We currently have five featured positions in the Irish sporting jobs market, including new roles this week at Shelbourne FC as Chief Operating Officer, at Leinster Rugby as Head of Communications and media, at the Global Ireland Football Foundation as Director of Development, in Leadership Roles at Badminton Ireland, and at Euro 2028
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- Chief Operating Officer at Shelbourne Football Club
- Volunteer Recruitment Manager at Euro 2028
- Director of Development at Global Ireland Football Foundation
- Head of Communications and Media at Leinster Rugby
- Board Director Positions at Badminton Ireland
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If you’re interested in filling a role, please send us the details at rob@sportforbusiness.com, and we’ll take it from there.
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Chief Operating Officer
Purpose of the Role
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will play a pivotal role in delivering Shelbourne Football Club’s strategic vision by leading the club’s operational, facilities, and community functions. Reporting to the CEO, the COO will ensure the club operates efficiently, safely, and sustainably, enhancing the experience for players, staff, supporters, and the wider community.
This is a hands-on leadership position that combines strategic oversight with operational excellence—driving best practice across matchday delivery, infrastructure management, fan experience, and community engagement, in line with the club’s ambition for growth and long-term success.
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Key Responsibilities
1. Operational Leadership
- Lead and oversee all day-to-day operations across the club, ensuring smooth and efficient delivery of services and events.
- Oversee matchday operations at Tolka Park and away venues, liaising with key stakeholders including Gardaí, SLO, security providers, volunteers, and event controllers.
- Plan, coordinate, and deliver non-football events, ensuring operational excellence and alignment with the club’s commercial and community objectives.
2. Facilities and Infrastructure
- Manage all club facilities, including Tolka Park, the AUL Complex, and any future training or stadium developments.
- Oversee contractor and staff relationships across mechanical, electrical, cleaning, waste, and grounds functions.
- Ensure all infrastructure meets safety, certification, and regulatory standards (fire, electrical, accessibility, etc.).
- Maintain and enhance the quality of playing surfaces and training environments, ensuring year-round performance and compliance.
3. Food & Beverage
- Oversee all food and beverage operations across Tolka Park and AUL, ensuring high-quality service, profitability, and consistency.
- Lead the management of F&B staff and vendors, optimizing offerings to enhance fan and visitor experience.
4. Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with health and safety legislation and OHSAS standards.
- Develop, implement, and maintain robust operating procedures for both matchday and non-matchday environments.
- Work closely with the Licensing Officer to ensure adherence to FAI, UEFA, and League of Ireland regulations and standards.
5. Sustainability and Environmental Management
- Champion the club’s sustainability strategy, driving initiatives that reduce environmental impact and operational costs.
- Oversee energy, water, waste, and chemical management, implementing systems for responsible usage and reporting.
6. Community and Engagement
- Lead the ideation and delivery of the club’s community strategy, strengthening Shelbourne FC’s presence and impact within local communities.
- Manage community staff and volunteers, fostering strong relationships with residents, schools, businesses, and affiliate clubs.
- Promote and grow the Shelbourne FC brand as a positive force for inclusion, participation, and local development.
7. Governance and Organisational Development
- Ensure governance, compliance, and operational frameworks are robust and transparent.
- Collaborate with the CEO and Board to embed efficient systems, reporting, and accountability across departments.
- Foster a high-performance culture built on collaboration, professionalism, and respect.
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Qualifications and Experience
- Proven experience in a senior operational, commercial, or executive leadership role, ideally within sport or live events.
- Strong financial and business acumen, with a track record of managing budgets and delivering cost efficiencies.
- Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
- Demonstrated success in managing complex operations across multiple departments or locations.
- Knowledge of the Irish football landscape and regulatory environment is advantageous.
- Degree in Business, Sports Management, or a related field preferred.
- A proactive, hands-on leader who balances strategic vision with delivery excellence.
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Additional Information
- The role requires flexibility, with regular evening and weekend work around matchdays and events.
- Shelbourne FC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and the communities we serve.
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Summary
This role offers a unique opportunity for an experienced, driven, and community-minded leader to play a central role in shaping Shelbourne FC’s next chapter—ensuring operational excellence and long-term sustainability, both on and off the pitch.
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To Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- A detailed CV outlining relevant experience and achievements.
- A short cover letter (maximum one page) highlighting your interest in the role and how your skills align with Shelbourne FC’s ambitions.
