Canoeing Ireland has an exciting opportunity to join our team for 2025! We are looking for a motivated and dynamic Development Officer to lead the promotion of paddle sports in the Canoeing Ireland Training Centre. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate individual with a strong background in paddle sports to come on board help grow our sport in Ireland.

Location: Canoeing Ireland Training Centre, Chapelizod.

Employment Type: Full-time

Key Responsibilities:

  • Business Development:
    • Lead the promotion and development of the Canoeing Ireland Training Centre.
    • Identify opportunities for growth, partnerships, and new revenue streams to enhance the Centre’s operations and offerings.
    • Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including clubs, schools, and community groups.
  • Course and Assessment Facilitation:
    • Work with the Canoeing Ireland Development Team to plan, organise, and deliver courses and assessments across the country.
    • Act as a liaison with the Canoeing Ireland team to ensure the highest standards of safety, instruction, and participant satisfaction.
    • Support and mentor instructors to build capacity within the paddle sports community.
  • National Development:
    • Collaborate with the Development Team on national strategies to grow paddle sports participation and standards.
    • Assist in creating pathways for instructor and coach development nationwide.
  • Operational Support:
    • Contribute to the day-to-day operations of the Canoeing Ireland Training Centre.
    • Assist in managing resources, facilities, and logistics for training and events.

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Minimum Level 3 Instructor Qualification.
  • Proven ability in business development or a strong understanding of the sports sector.
  • Strong organisational and communication skills.
  • A collaborative mindset with a willingness to work as part of a team.
  • Full clean driving license.
  • Fulfil all Canoeing Ireland’s safeguarding requirements.
  • Two recent relevant references.

Experience, skills and attributes that will support an application will include: 


  • A range of experience in canoeing disciplines and a range of sports.
  • L3 Instructorship in River, Canoe or Sea paddling.
  • Experience of working in a sports development environment.
  • Have completed the Sport Ireland Instructor Developer or Coach Developer Programme or be on the Instructor Developer Panel.
  • Experience of working with sports clubs, community groups, and young people in a community setting
  • Experience in planning, coordinating, and delivering sustainable sporting & recreational programmes
  • Recognised qualification at degree level or equivalent in sports development, leisure management or similar
  • A good understanding of project-based programme delivery with measurable outcomes
  • A good understanding of and experience in project evaluation
  • Be motivated by and committed to sports development and increasing opportunities for participation
  • Be self-motivated and able to work independently to meet or exceed goals
  • Flexible approach to working evenings and weekends.

What We Offer:

  • Full-time role based at our Training Centre, Strawberry Beds, Dublin
  • A supportive, passionate, and driven team environment.
  • Opportunities for professional development and progression within the organisation.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and cover letter detailing their suitability for the role to Ciarán Maguire, Director of Operations, operations@canoe.ie by 15th December 2024.

Canoeing Ireland is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities.

Become a part of our mission to grow and enhance paddle sports across Ireland!