Cycling Ireland has formally commenced the search for a new Chief Executive Officer.

The role will be to replace Geoff Liffey who is leaving the organisation in strong shape at the end of this year with a 26,000 strong membership base and a healthy financial reserve.

That number is up five fold in the past decade but the number fell back in 2018 and there are challenges to be met as the sport looks to construct a new five year strategy under the new leadership. Key within that will be the arrival of a new indoor velodrome for the sport at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus.

The Chief Executive Officer will lead the organisation and be responsible for overseeing its day-to-day management. They will be accountable to the Board in delivering the Goals of a new Strategic Plan and will be expected to understand all stakeholders’ needs, particularly members and the club network, as well as athletes and coaches.

There will be a complex portfolio of organisational responsibilities including commercial and strategic priorities, operational effectiveness, stakeholder management, communications and financial and governance controls.

The role is being filled through an executive search process led by Ascension Executive Recruitment and applications are being accepted until January 18th.

Among the key responsibilities listed as part of the job specification are:

  • The development of initiatives to engage and retain existing members and to recruit new members
  • To identify and implement key initiatives to build the Cycling Ireland brand to attract greater sponsorship interest
  • To manage commercial partner and sponsor relations to maximise revenue certainty by building long term partnerships
  • To identify new programmes and other opportunities to grow the revenue base
  • To demonstrate motivational skills to the Cycling Ireland management, staff and volunteer network across all activities
  • To represent Cycling Ireland and the cycling community in a responsible manner in line with the organisation’s values
  • To lead the development of the new Strategic Plan 2019-2022 and deliver on the goals outlined within.
  • To create an environment where excellent relationships with all stakeholders – including Sport Ireland, commercial partners, athletes, coaches, provinces and clubs – can help deliver positively for the sport
  • To manage the financial dealings of the organisation in a prudent manner in line with Board oversight
  • To ensure Cycling Ireland uses best practice in all governance matters and in full compliance with statutory frameworks with full Board engagement

Among the criteria listed as being desirable are strong management experience, good marketing instincts, the ability to collaborate and a strong but inclusive management style.

You can see the full specification right here.

Candidates wishing to be considered should send their CV and a cover letter to Mairead.fleming@ascension.ie before 5.00pm on 18th January 2019