Executive Officer: Sports Development Officer

1. PREAMBLE

Mary Immaculate College is an autonomous, university level, Catholic College of Education and the Liberal Arts. Founded in 1898 and linked academically with the University of Limerick, MIC is the oldest higher education institution in Limerick. Significant expansion in recent decades has seen the College’s offerings expand across two modern campuses, one based in Limerick City and one in Thurles, County Tipperary.

The student community consists of more than 5,000 learners, participating in fifteen undergraduate degree programmes and several postgraduate programmes extending to Doctor of Philosophy or doctoral level. Academic staff engage in a wide range of research areas, and research underpins all teaching and learning at MIC.

MIC seeks to prepare its students for professional excellence and to nurture their capacity to lead flourishing lives.

2. CANDIDATE PROFILE AND SCOPE OF THE POSITION

The College wishes to fill the position of Sports Development Officer at Executive Officer grade at MIC St Patrick’s Campus, Thurles on a full time, permanent basis.

The position of Sports Development Officer is a key administrative role. The appointee will have responsibility for a wide range of duties relating to the functioning of sport at MIC Thurles.

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

A relevant third level qualification at Level 7 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications and a minimum of 2 years relevant experience, preferably in a sports environment in a third level education administrative setting

or

A minimum of 3 years relevant experience, preferably in a sports environment in a third level education administrative setting

Strong understanding of the Gaelic Athletic Association structures and pathways relevant to third level and understanding of other third level sports and their competition structures

Strong administrative, organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise, manage and complete a variety of tasks on time

Experience in stakeholder and partnership engagement

Student focused, inclusive and development orientated

An understanding of budgeting

Excellent Information Technology skills, in particular a high degree of proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Strong communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills

Excellent problem solving capabilities with an aptitude for process optimisation and improvement

A proven ability to work effectively and efficiently as part of a team and on own initiative

It is desirable that candidates will also have:

An understanding of the concept of the Dual Career Athlete and the Sport Ireland Athlete Support and Advisory Service programme

Cuirfear fáilte roimh iarratais ó dhaoine go bhfuil dearcadh dearfach acu i leith na Gaeilge.

Applications are welcome from people who have a positive outlook to the Irish language.

3. JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting Relationship

The appointee is required to carry out the duties attached to the post under the general direction of the Director of Sport, to whom they report and to whom they are responsible for the performance of these duties in the first instance.

The reporting relationship is subject to review and may be altered from time to time in line with service needs and developments in the College.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Sports Development Officer will provide dedicated leadership for sport at MIC Thurles, ensuring that sport is:

Strategically aligned with institutional priorities

Professionally governed and operationally efficient

Developmental, inclusive and student centred

Positioned to contribute to MIC’s civic and regional mission

Core Responsibilities

Oversee the delivery of sport provision on the Thurles campus

Fixture scheduling and facility coordination

Match day operations including transport, medical provision and logistics

Liaise with other third level institutions and competitions

Liaise with the Higher Education Gaelic Athletic Association, the governing body for third level Gaelic games

Governance and compliance support for clubs under the guidance of the Director of Sport

Development and implementation of new sporting and physical activity opportunities

Preparation and or support of grant, funding and sponsorship applications

Prepare a yearly budget for sport under the guidance of the Director of Sport

Engagement with National Governing Bodies of Sport

Engagement with Student Sport Ireland

Contribution to institutional reporting on student experience and wellbeing

The work is broadly defined and the list of duties is not exhaustive. The performance of the entire range of duties is not necessarily confined to any one individual, as the work requires that staff function in a flexible manner and work together as a team.

The College retains the right to assign new duties and or reassign staff to other areas of the College in response to service needs.

4. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

General

All persons employed will sign an appropriate contract which will contain the terms and conditions of employment. A job description is provided to all applicants and will form part of the contract documentation.

Place of Work

The normal place of work will be Mary Immaculate College, St Patrick’s Campus, Thurles. The College reserves the right to require the appointee to work from any other location.

It is a requirement that the appointee resides within a reasonable distance of the College.

MIC operates a blended working policy which offers scope to combine office attendance with remote working, subject to policy provisions.

Exclusivity of Service and Outside Work

The appointee must devote full time attention to their duties and act in the best interests of the College at all times.

Outside work is not permitted without prior written consent from the Vice President Administration and Finance. Any approved external work must be undertaken in a private capacity and not on behalf of the College.

Probationary Period

The appointment is subject to a standard 6 month probationary period, which may be extended up to a maximum of 11 months.

Performance will be reviewed through assessment meetings. Employment may be terminated during probation at the discretion of the College.

Hours of Attendance

The full time working week is 35 hours.

Normal working hours are:

Monday to Thursday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with a 1 hour unpaid lunch break

Friday: 9:00 am to 4:45 pm with a 45 minute unpaid lunch break

Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. Time off in lieu or overtime may apply in accordance with College policy.

Salary

The salary scale for Executive Officer grade with effect from 1 February 2026 is:

€36,207; €38,419; €39,203; €41,455; €43,594; €45,511; €47,364; €49,211; €51,024; €52,889; €54,749; €56,721; €58,044; €59,930 (Long Service Increment); €61,826 (Second Long Service Increment)

A separate scale applies for non new entrants.

Salary is paid monthly and is subject to statutory deductions including Income Tax, Pay As You Earn, Pay Related Social Insurance, Universal Social Charge and pension contributions.

Superannuation

New entrants will participate in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.

Other eligible appointees will join the Colleges of Education Pension Scheme, with contributions deducted from salary.

Additional Superannuation Contribution applies under current legislation.

Annual Leave

25 working days per year, normally taken outside of teaching periods and subject to approval.

Public Holidays

Granted in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.

Sick Leave

Available in line with the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme, subject to compliance with absence management procedures.

Confidentiality

All information accessed during employment must be treated as confidential and not disclosed outside normal duties.

Health and Safety

Employees must comply with all health and safety policies, use provided protective equipment and report all incidents promptly.

College Policies, Rules and Regulations

Employees must comply with all College policies, national agreements and relevant regulations. Staff must familiarise themselves with all procedures available on the Staff Portal.

Termination of Employment

A minimum of two calendar months written notice is required to resign from this position.