Games Development Coordinator
Cumann Líochtchleas Gael is Ireland's leading sporting and cultural organisation with membership approaching one million people and in excess of 500,000 playing participants at all levels.
Inspired by its amateur status and supported by the voluntary efforts of all its members, the GAA devotes its entire resources to the development of Gaelic Games and Culture nationally and in local communities.
Role Summary
The role holder will be responsible for the delivery of GAA games development policy and related programmes as contained in the county coaching and games development plan in local clubs and schools (Primary and Post Primary) within a geographic area of a county.
Key Responsibilities
* Operations:
o Oversight of the timely implementation of Association policies, strategies, and programmes relating to coaching and games development within a region of a county;
o Management of key relations with clubs and schools to support growth and engagement across all Gaelic Games working closely with Camogie, LGFA, Handball, and Rounders within a region of the county.
* People Management:
o Coordination and supervision of other county personnel e.g., Participation Officers as required to include responsibility for supporting the formulation of weekly/monthly work programmes with the County Head of Games;
o Liaison with and support of a team of Coach Developers in the County to deliver coach and referee development;
o Coordination of the recruitment, training, and deployment of Cl Camp and Club-School Link coaches within a region of the county.
* Leadership:
o Assistance to the County Head of Games, County Coaching and Games Committee, and key County Officers with the development and implementation of the County Games Development Strategy in the county and associated multi-annual plan;
o Ensure the effective use of GAA coaching and games development IT systems;
o Ensure programmes are delivered in line with national games development policy;
o Coordinate the delivery of programmes in areas of potential growth and develop strategies to increase engagement in Gaelic Games and specific codes.
* Club Support:
o Coordination of 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);
o Liaison, support, and provision of ongoing training and development opportunities to Club Coaching Officers;
o With the Club Coaching and Children's Officer, ensure all coaches and volunteers meet the required coaching, vetting, and safeguarding requirements;
o Assist clubs with the development of player pathways and lead the coordination of participation and retention programmes in the region to help transition as many players as possible through child, youth, and adult stages of the pathway to include coordination and delivery of:
+ Club Nursery Programme;
+ Intra and inter-Club Go Games;
+ Intra and Inter-Club Super Games;
+ Diversity and Inclusion Programmes;
+ Intra and Inter-Club Recreational Games for youths and adults;
o Assist clubs with the development of coach and referee pathways and coordinate and lead the provision of volunteer, coach, and referee education in the region;
o Coordinate and lead the provision of learning opportunities to club volunteers, club coaches, referees, and teachers required to assist the delivery of games development programmes.
* Schools Support:
o Coordination of the delivery of the GAA 5 STAR Programme in primary schools introducing and engaging children in all Gaelic Games;
o Coordination and oversight of 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;
o Assistance with the delivery of Transition Year and GAA Future Leaders Programme;
o Coordinate and provide ongoing training and support to a network of Club School Link Coaches.
* Talent Academy/Player Development Support:
o Support to the County Head of Games in the identification of players and coaches to participate in the county talent academy programme;
o Coordination and organisation of regional/divisional games activities to support the programme;
o Guidance and support to clubs and schools on the delivery of player development supports ensuring coherence with talent academy programme.
* Stakeholder Management:
o Work closely with the relevant Coaching and Games Development Committees at County level;
o Effective work with all key stakeholders (National GAA, Province, County, Clubs, Schools, Third Level, etc.) to grow participation and increase retention rates including LGFA, Camogie, GAA Handball, and Rounders.
* Other:
o Natural function of the role that the role holder is required to work and attend evening and weekend meetings/activities in line with business needs and undertake any other such projects or duties as deemed appropriate by their manager;
o The role holder may be responsible for fulfilling a lead programme function within the county games development operation.
Essential Criteria
* At least 3-5 years experience of working in the GAA or similar sporting organisation (Voluntary or Professional Capacity);
* Minimum Award 1 GAA Coaching Qualification;
* Aptitude third-level qualification (Level 7 NFQ);
* Clear and detailed knowledge and experience of the GAA's coaching schemes and initiatives;
* Excellent administrative and IT skills with a strong working knowledge of IT-related packages and systems;
* Exceptional interpersonal skills and strong ability to work in high-pressure situations;
* Excellent communication and presentation skills (verbal and written);
* Demonstrably excellent leadership skills and influencing ability;
* Excellent ability to manage people/resources and build and sustain good team relationships and manage conflict;
* Strong leadership and decision-making skills;
* Excellent negotiation skills;
* Strong organisational skills and demonstrable ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities; hands-on approach to getting things done;
* Ability to clearly present goals and direction.
* Verbal and written Fluent Irish.
Desirable Criteria
* Experience in managing/supervising staff;
* GAA Tutor/Coach Developer qualification;
* Third-level sports science qualification;
* Strong coacheducation experience.
Other Requirements
* Own car with full clean driving license;
* Have completed the GAA Child Protection in Sport Awareness/Safeguarding 1 programme;
* Ability to work and attend evening and weekend meetings/activities in addition to normal day-to-day activities.
Please note that this role is subject to Garda Vetting.
Candidates interested in the above role should apply with an up-to-date cover letter and Curriculum Vitae on or before 3pm, 12th May 2025.
The GAA is an equal opportunities employer.