Job Title: National Volunteer Lead
Location: FAI HQ, Abbottstown & Regionally
Direct Reporting Line: Head of Grassroots
Commencement Date: TBC
Duration: Permanent / Full Time
Work Model: Hybrid
Introduction
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the national governing body for football in Ireland, driving the growth, promotion, and development of the game at all levels. We are passionate about inspiring participation, supporting talent, and celebrating the power of football to unite communities across the country. With a proud history and an ambitious vision for the future, the FAI is committed to fostering excellence on and off the pitch, ensuring the game is inclusive, accessible, and a source of national pride.
Purpose of the Role
The National Volunteer Lead is responsible for overseeing and developing a national volunteer framework that supports grassroots football, events and community initiatives. This role creates a positive, inclusive volunteer experience while enhancing the growth and sustainability of football at all levels.
Key Responsibilities
National Volunteer Strategy & Programme Development
* Develop and implement a national volunteer framework aligned with the Association's strategy and Football Pathway Plan.
* Establish clear volunteer policies, operational guidelines and best practices.
* Identify opportunities to expand and improve volunteer initiatives across grassroots football.
Volunteer Recruitment & Training
* Lead nationwide volunteer recruitment campaigns, ensuring a diverse and inclusive pool of volunteers.
* Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure consistent onboarding and training programmes.
* Develop and deliver workshops, resources and toolkits for volunteers supporting multiple roles in football.
Volunteer Engagement & Retention
* Foster a strong volunteer culture, recognising and celebrating contributions through awards, events and social media.
* Implement feedback mechanisms to ensure volunteers feel valued and supported.
* Develop strategies to enhance long term volunteer retention and leadership development.
Relationship Management & Partnerships
* Build and maintain relationships with leagues, clubs, community organisations and government agencies to support volunteer programmes.
* Represent the Association at national and regional football meetings, conferences and networking events.
* Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to promote volunteer success stories and engagement opportunities.
Compliance, Reporting & Impact Measurement
* Track programme effectiveness and generate reports with actionable insights.
* Maintain accurate administrative records and ensure accessibility for relevant stakeholders.
Person Specification
* People centred and relationship driven with a natural ability to build trust, rapport and positive working relationships.
* Supportive and empowering, committed to creating environments where volunteers feel valued, recognised, and motivated.
* Creative and solution oriented, able to design new ways of attracting, supporting and retaining volunteers based on insight and feedback.
* Creative and solution-oriented, able to design new ways of attracting, supporting, and retaining volunteers based on insight and feedback.
* Inclusive and approachable, ensuring volunteer opportunities are welcoming, accessible, and representative of the wider community.
Experience and Qualifications
Essential:
* Experience in volunteer management, community engagement or leadership roles within a national or non profit organisation.
* Knowledge of the community and voluntary sector, preferably within football.
* Ability to develop and implement national strategies to recruit, support and retain volunteers.
* Understanding of the volunteer sector and grassroots football ecosystem.
* Experience influencing policy and managing multiple stakeholders.
* Strong organisational, time management and problem solving skills.
Desirable:
* Experience public speaking or presenting at meetings/events.
* Comfortable with reporting tools, tracking KPIs and gathering feedback.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Skills & Professional Knowledge
* Volunteer Management
* Framework & Project Development
* Leadership & People Management
* Communication & Influence
* Collaboration & Teamwork
* Accountability & Professional Excellence
Competencies
Core Competencies
1. Innovation & Continuous Improvement (Progress)
Thinks creatively and with an open mind to identify new opportunities for growth and improvement. Embraces change positively and contributes to building a better future for Irish football.
2. Drive & Commitment (Passion)
Demonstrates energy, enthusiasm, and pride in everything they do. Takes initiative, delivers results, and strives to make a meaningful impact on the game and the organisation.
3. Collaboration & Teamwork (Togetherness)
Works effectively and respectfully with others to achieve shared goals. Supports, challenges, and motivates colleagues to perform at their best, recognising that success is achieved together
4. Communication & Influence (Togetherness / Passion)
Communicates clearly, openly, and respectfully with colleagues and stakeholders. Builds positive relationships, inspires trust, and represents the FAI with professionalism and integrity.
5. Accountability & Professional Excellence (Progress / Passion)
Takes ownership of performance and upholds high standards in all tasks. Acts responsibly, follows through on commitments, and contributes to the FAI's vision of continuous progress and excellence.
Our Benefits
We are proud of the range of benefits we can provide:
* Two premium level tickets to each home international game
* Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave
* Opportunities to work at international matches
* Company pension
* Life assurance
* Bike to work scheme
* Free onsite parking
* Employee assistance programs
* Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements
* Discounted access to the National Aquatic Centre and gym complex
Application Details
Closing date for receipt of applications is close of business on 17th December 2025.
Shortlisting and interviewing process will take place thereafter.
The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and promotes Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I).