Education Development Manager
Company: Sustainable Projects Ireland
Location: Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Co. Tipperary
Job Type: Part-time, 28 hours per week
Annual Pay: €36,400 gross (Full Time Equivalent)
About Cloughjordan Ecovillage and Sustainable Projects Ireland (SPI)
Imagine being part of Ireland's largest Ecovillage, a vibrant community of over 130 people dedicated to building a sustainable future. Located on 67 acres in County Tipperary, we're a hub of innovation for climate action and sustainability education.
Sustainable Projects Ireland CLG (SPI) is the member-led organisation behind the Ecovillage. Founded in 1999, our purpose is to create models for sustainable living, share our journey with others and serve as a resource for education, enterprise and research.
The Opportunity
We're looking for a highly motivated and experienced Education Development Manager to lead our educational programmes. This is a pivotal role that will directly shape the future of our educational and research initiatives. You will be instrumental in raising the national and international profile of the Ecovillage by ensuring our educational offerings are impactful, accessible and financially sustainable.
You'll be responsible for the strategic vision, design and market engagement of our educational programmes, making sure they align with our charitable mission and reach their full potential.
As part of our team, you'll have the chance to work with the Cloughjordan Ecovillage community on a wide range of sustainability issues.
Your Working Relationships
In broad terms, you'll work closely with the General Manager on the development and delivery of SPI's strategy and business plans; with the Education Officer to ensure smooth delivery of all group visits and with the Research Coordinator and VERT (Village Education and Research Group) on key developments and opportunities. You will report regularly to the SPI Board and Coordination Group.
Key Responsibilities
An overarching responsibility of the Education Development Manager is to meet agreed financial and service delivery targets for the financial year. Routes to achievement will be flexible provided they are aligned with the charity's objectives, ethos and strategic plans. Other key responsibilities include:
Strategic Vision & Programme Design
* Lead Strategic Planning: Drive the strategic development of our educational programmes in close collaboration with key SPI staff and groups.
* Oversee Programme Design: Manage the programme creation / improvement process, from designing and developing to costing programmes for specific target audiences. Service development will be grounded and informed by research on market needs and demand.
* Conduct Market Research: Research / liaise with similar educational centres to identify best practices, ensuring our programmes are impactful and competitive
Customer Engagement & Outreach
* Strategic Networking and Contacts: Participate in the relevant networks in order to keep in touch with sector news, needs, developments and opportunities.
* Lead Market Research: Identify and analyse target audiences and determine the best strategies to reach them.
* Develop Communication Strategies: Create and implement effective marketing and promotional strategies specifically for our services and educational offerings.
* Foster Strategic Partnerships: Build and nurture partnerships with other education providers to expand our reach and collaborative growth opportunities. This may include delivery of presentations at relevant events.
Financial & Impact Management
* Manage Financial Planning: Work with the General Manager and Treasurer to develop and oversee the educational programme budget, identifying income and funding streams to meet financial targets.
* Track Progress Against Plan: Monitor progress against financial and other targets and report against these, raising issues and concerns at the earliest opportunity.
* Monitor Impact: Measure and evaluate the impact of our programmes to demonstrate the effective delivery of our mission.
Delivery
* Assist with programme delivery where beneficial and appropriate to do so, including the delivery of presentations and tours.
Qualifications
For this role, suitable qualifications include a Level 8 NFQ degree or higher in one or more of the following fields:
* Education
* Sustainability / Environmental Science
* Business / Non-profit Management
Experience and Skills
The successful candidate will ideally have a track record in:
* Designing, managing, and delivering educational programmes.
* Financial management and securing income and funding streams.
* Market research and developing communication strategies.
* Working within a non-profit or community-focused organisation.
We are looking for:
* Proven Experience: Significant experience and success in designing, managing and delivering educational programmes, preferably in a non-profit or community-focused organisation (essential)
* Passion for Sustainability: A strong understanding of sustainability principles and a genuine passion for ecological and social transformation (essential)
* Financial Acumen: Excellent financial management skills with a track record of identifying and securing income and funding streams to meet targets (essential)
* Communication & Engagement: Exceptional communication, interpersonal, presentation skills (essential)
* Creative & Proactive: A proactive and creative approach to problem-solving (essential)
* Team & Independent Work: The ability to work both independently and collaboratively. To lead and support as circumstances require (essential)
* Project Management Skills: Including a strong ability to plan and prioritise tasks according to requirements (essential)
* Research Skills: Experience in gathering market and competitor/collaborator information to shape new initiatives (desirable)
* Experience of working in a charity and / or community setting (desirable)
* Good knowledge and understanding of the Ecovillage project (desirable)
Wider Benefits
We foster a positive, supportive work culture with a strong emphasis on teamwork and mutual support. We also offer flexible hours and remote working options where possible to support your professional and personal development. The organisation also provides 4 company closures days (24, 27, 28 and 31 December) over and above company and statutory holiday entitlement.
Contract Term
The initial contract term will be 12 months, with a view to extending it until the end of 2027 and beyond. The charity's strategic plans identify a need for the continuation of this and other staff roles for the foreseeable future, subject to funding.
Start Date
Early December 2025
Work Location
A combination of remote and on-site work in Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary.
To Apply
If you are a passionate professional ready to make a tangible difference, we encourage you to apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a (max) one page cover letter outlining their suitability for this role. Please send these to
Closing Date
12 October 2025
Interview Dates for Shortlisted Candidates
20th or 21st October (zoom or in person)
30th October (in person at Cloughjordan Ecovillage)
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: €29,120.00 per year
Expected hours: 28 per week
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Flexitime
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cloughjordan, CO. Tipperary