The GAA, in conjunction with Leinster GAA and Carlow GAA, are now welcoming applications for the role of Games Development Coordinator in County Carlow.

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. The role will also focus on establishing self-sufficient and sustainable clubs by building capacity and capability within the volunteer structure to deliver a games development programme.

A key target associated with the role will be the growth and retention of coach and player participation.

The role holder shall be required to work 39 hours per week, which will include weekends and evenings when required, and the hours may vary depending on seasonal changes.

Principle Accountabilities include but are not limited to:

Operations

• Oversee the timely implementation of Association policies, strategies and programmes relating to coaching and games development within a region of a county;
• Manage 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 

• Coordinate and supervise 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;
• Liaise with and support a team of Coach Developers in the County to deliver coach and referee development;
• Coordinate the recruitment, training and deployment of Cúl Camp and Club-School Link coaches within a region of the county.

Leadership

• Assist 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;
• Ensure the effective use of GAA coaching and games development IT Systems;
• Ensure programmes are delivered in line with national games development policy;
• Coordinate the delivery of programmes in areas of potential growth and develop strategies to increase engagement in Gaelic Games and specific codes.

Club Support

• Coordinate 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)
• Liaise, support and provide on-going training and development opportunities to Club Coaching Officers;
• With the Club Coaching and Children’s Officer ensure all coaches and volunteers meet the required coaching, vetting and safeguarding requirements;
• 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 and 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

Camps

Intra and Inter-Club Super Games

Diversity and Inclusion Programmes

Intra and Inter-Club Recreational Games for youths and adults

• 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;
• 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

• Coordinate the delivery of the GAA 5 STAR Programme in primary schools introducing and engaging children in all Gaelic Games;
• Coordinate and oversee 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
• Assist with the delivery of Transition Year and GAA Future Leaders Programme;
• Coordinate and provide on going training and support to a network of Club School Link Coaches.

Talent Academy/Player Development Support

• Support the County Head of Games in identification of players and coaches to participate in the county talent academy programme;
• Coordinate and organise as required regional/divisional games activities to support the programme;
• Guide and support clubs and schools on the delivery of player development supports ensuring coherence with talent academy programme;.

Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with the relevant Coaching and Games Development Committees at County level
• Work effectively 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

• It is a 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;
• 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;
• Appropriate 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 a 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.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in managing/supervising staff;
• GAA Tutor/Coach Developer qualification;
• Third level sports science qualification;
• Strong coach education experience.

Other Requirements:

• Own car with a 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 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, Tuesday 15th August 2023.

The GAA is an equal opportunities employer.