Applications should be sent by email to recruitment@shelbournefc.ie with the subject line “Chief Operating Officer Application – [Your Name]”.
The closing date for applications is Monday 17th November. Early applications are encouraged, as interviews may take place on a rolling basis.
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Volunteer Recruitment Manager
Role: Volunteer Recruitment Manager
Location: Wembley Stadium, London
The Tournament
Contested every four years, the UEFA European Championship has been showcasing the continent’s top talent since its inception in 1960 and is the world’s third largest sporting event. UEFA EURO 2028 is taking place across the UK & Ireland where Europe’s top 24 national teams will compete in a 31-day, 51 match tournament, attended by over 3 million spectators and with a global tv audience of upwards of 2 billion people.
The Organisation
UK & Ireland 2028 Limited has been set up as a new company to locally deliver several UEFA requirements for the tournament, working closely with UEFA, 9 Host Stadiums, 8 Host Cities and other key stakeholders.
The Role
Reporting into the Head of Volunteer Management, the Volunteer Recruitment Manager will play a key role in leading the delivery of the Volunteer strategy across the planning, development and implementation of the project of approximately 14,000 Volunteers for EURO 2024.
You will lead the successful recruitment of a diverse, inclusive, and community-connected volunteer workforce across UK & Ireland 2028, ensuring an excellent candidate experience and alignment with our Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan, values and tournament workforce needs.
This role supports the successful delivery of the UK&I 2028 Tournament through inclusive, values-driven and performance-focused contribution. The role is expected to model our organisational values: Embrace the Opportunity, Achieve Excellence, and Thrive Together.
What will you be doing?
- Lead the end-to-end recruitment of thousands of UEFA EURO 2028 tournament-time volunteers across 9 stadiums and up to 8 host cities.
- Develop and deliver a bold, inclusive attraction strategy that engages underrepresented communities and meets our Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan goals.
- Liaise with UEFA Volunteer team to forecast the number of volunteers required by each UEFA target group.
- Responsible for managing and coordinating the digital interview and assessment activities for thousands of candidates ensuring standardised processes, efficient scheduling and smooth operations.
- Design and deliver recruiter training to ensure a consistent selection process and a positive experience for all candidates.
- Support the coordination and delivery of an engaging and educational training programme that will equip volunteers with the knowledge, information and skills required to carry out their roles successfully, and safely.
- Develop and manage effective working relationships with Host Cities and UEFA ensuring an integrated and collaborative approach to planning and delivery of the volunteer programme.
- Use Rosterfy applicant and volunteer management modules, and the volunteer mobile application, as ICT tools provided by UEFA for the implementation of the project.
- Liaise with relevant UEFA and Host Cities to plan and deliver volunteer operations such as the distribution of the volunteer uniform, recognition items, transport solution, food and beverages for the volunteers and the set-up of related facilities (volunteers centres/hubs).
- Provide operational support to ensure the smooth running of the UEFA EURO 2028 volunteer programme across multiple sites in UK & Ireland contributing to a positive volunteer experience.
- Promote the values of UK&I 2028 at every stage of the volunteer journey.
- Executes additional tasks as required in order to meet the changing priorities.
- Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of health, safety and wellbeing can be maintained.
What are we looking for?
Knowledge & Experience
- Proven experience of managing large scale/national volunteer programmes.
- Experience of leading end to end high volume recruitment campaigns.
- Experience of using Volunteer Management systems, preferably Rosterfy
- Proven stakeholder engagement experience, including partnership working.
- An understanding of working with volunteers, their needs and motivations
- Experience of establishing trusted relationships at all levels.
- Knowledge of GDPR, safeguarding and/or volunteer management best practice.
- Outstanding communication and presentation skills with confidence presenting to large audiences.
- Ability to create presentations and present to a wide range of key stakeholders
- Advanced Microsoft Office
Why apply?
We offer a competitive salary (plus benefits of 25 days holiday, contributory pension, Private Medical Insurance etc), which coupled with the opportunity to be part of one of the biggest sporting events to ever take place across UK & Ireland we think makes for an exciting place to be!
Where is the role based?
Our head office is based at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London, however depending on your role you may be required to travel across the UK and Ireland to our 9 Stadiums and 8 Host Cities, with some roles being based in those locations.
As an event delivery organisation, we believe in the power of collaboration and connection. That’s why we currently work from HQ at least two days a week. From 2026, this will increase to three to four days a week, and during the tournament year (2028), full-time onsite working will be required.
