Job Opening – Castlebar Sports Hub/ Paddle Sports Project Officer

Canoeing Ireland in association with Mayo Sports Partnership are recruiting a dynamic and committed individual, as Full Time Sports Hub /Paddle Sports Project Officer, operating from the Castlebar Sports Hub.

This post will be integral to the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan to promote, attract and develop sustainable usage of the Sports Hub in Castlebar and Paddlesports nationally.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of and a relevant qualification in Adventure Sports with a focus on participation and support of Paddle Sport clubs in the region.

Contract type: Full time one-year fixed term.

Salary: €27,000

Location: Lough Lannagh, Knockacroghery, Castlebar, Co. Mayo,

Interested applicants should send a CV outlining your qualifications and experience, a letter outlining your suitability and match to the requirements, together with the names and contact details of two people (Relatives or friends will not be accepted) who can comment on your suitability for this position (including your current or most recent employer). Referees will not be contacted without your permission.
Applicants should be sent to operations@canoe.ie

Closing date: 30th April 2023 @5pm
Canoeing Ireland is an equal opportunities employer, and all applications will be treated in strictest confidence.
Successful candidates will only be offered the position subject to satisfactory Garda Vetting and completion of Safeguarding requirements.

JOB SPECIFICATION

Overall Purpose of Position:

To assist Mayo Sports Partnership & Canoeing Ireland in achieving its core objectives of:

Facilitate, support and build capacity at Lough Lannagh Castlebar, which will develop and expand the range of opportunities for people to participate in adventure sports more fully.
Developing partnership and co-ordination between the relevant local statutory organisations, smaller NGBs, voluntary bodies and maximizing their involvement in the development of Adventure Sports in the province.
Support the existing Paddle Sport clubs in Connacht in their development of their club development plans through governance, clubs’ structure, and programmes.
Deliver programmes to key target communities as agreed by Mayo Sports Partnership and Canoeing Ireland including schools, youth groups, clubs, and organisations in the region.

To support appropriate structure to develop a social enterprise initiative around Adventure Sports to sustain activity and identify sustainable income stream to support the social enterprise.
Increase participation and the opportunities for participation in Adventure Sports.
Promote the Community Outdoor Sports Hub as a venue for sustainable physical activity.

Specific Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Sports Co-Ordinator on an ongoing basis and CEO on a periodic or as required basis, the Hub Co-Ordinator/Paddle Sport Officer will have responsibility for the implementation of current and future development programmes of the Mayo Sports Partnership and Canoeing Ireland including inter alia: –

Education:

Planning, organising and implementing education & skills from Level 1 to Level 3 courses in adventure sports.
Assist in the implementation of national coaching courses as required.
Implementation of local and national programmes and training such as Safeguarding, First Aid, Coaching Children, Leadership etc
Research, administration, planning, organising and delivery of relevant courses, workshops and seminars.
Administration of and attendance at courses that are contracted out, maintaining the standards and representing MSP / ATU/Canoeing Ireland
Assist in the organisation of instructor training.
Providing education, up-skilling and identification of volunteers through various programmes and Club structures
Run CDP workshops on Paddle Awards and Club Development for clubs and instructors nationally

Development:

Organise and implement appropriate training and education activity for Schools, Adult groups, socially excluded groups, youth groups and people with disabilities.
Organise and implement Summer/Easter camp programme
Deliver programmes to key target communities.
Host Discipline Training Camps in Mayo.
Support and contribute to the preparation of operational plan for the delivery of an Adventure Sports Hub.
Carry out research and needs analysis as appropriate.
Support the Lough Lannagh Adventure Sports Network to enable clubs to work together.
Develop greater awareness of what’s available/upcoming events among members in the community. Set up an Adventure Sports Hub Advertising board.
Promote the benefits of general physical activity and involvement in adventure sports throughout the community.
Oversee use & storage of Dormant Account funded equipment for the Outdoor Sports Hub & Canoeing Ireland

Facility Development:

Assist stakeholders in facility grant application where relevant.
Make maximum use of hub and its facilities.
Prepare potential applications for Dormant Account, Sports Capital & other funding equipment / capital schemes

Management Processes:

Adhere to all management processes as directed by the CEO Canoeing Ireland and Co-ordinator of Mayo Sports Partnership and or persons nominated by them.
An agreed annual work programme must be implemented.
Supply reports on dates outlined by the Canoeing Ireland CEO and Sports Partnership Co-ordinator
Strictly adhere to procedures outlined by Sports Partnership Co-ordinator and CEO Canoeing Ireland in relation to any financial matters.
A quarterly report will be submitted to the Sports Partnership Co-ordinator and CEO Canoeing Ireland

Promotion of Paddle Sports/ Community Sports Hub:

Work in cooperation with all stakeholders to promote the sport and develop the Community Sports Hub.
Identify and assist local community initiatives which may benefit the development of the Community Sports Hub and paddle sports.
To support appropriate structure to develop a social enterprise initiative around Paddle Sport to sustain Paddle Sport activity and identify sustainable income stream to support the social enterprise.
Prepare, in consultation with MSP /Canoeing Ireland, regular press releases on upcoming events and successful achievements.
Promote Lough Lannagh Adventure Sports Hub through social media i.e., Twitter, Facebook and the Website

Administration