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Participation Manager
Swim Ireland
Swim Ireland is the National Governing Body (NGB) for Swimming, Water Polo, Diving and Artistic Swimming across the 32 counties of Ireland, with a vision of ‘An island of swimmers’. We exist to ensure swimming is at the heart of a healthy, active nation.
Job Posted- 15 Feb 2026
Status- Contract - Fixed Term
- Full Time
Location- Ireland
Closing date- 24 Feb 2026
Swim Ireland, the National Governing Body for aquatics on the island of Ireland, seek a dynamic and experienced Participation Manager to support and manage a nationwide team of ‘Get Ireland Swimming Activators’ who shall be responsible for driving the implementation of the National Swimming Strategy 2024-2027 at a localised level. This is a very exciting opportunity to help shape the future landscape of swimming in the Republic of Ireland, through a nationally led, locally driven approach.
Reporting to the Head of Participation & Activation, the Participation Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing an action plan to deliver more aquatic programmes to communities across the country with a special focus on hard-to-reach groups together with driving local activation through our Swimming Activators and Local Sports Partnerships. The role holder will have a strong understanding of the opportunities for increasing participation levels across the industry and line management of staff.
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.
Link to National Swim Strategy
Link to Swim Ireland Strategic Plan
Link to Swim Ireland Women in Sport Action Plan 24-26
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.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Participation Management
- Develop and implement plans to increase swimming participation which align to the goals set out in the National Swimming Strategy, Swim Ireland Strategic Plan, Swim Ireland’s DEIB Action Plan and Women in Sport Strategy
- Mentor and line manage a team of Swimming Activators based throughout Ireland at both local and regional level.
- Conduct monthly objective meetings with direct reports.
- Stakeholder Management – maintain and develop existing relationships with:
- Local Sports Partnerships, Local Authorities, Facility & Aquatics Academy partners, Community Agencies, Health Promotion Charities/ Organisations, and Sport Ireland; Others as relevant
- Identify opportunities to establish new relationships and funding opportunities.
- Ensure partnerships are mutually beneficial, monitored and maintained.
- Internal Collaboration – engage with other Swim Ireland departments to deliver programmes and other strategic objectives, including but not limited to: Supporting the roll out of the Swim Ireland Communications Framework; Infrastructure Operations (Pop-up pools; Seán MacDermott Street pool, Askeaton Pool); Clubs & Education; Competitions and Events and others as required.
Programme Development
- Develop a pathway of participation programmes to support sustained participation in aquatics, including transition pathways to clubs (Pool and Open Water).
- Design and develop new programmes / promote initiatives for target groups that may face barriers participating in sport
- Periodically review and update existing programmes as set out in the Participation Programme Prospectus such as AquaMoves, Swimmin’ Women, HE Swims etc.
Other
- Ensure that the highest safeguarding standards are ingrained throughout programmes and CPD.
- Attend Swim Ireland conferences, competitions and events as required.
- Attend leisure industry events and networking opportunities as required.
- Support other departments in Swim Ireland in the delivery of their work.
- Support the roll out of Swim Ireland initiatives.
- Other duties as required.
This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive; it is to be seen as enabling rather than restrictive and will be subject to regular review. It is intended as an outline indication of the areas of activity and will be amended considering the changing needs of the Activation/Participation Programme and/or Swim Ireland
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management/ Science, Education, Public Health, or a similarly related field.
- Previous experience in people management and direct line management
- Knowledge and experience of programme development in the sports or non-profit sector is highly desirable.
KEY QUALITIES
- An expertise in developing and leading the implementation of programmes to support more people participating in sport and physical activity.
- Excellent people skills, in particular management skills.
- Excellent communication and administration skills, with attention to detail.
- Strong work ethic, flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic working environment.
- Team player, with ability to work on their own initiative or under pressure.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Eligibility to work in Ireland on a full-time basis.
- Some evening and weekend work is expected, with flexible working hours also required.
- Full, clean driving license and access to vehicle.
- Excellent working knowledge of IT and software packages including MSOffice, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
APPOINTMENT SUBJECT TO SATISFACTORY
- Safeguarding & vetting requirements and reference checks.
- Applications should be made by clicking 'Apply Now' to send a Cover Letter and current CV for the attention of the HR Manager.
RELEVANT DATES
Closing date for applications is 24th February
Interviews will be held in Irish Sport HQ on w/c 2nd March
RENUMERATION AND LOCATION
- The package will include a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
- Position Tenure: 3 year fixed-term full-time contract.
- Position Location: Swim Ireland Head Office, Irish Sport HQ, Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.
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.