Football Association of Ireland

Executive Assistant

• support the effective governance of the Football Association of Ireland by ensuring that the Association’s company secretarial, board administration, statutory filing, member meeting and governance documentation requirements are managed to a high professional standard
• support the Board, Board Committees, General Assembly and senior management by ensuring that meetings are properly convened, agendas and papers are prepared and circulated, minutes and action logs are maintained
• ensure that executed resolutions, minutes, filings, certificates and statutory records are retained in an orderly and auditable manner
• liaise with external company secretarial advisers, auditors and legal advisers where required
• prepare and maintain the annual Board and Committee calendar; prepare agendas, action logs, meeting packs and supporting materials in consultation with the relevant Chair, executive owner and General Counsel & Governance Director
• attend Board and Committee meetings as required; prepare accurate, concise and decision-focused minutes which properly record decisions, approvals, declarations of interest, reserved matters, actions and material governance considerations
• plan and administer the FAI AGM, EGMs, General Assembly meetings and other formal member meetings
• maintain records of members, constituencies, voting entitlements, attendance and decisions, in conjunction with relevant FAI teams
• maintain a controlled library of key governance documents, including the Constitution, Board and Committee Terms of Reference, Board manual, delegations of authority, reserved matters, governance policies and approved templates
• assist with governance audits, Sport Ireland governance code compliance, Board effectiveness reviews and related action plans
• act as a professional point of contact for directors, committee members, members, senior executives, auditors and external advisers on company secretarial and governance administration matters

Company Secretary

Compliance

• Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of the FAI’s enterprise risk management framework, ensuring alignment with Sport Ireland, UEFA, FIFA, and broader governance standards
• Manage the FAI’s corporate risk register, including risk identification, assessment, mitigation planning, reporting, and escalation processes
• Support the Director of Legal & Governance in ensuring compliance with all regulatory, statutory, and policy obligations
• Oversee compliance monitoring activities across safeguarding, data protection, financial controls, governance obligations, and operational standards
• Coordinate risk and compliance reporting for the Board, Audit, Risk & Finance Committee (ARFC), Executive Leadership Team, and external stakeholders
• Develop and maintain organisational risk policies, procedures, and guidance materials
• Lead internal awareness and capability-building in risk management and compliance, including training, workshops, and advisory support
• Conduct compliance reviews and thematic risk assessments to identify gaps, vulnerabilities, or process weaknesses
• Support the monitoring and implementation of recommendations arising from external audits, internal audits, KOSI reviews, Sport Ireland requirements, and oversight bodies
• Maintain robust incident reporting, whistleblowing, and investigation processes, ensuring timely escalation and resolution
• Partner with business units—including Football Operations, P&C, Finance, Competitions, Commercial, and Grassroots—to embed strong compliance practices and enhance risk culture
• Support organisational preparedness and response processes for crises, business continuity, and resilience planning
• Ensure the FAI remains up to date with regulatory changes, governance developments, and best practice in risk management
• Provide specialist advice to senior leadership on emerging risks, compliance matters, and control improvements
• Lead the management of the FAI’s insurance portfolio, including identification of insurable risks, assessment of coverage requirements, oversight of insurance providers, and ensuring appropriate levels of cover, scope, and renewal across all organisational activities