Everyone is welcome
We’re hiring for excellence through inclusion
We’re building a skilled, values-led workforce that reflects the diversity of the UK and Ireland. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities — and we don’t expect everyone to have followed a traditional path to get here.
We’re happy to accommodate any requests for reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. Please email any requests to careers@uki2028.com. We’ll work with you to ensure you can perform at your best.
All employees will be subject to a DBS check appropriate to the nature of the role and in line with our commitment to providing a safe and inclusive working environment.
Applications Close Sunday, November 9th
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Director of Development
Global Ireland Football Foundation has been established to facilitate the Football Association of Ireland’s Facility Investment Vision and Strategy for Irish Football. Complementing public funding allocations to football, the Director of Development will support the identification and generation new sources of private funding, including philanthropic donations, to promote, develop, and sustain the transformation of football in Ireland.
To lead this exciting opportunity, the newly established foundation is seeking an experienced senior fundraiser to work towards agreed targets and develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to achieve them. As an ambassador for the foundation, the Director of Development will be responsible for securing philanthropic donations – supporting the provision of high-quality, safe, accessible and welcoming facilities for all who want to play, attend or otherwise participate in football in Ireland.
We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and results-driven professional with a passion for the game, and the ability to leverage this opportunity to cultivate new relationships with high-net-worth individuals, corporate partners and affiliated enterprises who wish to support the development of grassroots football in Ireland.
To learn more about this opportunity, download the full candidate briefing document here.
About Global Ireland Football Foundation
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the national governing body for football, the number one participant sport in Ireland. The Association aims to enrich the lives of all through positive football experiences.
The Global Ireland Football Foundation is a newly established fundraising entity that will operate independently of the FAI, with its own governance framework, separate legal structure, and independent Board. The Foundation will provide a trusted platform for long-term impactful private funding that will support the FAI in achieving its facility investment vision and strategy, while seeking to build stronger, healthier and more inclusive communities.
Why
By promoting accessibility, increasing investment in disadvantaged areas, ensuring equitable opportunities and encouraging youth participation, the Foundation will make a lasting difference for clubs, players and supporters across the country, and sustain the transformation of football in Ireland.
Expressions of Interest
2into3 are managing the search and selection process for this position on an exclusive retained basis. Please contact Orla Dolan, Consultant – Talent, 2into3 for confidential enquiries in relation to this role at orla.dolan@2into3.com or 086 792 4696.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 9th November 2025. To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to Orla Dolan at orla.dolan@2into3.com.
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Board Director Positions
Badminton Ireland Board Director Vacancy (Female) (Commercial and fundraising experience is required)
Badminton Ireland is the National Governing Body for Badminton for the 32 Counties in Ireland. We work with the four Branches of Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster, along with external stakeholders including Sport Ireland, Olympic Federation of Ireland, Irish Institute of Sport, Coaching Ireland, Federation of Irish Sports and the Local Sports Partnership network.
Badminton Ireland has a strong participation base and a healthy social and competitive base. Badminton has been an Olympic sport since 1992, and we’re proud of our Olympians – Sonya McGinn, Scott Evans, Chloe Magee, Nhat Nguyen and Rachael Darragh.
The Director Role
The Board is responsible for the governance of Badminton in Ireland, ensuring the delivery of our Strategic Plan. We are seeking to further strengthen the skill set within the Board. As a Director, you will have input into the deliverance of our strategy and will contribute with insight and experience at meetings.
What we need from You
Badminton Ireland seeks to recruit an additional co-opted vacancy on our Board and welcomes applications from experienced female candidates.
Ideal candidates will preferably have some of the following skills sets:
• Understanding of the commercial brand marketing and / or sponsorship marketplace in Ireland (European level a bonus)
• Fundraising experience, particularly through philanthropic giving.
• Ability to work as a team member while leading strategy development.
• A passion for Sport (Badminton not essential) and be familiar with the voluntary/not for profit sector.
What You Can Expect from Us
As a Badminton Ireland Director, you can expect:
• Induction and training when you join the Board
• Opportunities to make strategic decisions & develop new skills as a full Board member.
• To influence and shape Badminton Ireland’s position in the Sporting Sector.
• Contribute to the shaping of Badminton’s future through its strategy.
• The chance to improve the health & wellbeing of people in Ireland.
