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Head of Region - Connacht

Football Association of Ireland HQ
Full-time
Fixed-term

What is the job?

Job Title: Head of Region - Connacht

Location: FAI HQ Abbottstown & Regionally

Direct Reporting Line:  Head of Grassroots

Commencement Date: ASAP

Duration: Specified Purpose Contract – Maternity Leave Cover, Full-Time

Work Model: Hybrid 


The Role

The Head of Region plays a pivotal leadership role within grassroots football, providing strategic, operational and people leadership across their designated region. The role is accountable for ensuring regional alignment with the Association’s overall strategy and the Football Pathways Plan, while supporting staff to deliver high quality programmes, strong partnerships, and meaningful community impact. This role requires a strong leader capable of managing complex relationships, developing regional growth plans and enhancing governance and operational standards across grassroots football.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Alignment & Regional Delivery
  • Support the development and implementation of a regional plan aligned with the Association’s strategy and Football Pathways Plan.
  • Provide leadership and guidance to Regional Leads to ensure high quality consistent programme delivery.
  • Use data, insights, and feedback to inform decision making, regional planning and resource allocation.
  • Identify opportunities for growth, innovation and increased participation within the region.
Stakeholder Management
  • Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with Local Authorities, leagues, clubs and internal departments.
  • Act as a key liaison supporting communication across regional stakeholders.
  • Mediate challenges, support conflict resolution and promote collaborative working environments.
  • Represent the FAI at regional forums, consultations and events.
 
Governance Framework for Grassroots Football
  • Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of a national governance framework that strengthens integrity and sustainability in grassroots football.
  • Promote the adoption of best practice governance standards across the region.
 
Local Authority Support & Engagement
  • Lead engagement with Local Authorities to align regional objectives with local community needs.
  • Support the delivery of local football development plans, facility projects and participation initiatives.
  • Manage and report on Local Authority grant funding.
  • Build partnerships that support sustainable football ecosystems and drive inclusion, access and long term grassroots development.
  • Advocate for investment that enhances community participation and grassroots infrastructure.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate with Function Leads and fellow Heads of Region to ensure consistent delivery nationwide.
  • Contribute to policy development, cross regional initiatives and Association improvements.
  • Ensure regional insights, risks and opportunities are communicated effectively.

The Person

Person Specification

  • Strong strategic thinker and problem solver.
  • Skilled communicator with excellent relationship building ability.
  • Confident leader able to support teams across diverse locations.
  • Collaborative, adaptable and committed to community impact.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential:

  • Third level qualification in sports management or related field or minimum of 5 years’ experience in grassroots football, sports development or a related environment.
  • Significant experience in strategic planning or operational delivery within sport, community development, or a related area.
  • Deep understanding of the FAI’s governance framework and broader constitutional obligations.
  • Proven ability to manage stakeholder relationships, including Local Authorities and community partners.
  • Strong leadership experience with teams working across multiple locations.
  • Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
  • Good understanding of grassroots football structures and community needs.
  • Ability to interpret insight and data to inform decision-making and programme improvement.
Desirable:
  • Business or commercial experience.
  • Budgeting and financial management skills.
  • Experience in strategy implementation and risk management.

Skills & Professional Knowledge

  • Football (Sport) Governance & Structures
  • Relationship Management
  • Budget Management
  • Collaboration & Teamwork
  • Communication & Influence
  • Accountability & Professional Excellence

Closing details

Final date for receipt of applications is close of business on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.

Shortlisting and interviewing process will take place thereafter.

The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and promotes, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I).

About us

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the national governing body for football in Ireland, driving the growth, promotion, and development of the game at all levels. We are passionate about inspiring participation, supporting talent, and celebrating the power of football to unite communities across the country. With a proud history and an ambitious vision for the future, the FAI is committed to fostering excellence on and off the pitch, ensuring the game is inclusive, accessible, and a source of national pride. 

Our Benefits 
We are proud of the range of benefits we can provide:
•Two premium level tickets to each home international game
•Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave
•Opportunities to work at international matches
•Company pension 
•Life assurance 
•Bike to work scheme 
•Free onsite parking 
•Employee assistance program 
•Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements 
•Discounted access to the National Aquatic Centre and gym complex
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