designated working group.
* Provide required input into relevant funding applications and fundraising activities.
* Become a member of the Licence Sub-Committee and attend other meetings as necessary.
* Work with Project Managers to oversee implementation and handover of infrastructure projects to Cloughjordan Ecovillage Service Company.
* Deliver information sessions to residents and businesses, as required.
* Liaise with planning and other regulatory authorities where required.
Experience and Skills
The successful candidate will ideally have a minimum of 3 years' relevant experience and demonstrable competency in most or all of the following:
* Project development and management (essential)
* Good financial management skills including development of budgets (essential)
* Identification and management of key risks (essential)
* Good ability to understand technical/practical issues and attain the information required to determine the best way forward (essential)
* Good communication and report writing skills (essential)
* An ability to play a leading and supporting role, as required (essential)
* Strong ability to prioritise tasks in accordance with team, role and project requirements (essential)
* Good awareness of sustainable development issues (essential)
* Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team (essential)
* Well organised, keeping of records and documentation in designated repositories (essential)
* The development and management of organisational systems and processes (desirable)
* Contract management (desirable)
* Experience of working in a charity and/or community setting (desirable)
* Good knowledge and understanding of the Ecovillage project (desirable)
Qualifications
For this role, we would be seeking a Level 6 NFQ or higher and/or equivalent qualifications and professional training.
Wider Benefits
We foster a positive, supportive work culture with a strong emphasis on teamwork and mutual support. We also offer flexible hours and remote working options where possible to support your professional and personal development. The organisation also provides 4 company closures days (24, 27, 28 and 31 December) over and above company and statutory holiday entitlement.
Start Date
Early December 2025
Contract Term
The initial contract term will be 12 months, however a strong team performance would support contract extension until the end of 2027 and potentially provide the option of increased hours to support/accelerate progress. The charity's strategic plans identify a need for increased staff levels for the foreseeable future.
Work Location
A combination of remote and on-site work in Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary.
To Apply
Are you ready to help shape the future of sustainable living in Ireland? If you are a passionate professional ready to make a tangible difference, we encourage you to apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a (max) one page cover letter outlining their suitability for this role. Please send these to:
Closing Date
12 October 2025
Interview Dates for Shortlisted Candidates
20th or 21st October (zoom or in person)
30th October (in person at Cloughjordan Ecovillage)
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: €14,560.00 per year
Expected hours: 14 per week
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Flexitime
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cloughjordan, CO. Tipperary