Time Commitment
The Board meets seven times per year, with a hybrid of face-to-face and Teams meetings.
Our normal venue is Badminton Ireland offices in the National Sports Campus, Dublin 15. Co-opted Directors are co-opted for a two-year term and shall not serve for more than two (2) consecutive terms.
Application Process
The application should be made electronically, quoting Ref: Co-Opted Directors, to the Chief Executive Officer via elynch@badmintonireland.com. Please enclose your CV with a comprehensive covering letter detailing your experience and ability to fulfil the role. Applications will be accepted up to November 14th.
Badminton Ireland Finance, Audit and Risk Committee Member (Female) (Accounting Qualification Is Required)
Badminton Ireland is the National Governing Body for Badminton for the 32 Counties in Ireland. We work with the four Branches of Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster, along with external stakeholders including Sport Ireland, Olympic Federation of Ireland, Irish Institute of Sport, Coaching Ireland, Federation of Irish Sports and the Local Sports Partnership network.
Badminton Ireland has a strong participation base and a healthy social and competitive base. Badminton has been an Olympic sport since 1992, and we’re proud of our Olympians – Sonya McGinn, Scott Evans, Chloe Magee, Nhat Nguyen and Rachael Darragh.
The Committee Member Role
The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee is responsible for the financial and risk oversight of Badminton Ireland as national governing body, ensuring we comply with best practise for the sector and present a clean audit on an annual basis. We are seeking to further strengthen the skill set within the Committee. As a Committee Member, you will have input into the oversight of our financial performance and will contribute with insight and experience at meetings.
What we need from You
Badminton Ireland seeks to recruit an additional co-opted vacancy on our Committee and welcomes applications from experienced female candidates.
Ideal candidates will preferably have some of the following skills sets:
- An accounting qualification (ACA or equivalent).
- Experience in preparing for or completing audits preferrable.
- Ability to work as a team member while leading best in sector financial reporting.
- A passion for Sport (Badminton not essential) and be familiar with the voluntary/not for profit sector.
What You Can Expect from Us
As a Badminton Ireland Committee Member, you can expect:
- Induction and training when you join the Committee.
- Opportunities to support best practice financial management in the not for profit sector.
- To influence and shape Badminton Ireland’s position in the Sporting Sector.
- The chance to improve the health & wellbeing of people in Ireland.
Time Commitment
The Committee meets five times per year, with a hybrid of face-to-face and Teams meetings.
Our normal venue is Badminton Ireland offices in the National Sports Campus, Dublin 15. Co-opted Committee members are co-opted for a three year term and shall not serve for more than two (2) consecutive terms.
Application Process
The application should be made electronically, quoting Ref: Co-Opted Committee Members, to the Chief Executive Officer via elynch@badmintonireland.com. Please enclose your CV with a comprehensive covering letter detailing your experience and ability to fulfil the role. Applications will be accepted up to November 14th.
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Head of Communications and Media
POSITION TITLE: Head of Communications & Media, Leinster Rugby
ROLE AND PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Leinster Rugby is one of four professional provincial rugby teams in Ireland. As well as running a professional rugby team, Leinster Rugby also enjoys an important dual mandate to encourage, promote and grow the participation in and playing of rugby across the province of Leinster.
At Leinster Rugby, how we do our job is equally as important as what we achieve. We strive to create positive engagement with a wide group of stakeholders in the pursuit of excellence at all levels of our twelve-county community. Our Commercial & Marketing Team are responsible for generating the revenues necessary to support and grow our domestic, community and professional rugby programmes.
This role leads the wider communications team of editors, videographers, photographers, copywriters and suppliers in developing, enhancing and creating the Leinster Rugby communications output across the professional and the domestic game.
The successful candidate will work across both the professional and the domestic game, will work with both the men and the women’s senior teams, and will be an ambassador and a champion for the dual mandate of Leinster Rugby, within the club and outside.
The Head of Communications & Media will lead the communications team and will also be part of the broader Commercial & Marketing team in Leinster Rugby, reporting into the Chief Commercial Officer, and will work on marketing, sponsorship, and commercial projects. The candidate will also manage the CSR programme for Leinster Rugby working with charities, sponsors, partners, and the OLSC around a successful charity partner programme. Please note this role will involve working outside of normal office hours including working some weekends at matches. Mobility will be a key part of the role and there will be a requirement to travel regularly as required between any training grounds or places of operation within the 12 counties of Leinster. As a result, a full, clean driver’s license is essential.