Risk and Compliance Manager

Director

• Establish and embed a professional culture of excellence across all areas of the Academy.
• Lead the formulation and execution of the Academy Strategy and Academy Performance Plan, ensuring full alignment with the Club’s overall football philosophy and long-term objectives.
• Build and oversee a clear departmental structure within the Academy, defining roles, responsibilities, and accountability to drive performance and professional standards.
• Lead, inspire, and unify all Academy departments—coaching, recruitment, education, welfare, and performance, into a cohesive, high-performing team operating within an integrated player development framework.
• Work in close partnership with the Sporting Director, CEO, and Board to create structured progression routes from the Academy to the Club’s women’s & men’s first teams (where applicable) and to advance the Club’s broader sporting strategy.
• Represent the Academy at Technical Board meetings, providing clear, evidence-based insights and monthly progress reports to the Board.
• Ensure equality of access for male and female academy players, including the long term strategic growth and development of the female academy where gaps exist.
• Work in close partnership with the Sporting Director and/or the Head of Academy Coaching to oversee the design, implementation, and continuous refinement of a progressive player-centred development model that prioritises the development of the individual within a team structure.
• Ensure the Academy’s coaching curriculum, methodology, and talent pathway are continuously evolving to reflect best practice and emerging trends in player development including female specific elements.
• Embed an innovative approach to athletic development, integrating physical conditioning, performance science, and injury prevention in the development model ensuring female athlete health and performance differences are factored into consideration.
• Foster a culture of learning amongst players, encouraging the use of technology, performance analysis, and data to enhance development outcomes.
• Ensure alignment between age-group programmes to create a seamless progression pathway from Academy to women’s and men’s first teams.
• Promote holistic development by supporting players’ education, welfare, and personal growth alongside their athletic advancement.
• Ensure female specific player development needs and demands are catered for.
• Oversee the effective day-to-day operation of the Academy, ensuring all activities are delivered to the highest professional standards.
• Lead the Academy Management Team (AMT) to ensure clear planning, coordination, and execution across all departments.
• Implement and maintain robust operational systems, processes, and procedures to support efficiency, consistency, and accountability.
• Manage the Academy budget effectively, ensuring all expenditure is planned, controlled, and aligned with strategic and operational priorities with particular attention to gender equity in overall budget management.
• Oversee scheduling, logistics, and facility management to optimise the training and match environment.
• Monitor and evaluate operational performance, identifying areas for improvement and driving timely, effective solutions.
• Ensure resources, equipment, and infrastructure are managed efficiently to maximise value and support long-term sustainability.
• Maintain accurate operational and financial records, documentation, and reporting to support planning, audit, and compliance requirements.
• Take the lead in all aspects of Academy governance, establish and maintain robust governance frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to all operational, legal, and funding obligations.
• Lead the preparation, coordination, and delivery of all LOI Academy Mark and any subsequent Academy Analysis Audits and/or Governance Audits, ensuring all documentation, evidence, and reporting meet the required standards.
• Ensure all Academy policies, procedures, and safeguarding measures are consistently applied, regularly reviewed, and aligned with best practice.
• Maintain accurate governance and operational records, submitting timely reports to the Board and relevant stakeholders to demonstrate compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Lead the development and implementation of talent management and value creation strategies that enhance the Academy’s contribution to the Club’s long-term financial sustainability.
• Establish a structured approach to talent identification, player progression strategies and retention mechanisms to protect and maximise the Club’s return on investment in Club Developed Players.
• Continually monitor and analyse market trends, player valuations, and transfer dynamics within the football financial ecosystem to inform strategic decision-making.
• Foster relationships with key industry stakeholders to strengthen pathways for player progression and optimise long-term value creation.
• Provide regular reports to the Board on player value trends, potential revenue opportunities, and the Academy’s overall financial impact.
• Recruit & lead a high-performing, motivated multi-disciplinary team who are fully aligned with the Club’s overall strategy, values, and player development philosophy.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous professional growth across all Academy departments.
• Promote innovation, integrity, inclusion and respect to ensure the Academy operates as a unified, forward-thinking, and values-driven team.
• Work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Officer, ensuring all safeguarding policies, practices and procedures are implemented and updated annually.
• Monitor the gender make up of all supporting staff, coaches and volunteers ensuring gender balance in roles where possible.
• Build strong, professional relationships with players & parents, maintaining open dialogue on player progress, welfare, and development.
• Maintain effective engagement with external stakeholders, including the League of Ireland, FAI, and other partner organisations, to support compliance, collaboration, and shared objectives.
• Represent the Academy with professionalism and integrity across all internal and external forums, promoting the Club’s vision and strengthening its reputation within the football community.
• Attend all mandated LOI Academy meetings, events, workshops and educational seminars.

Company Secretary

Risk and Compliance Manager

Academy Director