Leinster Rugby is seeking to appoint a Community Rugby Officer (Fingal County Council).

ROLE AND PURPOSE OF POSITION:

To promote the game and develop the club and wider community to support increased player participation in the designated area.
 
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
 
Operational: Community Rugby Manager
Functional: Domestic Rugby Manager
 
Manages:

The role does not involve line management; however there is a requirement for the individual to work closely with CCRO and “client” clubs/schools and liaise with Coach Development section on an ongoing basis to identify needs and opportunities. 
 
KEY QUALITIES:
 
Essential:

  • Ability to interact with players and coaches from Stage 1-3. 
  • Ability to critically review performance process and outcome
  • Ability to work with volunteer club members.
  • Ability to influence others and change thought processes
  • Excellent written and verbal communication/presentation skills
  • Clarity in decision-making
  • Well-developed time-management skills, including the ability to set and meet deadlines and to prioritise work
  • Ability to work alone and as part of a team
  • Good negotiating skills
  • Computer literate
  • Full driving license
  • Knowledge and understanding of Irish Rugby which can be demonstrated in decisions across coaching, refereeing and player development within a club environment. 
  • Knowledge and understanding of the Long Term Player Development Model
  • A clear understanding of the needs of Club Volunteers 
  • Knowledge of the geographical area of Fingal
  • Delivering national programmes with a high quality orientation
  • Resource allocation and management
  • Practical experience of analysing, developing and co-ordinating support services to Clubs
  • Ability to gain the confidence, respect and trust of others
  • Integrity and honesty
  • Committed, enthusiastic and motivated
  • Willingness and desire to entertain new ideas and seize opportunities
  • Willingness to accept and encourage constructive challenges
  • Ability to think differently and understand a wider context
  • Flexible, and adaptable to circumstances
  • Ability to work within a team environment

 
Desirable:

  • Knowledge of the developmental pathways for rugby players
  • Knowledge of specific preparation needs of players and coaches
  • Knowledge of the sporting landscape within the Isle of Ireland
  • Practical experience of working in a sports development and Club Development
  • Experience of working within a sports organisation
  • Knowledge of Fingal County Council 
  • Coaching qualifications at LTPD stages 1-3 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Responsible for a geographical region and/or a cluster of clubs and wider community. 
2. Responsible for growing the game in identified clubs and wider community and ensuring players have a life long experience in the game. This equally applies to both the male and female disciplines of the game.
3. Maintain up to date records of all clubs and their status/progress against agreed Rugby Operational Development Plans.
4. Working with the Community Rugby Manager (CRM) to implement Community Rugby partnerships – this may result in a cluster of clubs working together to employ local development officer who undertakes rugby development activities in the community and with schools.  This requires the CRO to have a good knowledge of provincial funding sources (ie LSP, County Councils, RAPID etc) and the ability to develop partnership agreements for the good of Irish Rugby.
5. Identify potential feeder schools for clubs, and initiate interaction with schools.  Prioritise schools for a rugby development programme and as required deliver these programmes (e.g., organise a block schedule to include coaching sessions, courses as per individual school needs).
6. Under the leadership of the CRM, deliver Blitzes/Extravaganzas, etc.
7. Have a full understanding of Club Support Scheme criteria – to include all development programmes, administration and when required ‘signposting’ all issues back to the IRFU
8. Have a basic knowledge of support documents / templates available to clubs.
9. Work with clubs so that they will benefit from provincial programmes to develop and recognise volunteers.
10. As required, implement seminars/workshops to increase the knowledge and expertise of volunteers.
11. Work with allocated clubs to ensure that they embrace the IRFU Child Welfare Policy and have an appointed Child Welfare Officer.  Report clubs that are not compliant to Programmes / Participation Manager.
12. Facilitate the operation of IRFU Tag in designated clubs, schools and community settings. 
13. Facilitate the operation of summer camps as requested in local clubs and community settings.
14. Facilitate projects as determined by the Domestic Rugby Manager.
15. Have responsibility for the operation of Summer Camps (as per the IRFU Policy).  This includes; approving venues, distribution of promotional literature, monitoring camp capacity and appointment of suitably qualified coaches.
16. Ensure clubs are active and update the player registration system each season to ensure player numbers are accurate.  Report clubs that are not compliant to Community Rugby Manager.
17. Carry out any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.
 
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work required from this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required.  The holder of this position is required to respond with a flexible approach when tasks arise which are not specifically covered in this job description.
 
WORKING PATTERN

The role will require the CRO to discharge their duties under a 5 / 7 working arrangement including evenings and weekends. Core days will be determined by the Domestic Rugby Manager.
 
PERFORMANCE MEASURES:

1.  Rugby Metrics (within the designated cluster of clubs, schools and colleges)

  • Increasing the number of teams across Age Grade and Adult teams
  • Promotion of the LTPD and adherence of all clubs, schools and colleges to the IRFU policy in relation to the LTPD
  • All clubs comply/achieve 100% in club support scheme (or equivalent should the Q Award be implemented)
  • Clubs comply with the IRFU Child Welfare policy
  • Clubs have an Active Club Development Plans

 
2. Business Metrics

  • Budget management
  • Securing revenue/resources from commercial and government sources
  • Managing all national programmes to agreed quantity and quality.
  • Managing provincial programmes ensuring they are on-time and within budget

 
3. Professional Approach

  • Achieving a high profile within club rugby through club visits, seminars and other rugby public occasions and conferences
  • Provide early warning of projects and programmes that are falling behind target dates or over-running on budget
  • Carry out duties and responsibilities as mentioned above to an effective and efficient standard;
  • Achieve set KPIs.
  • Maintaining effective relationships with various staff within provincial branch.
  • Portray a professional image on behalf of Leinster Rugby

 
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

KPI’s to be agreed with Community Rugby Manager on an annual or six-month basis.
 
 
To apply for the position, please send your CV to Linda Murphy, HR Generalist at linda.murphy@leinsterrugby.ie.

The closing date for applications is strictly 1pm on Friday, 20th November 2015, with interviews to take place on 7th December 2015. This position is being offered on a fixed term basis to March 2017.
 
Leinster Rugby is an equal opportunities employer.