NATIONAL PROGRAMMES & GAME DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Working within the Participation Team and reporting to the Director of Growth and Strategy, this role will lead the national coordination, administration, and growth of Cricket Irelands flagship participation programmes. Smash It and Its Wicket! The post-holder will be responsible for ensuring these programmes are effectively planned, delivered, monitored, and continuously improved across all Provincial Unions, driving increased youth participation and strengthening the player pathway. In addition, the role will support wider game development objectives aligned to the Cricket Ireland Strategic Plan, ensuring that national programmes translate into sustainable club engagement and long-term participation growth. Reporting to Director of Growth and Strategy Key Working Relationships Game Development Team Provincial Union Development Staff High Performance & Talent Pathway Teams Affiliated Clubs Sport Ireland & Sport Northern Ireland Key Responsibilities National Programme Leadership (Primary Focus) Lead the end-to-end administration and delivery of Smash It and Its Wicket! programmes nationwide Oversee programme planning cycles, including annual calendars, resource allocation, and delivery frameworks Ensure consistent, high-quality delivery across all Provincial Unions through engagement with Provincial Development Officers. Manage programme registration systems, reporting processes, and operational workflows Act as the central point of coordination between Cricket Ireland and Provincial Unions for all programme-related activity Programme Growth & Participation Impact Drive increased youth engagement, with a focus on introducing and retaining new players through Smash It and Its Wicket! Identify opportunities to expand reach into schools, clubs, and community settings Work with Provincial Unions to convert programme participants into sustained club members Develop targeted initiatives to improve retention and progression within the player pathway Track participation data, trends, and KPIs to assess programme effectiveness Use insights to inform continuous improvement, innovation, and strategic decision-making Produce regular reports for internal stakeholders and funders, including Dormant Accounts Fund reporting where relevant Stakeholder Management & Support Work closely with Provincial Union teams to support delivery and address challenges Provide leadership, guidance, and resources to ensure programme success at regional level Collaborate with internal teams (e.g. marketing, pathways) to enhance programme visibility and impact Build strong relationships with external partners to support programme expansion and funding opportunities Budget & Funding Management Manage budgets for Smash It and Its Wicket! programmes Ensure effective and efficient allocation of resources to maximise impact Key Qualities & Experience Experience programme management and administration, ideally within sport or community participation Excellent organisational skills with attention to detail across systems, reporting, and operations Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills Understanding of grassroots sport development and youth engagement Passion for cricket (desirable) Remuneration & Location Position tenure: Six-month contract Location: Cricket Ireland Offices, Unit 15c Kinsealy Business Park, Kinsealy K36CD70 Application Process Submit a full CV and detailed letter of application to: Applicants must be eligible to work in ROI and UK without requiring a visa/work permit The closing date for applications will be Wednesday 10th April. Letters of application and full CVs should be sent by email to Please include NATIONAL PROGRAMMES & GAME DEVELOPMENT OFFICER in the subject title. If you are shortlisted following the application process, interviews will be held as soon as possible after the closing date. Cricket Ireland is an equal opportunities employer Skills: Administrator