Coaching Development Officer

Irish Sailing

Who we are
Irish Sailing is the National Governing Body for sailing, powerboating and windsurfing. Our vision is to facilitate active life on open water by providing an environment in which our activities are developed, supported, and promoted at all levels - from recreation to competition to success on the international stage through our values of Leadership, Passion, Belonging, Excellence, Integrity, and Clarity.

Role Overview
Irish Sailing wishes to recruit a Coaching Development Officer to join its team. The role will be responsible for designing, delivering and embedding a modern, progressive race coaching framework within Irish Sailing. This role will lead the growth and support of a national coaching network that nurtures skills development for sailors across club, regional and national levels. Working in close alignment with the existing instructor, club and training centre structures, the Coaching Development Officer supports the education and progression of new and experienced coaches while reinforcing the role of coaching as a complementary and essential pathway within Irish Sailing's wider training ecosystem.          

Reporting To: Training Manager, Irish Sailing. This role will collaborate closely with the Technical Director, Irish Sailing.

Key Responsibilities:Coaching Pathway & Framework Development        

• Work with the High Performance & Training Team to design and implement a national coaching syllabus and logbook that supports sailor progression from grassroots racing to high performance, aligned with long-term athlete and sport development principles.

• Develop and maintain a coach handbook that is structured, progressive and flexible enough to meet the needs of a broad range of sailors and clubs.

• Ensure the new coaching pathway complements and strengthens the existing instructor training system, clearly articulating the role of coaches within the wider training and participation framework.

Coach Development & Training

• Create and deliver training, mentoring and CPD programmes for new and existing club coaches, enabling consistent delivery of quality race coaching nationwide.

• Lead a team of Coach Developers to roll out coach training fit for purpose to enhance the skills of coaches delivering race training at club, regional and national level.

• Develop a suite of resources and workshops to support development of coaches and participants appropriate to the progression through the coaching programmes.

• Establish criteria and support mechanisms for coach recognition, certification and advancement, in collaboration with relevant training and performance structures.

• Promote a coaching culture focused on sailor-centred development, knowledge and skills progression creating long-term engagement, rather than badge-based outcomes.

• Lead and communicate with the existing formal and informal coaching community.

Club Support

• Work directly with clubs and training centres to embed coaching principles at the local level, supporting club coaches and training officers to plan, deliver and evaluate race coaching programmes and activities.

• Provide tools and resources to help clubs integrate coaching into their broader training offerings, including volunteer engagement and sailor retention strategies.

• Partner with training centres and instructors to ensure synergy between structured courses and race-focused coaching initiatives.

• Monitor the development of ‘Club Pathway’ sailors pursuing racing levels.

Quality Assurance & Collaboration

• Monitor coaching activity at all levels and evaluate the impact of programmes through observation, feedback and direct engagement.

• Collaborate with the High Performance team to ensure coaching principles are aligned across the sailor pathway, from grassroots to elite level.

• Share best practices from international models and contribute to the ongoing evolution of Irish Sailing’s approach to training and racing.

Knowledge and Experience

• Strong leadership, strategic and decision-making skills.

• Several years of coaching (full time) experience at club, national and/or international level.

• Extensive racing experience at club, national and international level.

• Sport Ireland Coach Developer or equivalent qualification.

• Irish Sailing Club Coach (or former Level 2 Coach) or equivalent qualification.

• Experience leading a team of coaches delivering programmes at club, regional or national level.

• Experience programming skills development and training for clubs and classes at club, regional or national level.

• Experience mentoring young or new coaches through the challenges and progression of their coaching.

• A strong and well-developed coaching philosophy.

• Significant experience in the delivery of sail / watersports training across a range of age groups  and in a range of different organisation types.

• Tertiary qualification in Education or Sport or other related discipline particularly NGB instructor qualifications.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Enthusiastic about the use of technology to enhance learning opportunities and coaching.

• Highly organised and be able to work under pressure, with the ability to multi-task.

Desirable Criteria

• Relevant qualification/ recognised experience in sports education, coaching, or a related field.

• Senior Instructor or Coaching qualification within Irish Sailing.

• Experience working with National Governing Bodies or similar organisations.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about and a commitment to our sports with a desire for a career in Sailing.

• Strong leadership and decision-making skills, particularly in managing sensitive issues.

• Positively contribute to the Sport Ireland and Irish Sailing Strategic Plans and programmes.

• Self-motivated with strong, administrative, time management, planning and organisational skills.

• Integrity and empathy, be resourceful and work on own initiative in a flexible and co-operative manner.

• Ability to problem solve and make effective decisions.

• Capable of consulting, communicating, and networking appropriately and effectively.

• Competent in analysing data to identify trends, measure success, and make informed decisions.

• Ability to be flexible and respond to challenges as they arise.

Location: Irish Sailing’s Head Office location is in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

Role Location: Office / Hybrid mix

Status: Permanent full-time   

Application Process

Please apply with a CV and a cover letter outlining your reasons for applying and how your qualifications and experience make you the ideal candidate for the position.

Closing Date: Friday 31st October 2025  

Irish Sailing is dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you are excited about this role but do not meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply—you may be the perfect fit for this or other roles. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to an inclusive environment for all employees.