Vacancy – Open Water Swimming Activator

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 a newly created role of Open Water Swimming Activator to join our dynamic team.

This is an exciting time as we are currently going through a reinvigoration of the Participation & Activation Department support the implementation of the National Swimming Strategy 2024-2027 at a localised level. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving the growth of Open Water Swimming.

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

The post holder will be part of the Participation and Activation Team and will report to the Participation Manager.

Key Areas of Responsibility

1. Swimming Places
   • Engage with LSPs and Local Authorities to identify popular outdoor swimming spots and to ensure locations are safe, accessible, inclusive and welcoming.
   • Identify and promote available funding for projects to improve access for all at beaches and/or open water sites via the purchase of appropriate equipment e.g. beach matting and wheelchairs etc. amongst Local Authorities and Local Sports Partnerships.
   • Review and regularly update the Swim Ireland Swim Spots Map, to enhance knowledge of suitability of swimming locations, water quality, safety arrangements, weather etc.
2. Swimming People
   • Organise open water swimming teaching courses in conjunction with the Education department.
   • Increase the diversity of our Community Coach community by engaging with hard-to-reach groups to promote open water swimming.
   • Recruit and support the training of open water workforce, including lifeguards and coaches, in association with Local Swimming Activators.
   • Engage with open water swimming groups, including established clubs and informal/ casual groups to provide guidance and information to support sustained and safe participation and signposting to funding streams.
   • Develop a pathway for casual swimmers and groups to become part of the Swim Ireland Family.
   • Develop an outdoor swimming forum for all stakeholders to input into the development of open water swimming and associated issues.
3. Swimming Programmes
   • Support the design, development and roll out of a Swim Ireland Open Water Strategy.
   • Lead in the delivery of Swim Ireland open water programmes nationally and support the delivery of events as required.
   • Support the development of open water programmes in collaboration with Local Sports Partnerships.
   • Work collaboratively with the Swim Ireland Events & Competitions Team to identify opportunities for Open Water Swimmers of all ages and abilities to participate in events and signpost programme participants to such events.
   • Work collaboratively with the Swim Ireland Clubs and Education Clubs Team to support the development of an Open Water Pathway for club swimmers.
   • Work with the National Water Polo Committee to develop and pilot a summer programme of Outdoor Water Polo.
   • Deliver specific lifecycle programmes in swimming to support females to participate at all stages of the lifecycle.
   • Deliver programmes for hard-to-reach groups, in line with Sport Ireland and Healthy Ireland objectives.
   • Seek feedback and evaluate programmes periodically.
   • Engage and deliver on campaigns and key events e.g. European Week of Sport, HER Outdoors.
   • Promote programmes such as “Leave no Trace” and “Clean Coasts” and ensure swimmers are informed about how to minimise their impact on the surrounding environment.
   • Continue to ensure that the highest safeguarding standards are ingrained throughout the sport, from grassroots to performance level.
4. Swimming Partners
   • Create awareness and clarify Swim Ireland’s role and relevance in open water swimming and water safety with partners and the wider public.
   • Develop and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders such as Water Safety Ireland, RNLI, RLSS, Local Authorities and Local Sports Partnerships.
   • Engage with Community groups, Charities and other supporting organisations to promote swimming programmes and identify participants.

Other

• Set and monitor standards for the delivery of open water swimming programmes.
• Collate all evaluation data as required by Swim Ireland, producing regular reports.
• Monitor the budget for delivery of programmes, ensuring that spending is within allocated budget.

Person Specification:

Education and Experience

• Relevant experience in a similar role, or previous experience in a sports environment.
• Relevant third level qualification to degree level in Sports Development, Sports & Recreation, Health Promotion, or other relevant disciplines.

or

• At least 2 years of relevant on the job experience.
• Ability to work on your own initiative.
• Ability to deal with queries efficiently and effectively.
• A knowledge of local and regional sports structures.
• Swimming teacher qualification would be beneficial.
• Highly motivated and have a proven track record in sports development and programme delivery.

Key Qualities

• Excellent organisational and leadership
• Excellent communication and administration skills, with attention to detail.
• Excellent people skills, willing to meet new people and work with volunteers.
• 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 a vehicle, some travel is required as part of this role.
• Excellent working knowledge of IT and software packages including MSOffice, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge and experience of designing, delivering and evaluating programmes.

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 €35,000 per annum.
• Position Tenure: 3 year fixed-term full-time contract.
• Position Location: Sport Ireland Campus, 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 Tuesday 4 February 2025 @ 12 midday
• Interviews will be held in Irish Sport HQ the week commencing 17 February 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 for this or other roles.  Swim Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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