Environment, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Officer

Environment, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Officer

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 an Environment, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Officer (EEDI Officer) to join its team. This role will lead and execute initiatives and programme that bring people to the sport or sailing and promote a culture of inclusivity and diversity across the organisation, their affiliates, and the sailing community together with communicating environmental projects and best practices.

Reporting to: COO, Irish sailing

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Policy Development

• Lead the development and implementation of Irish Sailing's EEDI strategy and policies, both internally and externally, fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion across the organisation and the sport.

• Serve as the primary contact for all EEDI matters, ensuring alignment with organisational goals, external standards, and the execution of best practice across all Irish Sailing affiliate members.

• Actively build and maintain relationships with Clubs, Training Centres, Local Sports Partnerships, and other public bodies to increase activity & participation.

Programme Development and Management

• Lead and execute programs to drive participation in sailing and increase diversity awareness by supporting the implementation of fully inclusive programs for minority groups.

• Oversee and deliver diversity and inclusion training programs across Irish Sailing's Clubs and Training Centres, supporting these entities becoming fully equipped to implement inclusive practices.

• Promote and support inclusive sailing programs, including conducting accessibility audits, managing inclusion training, and overseeing events.

• Manage and execute the annual Watersport Inclusion Games on behalf of Irish Sailing with support as required, to facilitate everyone enjoying all the sports available regardless of ability.

Environmental and Sustainability

• Promote and communicate environmentally sustainable best practices within Irish Sailing and its affiliate members.

• Foster environmental stewardship, supporting event managers, marina managers and boat owners in minimising environmental impact through waste reduction, sustainable materials, and responsible boating.

• Keep current and up to date with regulations and best practices in both EDI and the Environment.

• Provide insightful environmental metrics and reports to the CEO and Board to demonstrate progress.

Funding and Financial Management

• Actively identify, pursue, and secure funding opportunities to support EEDI initiatives.

• Develop strategies for the effective allocation of secured funds to deliver impactful EEDI programs and initiatives.

• Lead funding application processes ensuring all submissions are compliant with funding requirements and criteria.

• Manage the financial aspects of EEDI programs, tracking expenditures, ensuring compliance with funding agreements, and preparing reports on the impact and use of funds.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Measure, monitor, and evaluate the performance and progress of EEDI programs and initiatives, using performance indicators to assess impact and inform future developments.

• Prepare and present reports on the status and progress of EEDI areas, providing updates to stakeholders on existing and proposed initiatives.

Knowledge & Experience

• 3 – 5 years’ relevant professional or voluntary experience in a similar role, leading and implementing initiatives that promote environmental, equality, diversity, and inclusivity activity.

• Experience and understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion in sport, the barriers and challenges people from diverse and underrepresented communities may encounter.

• Ability to build strong relationships at various levels, foster a positive work environment, and influence objectives with diverse stakeholders including young people, parents, volunteers, tutors, and colleagues in sports.

• Excellent communications, administrative and facilitation skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Third Level Qualification in the following: Outdoor Education / Business Management / Marketing / Sports Law/Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion/ Sports Development / Health / Fitness/Outdoor Education/ Participation Development/ Behavioural Change/ Instructor in Sailing, Windsurfing and Powerboating or any Watersports.

• Experienced in managing multi-stakeholder projects.

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

Closing Date: Friday 29th of November 2024

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.