The successful candidate will manage the communications team and suppliers and will co-ordinate all internal and external communications for Leinster Rugby teams. A particular focus will be on the senior men and women’s team and their media and social media activity in the lead up to and on match days.
The successful candidate will be expected to travel abroad to attend games in the BKT United Rugby Championship and the Investec Champions Cup, in Ireland, the UK, Italy, South Africa, and France.
The successful candidate will be expected to work closely with the management team of the Leinster Rugby women’s team to ensure dedicated coverage of the Vodafone Women’s Interpro Series and other competitive fixtures.
The successful candidate will collaborate with the Domestic Public Relations Officer Committee of volunteers and the Community Rugby team to uphold and promote Leinster Rugby’s brand values across all communication channels, ensuring inclusive coverage of the game throughout the 12 counties of Leinster, and celebrating the inclusivity and excellence of the game across all our communities.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
Operational: Chief Commercial Officer, Leinster Rugby
Functional: Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Operations Officer, Leinster Rugby
KEY QUALITIES:
Essential:
- Minimum seven years’ senior experience in media or communications, ideally at management or account director level
- Proven ability to shape and execute integrated media strategies, including media relations, stakeholder engagement, reputation management, and crisis communications
- Deep understanding of the Irish sports media landscape combined with in depth rugby knowledge
- Strong interpersonal, team management, and collaborative problem-solving skills
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, storytelling, and brand voice
- Excellent attention to detail, editorial judgment and organisational skills under pressure
- Commitment to stakeholder service and flexibility to work outside normal hours including weekends, as required by a professional sporting organisation
- Advanced Proficiency in Microsoft Office, digital publishing tools, content management systems, and social media analytics platforms
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead the development and implementation of Leinster Rugby communications strategy across the club, aligning with the wider Commercial & Marketing strategy
- Direct and manage media relations on behalf of Leinster Rugby across all media outlets
- Lead the development and execution of crisis communication plans, ensuring timely, transparent, and effective messaging during high-pressure or sensitive situations
- Direct and manage the Communications Team, and its suppliers, within Leinster Rugby
- Liaise with the Digital Campaign and Content Manager to help direct and deliver the social media strategy
- Liaise with the Head of Commercial Partnerships and our commercial partners/ sponsors on media activity and/or commercial requirements
- Work collaboratively with the marketing team to ensure cohesive storytelling and alignment between paid, owned, and earned channels
- Liaise with the Marketing and Communications Executive and Domestic Rugby Department on the roll-out of domestic rugby coverage across Leinster Rugby platforms
- Plan and manage the communications budget and work with stakeholders and Leinster Rugby suppliers accordingly to deliver a best-in-class media service for Leinster supporters
- Act as Chair of the CSR Committee for Leinster Rugby working with the IRFU Charitable Trust, sponsors, partners, and the selected charity partners of the OLSC
- Ensure all internal communications reflect the tone, professionalism, and brand identity of Leinster Rugby
- Act as a senior member of the Commercial and Marketing team and attend Commercial and Marketing Committee meetings
- Act as Media Officer for Leinster Rugby, handling all day-to-day PR/ communications for the men and women’s Senior Team working closely with both Head Coaches, Chief Operations Officer, Academy, Pre-Academy, representative teams, sponsorship, and key stakeholders
- Co-ordinate media and communications training across all relevant staff levels in Leinster Rugby
- Take overall responsibility and lead weekly WIP meetings for all communications platforms and manage the output including, but not limited to:
- leinsterrugby.ie;
- Leinster Rugby TV;
- Leinster Rugby Plus;
- All social media platforms;
- Match programmes (to include key schools and club fixtures)
- The Irish Times and Bauer media partnerships; and
- The ezine and other publications.
- 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.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
- Development and delivery of agreed annual KPI’s with the Chief Commercial Officer, Leinster Rugby
- Maintain strong and effective relationships with all departments across Leinster Rugby
- Ensure the highest standard of service is provided to all Leinster Rugby stakeholders
- At all times, portray a competent and professional image of Leinster Rugby
- Carry out duties and responsibilities as mentioned above to an effective and efficient standard
- Acts as a role model in embodying core Leinster Rugby club values, behaviours, and culture
You can apply through the online recruitment portal here.
Closing Date Tuesday, 11th November, 2025
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Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
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