Job Title: LOI Club - Academy Director
Location: LOI Club Nationwide
Direct Reporting Line: CEO and/or Sporting Director or similar
Commencement Date: TBC
Duration: Year Fixed Term, Full-Time
Direct Reports: All Academy Staff including the Head of Academy Coaching
Introduction
The League of Ireland is inviting applications to form a panel of suitable candidates for roles within League of Ireland (LOI) Academies nationwide. This recruitment process represents the first stage in identifying qualified individuals who may be appointed by League of Ireland Clubs as opportunities arise. Candidates who successfully progress beyond Stage One will be required to participate in a further club-specific recruitment and selection process with the relevant League of Ireland club(s) prior to any formal offer of employment. Successful candidates will be employed directly by the respective League of Ireland club.
The Role
The Academy Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, management, and the overall advancement of the Club's girls and boys Academy. The role supports the creation of a high-performing development environment that prioritises culture, player development, strong governance, operational excellence, and business development to support the Academy's long-term sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
* Establish and embed a professional culture of excellence across all areas of the Academy.
* Lead the formulation and execution of the Academy Strategy and Academy Performance Plan, ensuring full alignment with the Club's overall football philosophy and long-term objectives.
* Build and oversee a clear departmental structure within the Academy, defining roles, responsibilities, and accountability to drive performance and professional standards.
* Lead, inspire, and unify all Academy departments—coaching, recruitment, education, welfare, and performance, into a cohesive, high-performing team operating within an integrated player development framework.
* Work in close partnership with the Sporting Director, CEO, and Board to create structured progression routes from the Academy to the Club's women's & men's first teams (where applicable) and to advance the Club's broader sporting strategy.
* Represent the Academy at Technical Board meetings, providing clear, evidence-based insights and monthly progress reports to the Board.
* Ensure equality of access for male and female academy players, including the long term strategic growth and development of the female academy where gaps exist.
Player Development
* Work in close partnership with the Sporting Director and/or the Head of Academy Coaching to oversee the design, implementation, and continuous refinement of a progressive player-centred development model that prioritises the development of the individual within a team structure.
* Ensure the Academy's coaching curriculum, methodology, and talent pathway are continuously evolving to reflect best practice and emerging trends in player development including female specific elements.
* Embed an innovative approach to athletic development, integrating physical conditioning, performance science, and injury prevention in the development model ensuring female athlete health and performance differences are factored into consideration.
* Foster a culture of learning amongst players, encouraging the use of technology, performance analysis, and data to enhance development outcomes.
* Ensure alignment between age-group programmes to create a seamless progression pathway from Academy to women's and men's first teams.
* Promote holistic development by supporting players' education, welfare, and personal growth alongside their athletic advancement.
* Ensure female specific player development needs and demands are catered for.
Operations
* Oversee the effective day-to-day operation of the Academy, ensuring all activities are delivered to the highest professional standards.
* Lead the Academy Management Team (AMT) to ensure clear planning, coordination, and execution across all departments.
* Implement and maintain robust operational systems, processes, and procedures to support efficiency, consistency, and accountability.
* Manage the Academy budget effectively, ensuring all expenditure is planned, controlled, and aligned with strategic and operational priorities with particular attention to gender equity in overall budget management.
* Oversee scheduling, logistics, and facility management to optimise the training and match environment.
* Monitor and evaluate operational performance, identifying areas for improvement and driving timely, effective solutions.
* Ensure resources, equipment, and infrastructure are managed efficiently to maximise value and support long-term sustainability.
* Maintain accurate operational and financial records, documentation, and reporting to support planning, audit, and compliance requirements.
Governance & Compliance
* Take the lead in all aspects of Academy governance, establish and maintain robust governance frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to all operational, legal, and funding obligations.
* Lead the preparation, coordination, and delivery of all LOI Academy Mark and any subsequent Academy Analysis Audits and/or Governance Audits, ensuring all documentation, evidence, and reporting meet the required standards.
* Ensure all Academy policies, procedures, and safeguarding measures are consistently applied, regularly reviewed, and aligned with best practice.
* Maintain accurate governance and operational records, submitting timely reports to the Board and relevant stakeholders to demonstrate compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Business Development
* Lead the development and implementation of talent management and value creation strategies that enhance the Academy's contribution to the Club's long-term financial sustainability.
* Establish a structured approach to talent identification, player progression strategies and retention mechanisms to protect and maximise the Club's return on investment in Club Developed Players.
* Continually monitor and analyse market trends, player valuations, and transfer dynamics within the football financial ecosystem to inform strategic decision-making.
* Foster relationships with key industry stakeholders to strengthen pathways for player progression and optimise long-term value creation.
* Provide regular reports to the Board on player value trends, potential revenue opportunities, and the Academy's overall financial impact.
People & Culture
* Recruit & lead a high-performing, motivated multi-disciplinary team who are fully aligned with the Club's overall strategy, values, and player development philosophy.
* Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous professional growth across all Academy departments.
* Promote innovation, integrity, inclusion and respect to ensure the Academy operates as a unified, forward-thinking, and values-driven team.
* Work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Officer, ensuring all safeguarding policies, practices and procedures are implemented and updated annually.
* Monitor the gender make up of all supporting staff, coaches and volunteers ensuring gender balance in roles where possible.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Build strong, professional relationships with players & parents, maintaining open dialogue on player progress, welfare, and development.
* Maintain effective engagement with external stakeholders, including the League of Ireland, FAI, and other partner organisations, to support compliance, collaboration, and shared objectives.
* Represent the Academy with professionalism and integrity across all internal and external forums, promoting the Club's vision and strengthening its reputation within the football community.
* Attend all mandated LOI Academy meetings, events, workshops and educational seminars.
Miscellaneous
* Any other Academy related duty that may be assigned to you from time to time.
Key Requirements
* Minimum UEFA A Licence (or equivalent).
* Deep and continually evolving knowledge of the academy football environment in Ireland and/or abroad.
* Strong understanding of rules, regulations, and governance across the football ecosystem.
* Excellent organisational, communication, and leadership skills.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office and general IT applications.
* Garda Vetting & Safeguarding Qualification
Desirable
* UEFA Elite Youth A Licence
* Relevant third-level qualification in Sports Management, Coaching, or a related discipline.
* Proven success in developing players from academy to senior level.
* Experience in stakeholder engagement with governing bodies, leagues, and partner organisations.
* Familiarity with academy audit processes and performance measurement frameworks.
* Experience contributing to or leading strategic projects within a football or sporting context.
* Proven budget management and operational planning capability.
Application Details
* Closing date for receipt of panel applications is close of business on 23rd January 2026.
* Shortlisting and interviewing process will take place thereafter.