Job Vacancy – Education Manager

Swim Ireland is the National Governing Body (NGB) for Swimming, Water Polo, Diving and associated Aquatic Disciplines on the island of Ireland.  Swim Ireland’s Head Office is based at Irish Sport HQ, National Sports Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 with circa 60 employees.  Swim Ireland’s remit as a Governing Body is to increase participation, run the competitive aspect of our sport and to provide a framework for regulation. For further information, please see our website at www.swimireland.ie.

We are currently recruiting for an Education Manager to join our dynamic team.

Swim Ireland is the leading provider of swim education on the island of Ireland. We are the only delivery and awarding body whose qualifications are recognised by Sport Ireland Coaching and Sport NI (the two Sport Councils within Ireland).

The Education Department deliver swimming teaching qualifications, as well as coaching qualifications across several aquatic disciplines (Artistic Swimming, Diving, Water Polo and Open Water Swimming). Additionally, Swim Ireland Education provides Continuous Professional Development opportunities to coaches and teachers, and in 2024 launched the Register of Aquatic Professionals, recognising the professional nature of aquatic programme delivery at all levels. Short courses are provided through e-learning and virtual classroom opportunities, such as Officials and Team Managers, and Safeguarding courses.

Swim Ireland’s selection process aims to ensure that we get the right people recruited into the right role.  We want to ensure that you have the best opportunity to display your skills and experience.  Swim Ireland has identified Core Values that we consider to be integral to delivering exceptional service to our stakeholders.  These Core Values are

• Skills, Professionalism, Knowledge
• Wellbeing & Inclusivity
• Integrity and Excellence in Governance
• My Passion, Our Vision
• Teamwork & Collaboration

If selected for interview, you will be provided with a candidate support pack giving you information and guidance on the selection process.

 

Role and Reporting Structure

Reporting to the Head of Clubs and Education, the Education Manager will lead in the delivery of the annual Coach and Teacher Development Programme across the network of Swim Ireland clubs and the leisure industry. They will also manage the delivery of supporting courses such as Safeguarding, Official and Team Manager Development, and Continuous Professional Development.

 

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Market leading Education – working with Education Support Officers, the role holder will maintain high standards of qualification delivery across the sector by:
  • Publishing an annual education and training calendar, providing a wide range of learning opportunities, to support up to 1,000 newly qualified coaches and teachers per year.
  • Achieving annual financial and course completion targets, through monthly management of accounts.
  • Deliver annual coaching/ teaching conferences, and support delivery of regional conferences.
  • Maintain high standards of quality assurance through Internal Verification and External Verification with Sport Ireland Coaching.
  • Monitoring and maintaining course feedback, adjusting as needed, to ensure customer satisfaction remains high.
  • Review and update Continuous Professional Development opportunities to ensure coaches and teachers can avail of relevant learning opportunities.
• Programme Development and Delivery – the role holder will support the development and delivery of a comprehensive education development programme, to include:
• Identifying and developing new training opportunities and resources to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our clubs and the leisure industry.
• Periodically reviewing and updating course content and delivery methods, in conjunction with Head of Department,
• Reviewing and updating policies, resources, templates etc. as required.
• Setting clearly defined outcomes for courses and direct reports, including tangible measures of success.
• Managing and maintaining education management software; including JustGo membership database, Learn Upon learning management system, video editing and animation software.
• Engagement – the Education Manager will lead engagement with clubs, swimming pools and customers through:
  • Attending relevant industry events to promote Swim Ireland Education.
  • Publish weekly and monthly newsletters to provide relevant updates.
  • Prompt response to phone call and email queries.
  • Promote Swim Ireland Education through social media campaigns in line with Swim Ireland Communications Framework.
  • Outreach at Swim Ireland competitions and other Swim Ireland events.
  • Maintain and develop existing relationships with Swim Ireland clubs and regions, Local Sports Partnerships, Swim Ulster, Sport Ireland Coaching and Swimming Pools.
  • Measuring the impact of engagements with course attendees.
• Manage Swim Ireland merchandising and associated targets.
• Line manage two Education Support Officers, including recruiting, training and supporting staff.

 

Other

• Ensure Swim Ireland website is up to date with resources and support information.
• Respond to all phone and email queries within 24 hours.
• Attend industry events and networking opportunities as required.
• Deliver on relevant objectives within the Swim Ireland strategy, DEIB Action Plan, Women in Sport Strategy and Communications Framework.
• Engage with other Swim Ireland departments to deliver programmes, initiatives and other strategic objectives.
• Other duties as required.

 

Education and Experience

• Relevant experience in a similar role, or previous experience in a sports environment.
• People Management experience.
• Relevant Third Level Qualification.
• Prior experience using learning management systems, video editing and animation software is an advantage.

 

Key Qualities

• Excellent communication and administration skills, with attention to detail.
• Excellent people skills, willing to meet new people and work with volunteers.
• Comfortable presenting and directing meetings.
• Strong work ethic, flexibility and adaptability.
• Team player, with ability to work on their own initiative or under pressure.

 

 

Essential Requirements

• Be eligible to work in Ireland on a full-time basis.
• Some evening and weekend work is expected, availability for flexible working hours is required.
• Full, clean driving license and access to vehicle.
• Excellent working knowledge of IT and software packages including MSOffice, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

 

Applicants should note that this list is not exhaustive and is subject to change as required as appropriate.

 

Remuneration and Location

• The package will include a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience to commence at circa €37,000 per annum. Option to join company pension on completion of probationary period.
• Position Tenure: 3 year fixed-term full-time contract.
• Position Location: Swim Ireland Head Office, Irish Sport HQ, Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. Some level of hybrid working will be permitted but is dependent on the requirements of the business.

 

Appointment will be made subject to satisfactory:

Safeguarding and vetting requirements; and reference checks.

Applications should be made for the attention of the HR Manager – chloekinahan@swimireland.ie

and should include a Cover Letter and up to date CV.

Closing date for applications is Thursday 15 May @ 12pm.

Interviews will be held in Irish Sport HQ on Monday 26 May 2025.

At Swim Ireland, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every element in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.  You may be just the right candidate to for this or other roles.  Swim Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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