Job Title: Social Media & Content Manager
Location: FAI HQ, Abbottstown, Dublin
Direct Reporting Line: Head of Marketing & Digital
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
This role exists to lead the strategic direction, development, and delivery of the FAI's social media presence across all platforms, ensuring best-in-class digital storytelling and consistent audience growth. The Social Media Manager will design impactful content strategies, oversee real-time output across a busy football calendar, and manage a team of Content & Media Specialists to deliver high-quality, timely, and engaging content. The role works closely with the Marketing Manager to ensure social activity amplifies integrated campaigns, supports commercial and fan-engagement objectives, and aligns with the organisation's broader digital, CRM, and brand strategies.
Key Responsibilities
* Set and deliver the FAI's social media strategy across all platforms to drive fan engagement, brand visibility, and sustained audience growth through best-in-class digital content.
* Lead and mentor two Content & Media Specialists, ensuring clear priorities, professional development, and consistently high-quality output across all channels.
* Manage the creation, planning, and publishing of content that aligns with the FAI's tone of voice, brand guidelines, and organisational objectives including supporting partner and sponsorship requirements.
* Work closely with the Marketing Manager to support integrated campaign activity, ensuring social content amplifies and enhances broader marketing initiatives.
* Oversee real-time content production for match days, events, and key moments across Irish football.
* Monitor analytics and platform performance providing weekly insights, identifying opportunities, and adjusting content strategies to optimise reach, engagement, and follower growth.
* Manage relationships with platform partners, agencies, creative suppliers, and internal stakeholders ensuring coordinated delivery and alignment across all digital outputs.
* Ensure all social media activity follows digital best practice, incorporates emerging trends, adheres to safeguarding and governance principles, and evolves with the changing social landscape.
Person Specification
* A creative, strategic thinker with a passion for social media digital storytelling, and platform innovation.
* A collaborative team leader who thrives in fast-paced environments.
* Highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and strong content planning capabilities, able to prioritise multiple deadlines across a busy football calendar.
* A confident communicator who can work cross-functionally and influence key stakeholders including Marketing, Communications, Commercial, agencies, and platform partners.
Experience and Qualifications
Essential:
* 5+ years' experience in social media management, digital content, or a related field, with a proven track record of delivering high-impact content across multiple platforms.
* Experience managing multiple social media platforms for a consumer-facing brand or organisation with high-volume, real-time content demands.
* Proven experience leading a team or overseeing content creators with the ability to set priorities, maintain quality, and support professional development.
* Strong understanding of social media analytics audience insights, and performance optimisation, with experience using data to inform content strategy and platform growth.
Desirable:
* Experience in sport, entertainment, or live events content production, particularly in fast-paced or reactive environments.
* Qualification in marketing, digital media, communications, or related discipline.
* Experience collaborating with commercial teams, sponsors, or rights-holders to deliver partner-led content.
Skills & Professional Knowledge
* Expert knowledge of social media platforms, trends, formats, and best practices, with the ability to adapt quickly to an evolving digital landscape.
* Strong content planning, copywriting, and digital storytelling skills with a focus on producing engaging, fan-centric content that supports broader marketing objectives.
* Experience with analytics tools and data-driven decision-making using insights to optimise content performance, audience growth, and platform strategy.
* Ability to create or direct high-quality social content under tight timelines particularly during live match moments, and high-pressure event windows.
* Excellent organisational and project management abilities with the capacity to prioritise multiple content streams across a busy football calendar and guide the content team effectively.
* Content leadership & creative direction
* Team and 3rd party management
* Collaboration Across Marketing & Digital Functions
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).