JOB TITLE: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)REPORTS TO: The IRL BoardDATE: November 2025________________________________________________________________________________Irish Rural Link works to support rural communities and rural groups in their efforts to tackle social exclusion and promote initiatives that enhance rural Ireland. IRL strives to create an environment where rural communities benefit from the provision of better services and a better standard of living. The work of IRL is rooted in social economy principles and involves a variety of projects and initiatives. Since its establishment in 1991, Irish Rural Link has evolved and grown significantly in response to the challenges faced in rural Ireland. It has become a voice at National and EU level influencing policy and practice on issues of relevance to rural Ireland.Irish Rural Link's vision is of vibrant, inclusive, resilient rural settlements, villages and market towns, where essential services are available and contribute to an equitable and just society.Our mission is to influence, inform on local, national and European development policies in favour of rural communities, especially those marginalised as a result of rural poverty, exclusion and isolation, and support rural communities to implement appropriate strategic programmes that improve their circumstances.Help support viable communities in rural Ireland where every person would have meaningful work, adequate income and social services, and where infrastructures needed for sustainable development would be in place.Highlight, publicise and respond to key rural issues through operational projects and programmes. Irish Rural link was established in 1991 to represent the interests of locally based rural groups in disadvantaged and marginalised rural areas at local, National and EU LevelIn order to achieve our vision and mission statements, we have the following 5 strategic objectives:1 Continue to develop IRL as a visionary organisation in the field of rural community development. IRL will be the key independent, progressive, dynamic and influential rural community-based organisation continuing to influence rural policy formation and best practice in rural community development.Continue to influence policy development and programme Implementation at Local, National and European levels towards a sustainable vision. IRL will continue to be a leading NGO voice in rural policy and will have the skills and strategy to effectively influence sustainable policy development and implementation at national and EU levels.Continue to lead in promoting social, economic and environmental development initiatives in rural areas in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. IRL will be a leader in promoting rural sectoral networks that cohere rural communities of interest for their sustainable development.Continue to strengthen and build the capacity of IRL members. IRL will be supported by a strategically developed active membership representing rural volunteers, community organisations and professionals working in rural community development.Continue to strengthen organisational governance, staff and volunteer leaders and IRL member organisations to secure sustainability. IRL will further support the Board, staff and rural communities to implement projects and programmes that secure their sustainability in the 21st century.The roles' principal accountabilities are as follows:Reflect the views of IRL rural community members to policy makers at local, regional, national and European policy levels.Influence local and community development in our changing rural areas.Collate, support and disseminate models of rural development to all relevant stakeholders.Develop the organisation and management of IRL in a manner that is inclusive, participatory and sustainable.· Senior management experience leading and inspiring operational teams to deliver results· Lead the implementation of change programmes to deliver operational benefits· Experience of working within specific sectoral guidelines to deliver results· Excellent communication and presentation skills· Financial management experience· Managed senior-level third party relationships· Educated to degree or postgraduate level in a relevant discipline.· Minimum five years of previous experience in a senior coordination or management role within a similar organisation or sector.· Experience of working with annual and multi-annual grant-aided budgets, demonstrating an understanding of financial management.· Proven experience in leading, implementing, and managing change within an organisation.· Experience in planning and implementing projects.· A demonstrable commitment to the ethos and values of IRL.· Up-to-date knowledge of corporate and charity governance.· Strong IT, administrative, and organisational skills.IRL CEO PERSON SPECIFICATIONAs the Board of Irish Rural Link, we are seeking a CEO who will bring vision, ambition and leadership to guide the organisation into its next chapter of growth and impact. The role requires a relevant third-level qualification or equivalent leadership experience and a full clean drivers licence.We also require the following competencies:Leadership and Vision● A proven record of achievement at a senior leadership level in the nonprofit, public, or private sector, with responsibility for people and financial resources.● IRL is a values-led organisation that promotes the values of diversity, equity and inclusion. A proven understanding of these principles and the ability to integrate these values into the organisations' mission and strategic goals is essential. Fostering an inclusive workplace culture, supporting underrepresented groups and ensuring the organisations' programmes and services are equitable and accessible to all communities.● Demonstrated ability to build, inspire and lead a diverse team, supporting a high-performing and collaborative culture. That might mean adapting to new technologies, shifting organisational structures or managing a crisis.● Experience of working with boards to shape, develop and deliver strategic vision and plans.● A leader who motivates others, manages and leads change in a complex environment, promotes organisational learning and develops talent and succession.● A natural networker with excellent interpersonal skills, able to build and sustain constructive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.● Integrity and a deep commitment to Irish Rural Link's mission, vision and values.● Capacity and judgement to deliver effective solutions to complex challenges in a dynamic environment.● Strong communication skills with the proven ability to represent the organisation publicly, including experience in media and public relations.● Demonstrate an innovative mindset and a willingness to think outside the box. This might mean using new technologies, forming new partnerships and embracing new methods of service delivery to reach underserved groups or individuals.Governance and Organisational Sustainability● A strong understanding of governance requirements, with proven experience in promoting and upholding best practice.● Experience of working with and reporting to boards, with a commitment to accountability and transparency.● Commercial awareness and the ability to identify and pursue appropriate new opportunities for organisational growth. Explore new revenue streams and cultivate relationships with donors, foundations and government agencies and departments.● Significant financial expertise, including strategic financial planning, management and reporting.● Understanding the Non-profit and Rural Sector● A strong understanding of the nonprofit landscape in Ireland, including its challenges, opportunities, and emerging trends with a specific focus on rural communities.● Insight into the unique needs of rural communities and a commitment to advancing their interests through Irish Rural Link's work.COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS€95,000 per annum, pension contribution, 28 days annual leave, 6 months' probation. This role will be a 3-year fixed term contract, subject to continued funding.Location: Moate, Co. Westmeath. On site and travel required as part of the role. Full clear drivers licence required. Hybrid working options following probationary period.Reporting to: Chairperson of IRL Board.Hours of Attendance: 37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday however, additional hours will be required as may be reasonable and necessary for the proper performance of their duties. This role will require occasional European travel along with weekend and evening work.Please note the appointee may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business that may represent a conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of CEO.IRL is an equal opportunities employer.How to apply - Applications are invited from suitably qualified applicants from all sections of the community.● To apply, please upload your CV and a cover letter to Indeed.● Closing date for applications is December 12th at 5pm.● Interviews will be held on Tuesday December 16th in Moate, Co. Westmeath.● The post will be subject to reference checks and may be subject to Garda vetting/police clearance, as relevant.● Due to the large volume of applications, we are not in the position to provide individual feedback to applicants who are not shortlisted for interview.● The above information serves only as a guide to the advertised position. IRL, at its discretion, reserves the right to change this prior to appointment.● Late applications not considered.Pre-screening telephone interviews will take place during the recruitment process.Job Types: Full-time, Fixed termPay: €90,000.00-€95,000.00 per yearBenefits:Additional leaveBike to work schemeCompany eventsCompany pensionFree or subsidised travelOn-site parkingSick payWork from homeWork Location: In personApplication deadline: 12/12/2025