About Gaisce

Gaisce –The President’s Award is a self-development programme for young people which is proven to enhance confidence and wellbeing through participation in personal, physical, community and group challenges.

Gaisce is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland to all young people aged 14-25 to dream big and realise their potential. Gaisce Awards are non-competitive and self-directed: participants are encouraged to choose their own activities and goals with the support of their President’s Award Leader (PAL). There are three levels of Gaisce Award – Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

About The Role

The role of the Chief Executive Officer is to represent and lead the organisation and best position it to deliver on the Strategic Plan. Under the direction of and working with the Gaisce Council, the CEO will be accountable for the achievement of targets, the management of financial and human resources, and the implementation of sound corporate governance and compliance requirements. The CEO will have experience in the youth sector in Ireland and an interest in the development of young people.  An understanding of the infrastructure supporting the sector – in particular, Governmental, community, voluntary, private and philanthropic agencies and related bodies is also important.

Main Responsibilities

  • Managing the design, delivery, quality, and effectiveness of the Gaisce Award Programme to the widest number of young people, from every background and in multiple settings, to ensure quality of participation and positive outcomes.
  • Ensure delivery of Gaisce’s priorities as outlined in the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan to build on the organisation’s achievements, evidence the positive impact of Gaisce through telling our story and striving for excellence.
  • Advising and supporting the Gaisce Council in the development of policy and strategy, future strategies, and new models of delivery of the Award, especially to increase accessibility.
  • Developing and maintaining relationships and engagement with key principals in the Office of the President, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and, through its nominee to Council, the Office of An Taoiseach.
  • Leading a process of ongoing organisational development and the preparation of annual operational and financial plans.
  • Ensuring that Gaisce has the necessary resources, skills, and competencies to deliver on its mandate, and that systems and procedures are in place for legal, financial, human resource management and corporate governance compliance.
  • Providing effective staff leadership, training, development, and performance management.
  • Leading the development of effective plans which attract, retain, and support the role and input of the 1,250+ President’s Award Leaders who are key to the delivery of the Awards Programme.
  • Managing the finances of the organisations and seeking additional revenue and revenue avenues to better enable Gaisce to deliver on its remit.
  • Bringing the experience of Gaisce to influencing policy affecting young people (while balancing Gaisce’s position and relationship with the President, the Office of the President, and the Minister).
  • Acting as the spokesperson and representative for Gaisce with key stakeholders in the public arena, the media, and corporate partners, and in Gaisce’s international dealings, particularly in relation to the Joint Award with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Northern Ireland) and with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
  • Building, maintaining, and managing partnerships, alliances and relationships including but not limited to: the youth sector, nationally and internationally; funders; strategic partners; organisations that deliver Gaisce; President’s Award Leaders; and Awardees.
  • Managing the design, delivery, quality, and effectiveness of the Gaisce Award Programme to the widest number of young people, from every background and in multiple settings, to ensure quality of participation and positive outcomes.
  • Ensure delivery of Gaisce’s priorities as outlined in the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan to build on the organisation’s achievements, evidence the positive impact of Gaisce through telling our story and striving for excellence.
  • Advising and supporting the Gaisce Council in the development of policy and strategy, future strategies, and new models of delivery of the Award, especially to increase accessibility.
  • Developing and maintaining relationships and engagement with key principals in the Office of the President, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and, through its nominee to Council, the Office of An Taoiseach.
  • Leading a process of ongoing organisational development and the preparation of annual operational and financial plans.
  • Ensuring that Gaisce has the necessary resources, skills, and competencies to deliver on its mandate, and that systems and procedures are in place for legal, financial, human resource management and corporate governance compliance.
  • Providing effective staff leadership, training, development, and performance management.
  • Leading the development of effective plans which attract, retain, and support the role and input of the 1,250+ President’s Award Leaders who are key to the delivery of the Awards Programme.
  • Managing the finances of the organisations and seeking additional revenue and revenue avenues to better enable Gaisce to deliver on its remit.
  • Bringing the experience of Gaisce to influencing policy affecting young people (while balancing Gaisce’s position and relationship with the President, the Office of the President, and the Minister).
  • Acting as the spokesperson and representative for Gaisce with key stakeholders in the public arena, the media, and corporate partners, and in Gaisce’s international dealings, particularly in relation to the Joint Award with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Northern Ireland) and with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
  • Building, maintaining, and managing partnerships, alliances and relationships including but not limited to: the youth sector, nationally and internationally; funders; strategic partners; organisations that deliver Gaisce; President’s Award Leaders; and Awardees.

Requirements

  • 3rd level qualification relevant to the CEO role.
  • Achievement at senior management level for at least five years (experience working with a board/trustees or operating at board/trustee level desirable)
  • Analytic, strategic, organisational and financial skills
  • Leadership and people management experience, harnessing and leveraging the input and contribution of staff and of volunteers
  • Achievement at senior management level for at least five years (experience working with a board/trustees or operating at board/trustee level desirable)
  • Experience in attracting funding, including fund-raising, and maintaining a range of sources of external funding, for an organisation
  • Highly competent IT skills including Microsoft word, Microsoft excel, Microsoft Teams, PowerPoint, Zoom. Experience of Salesforce or a similar CRM desirable.

Terms and Conditions

  • Employer – Gaisce – The President’s Award.
  • Location – Gaisce’s registered office is located at Ratra House, North Road, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, D08 YD62.
  • This is a full-time post reporting to the Gaisce Council. The contract is a 5-year fixed term contract, and the maximum probation period is one year.
  • Salary details will be available through Morgan McKinley Executive Search.
  • Pension is available and details are available on request.
  • There is an annual leave entitlement of 25 days.
  • Candidates must have a full licence and own/have access to a car.
  • Bike to Work Scheme is available.

Gaisce – The President’s Award is committed to best practice and operates on the basis of equal opportunities. Applications are therefore invited from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates. Appointment will be based solely on merit and canvassing will disqualify.

Applications

Interested candidates should contact or send their CVs in strict confidence to Leanne Barrett at gaisceceo@morganmckinley.com

Contact 014485674/0873570636

By applying to this position, you consent to Morgan McKinley contacting you as recruitment partner on behalf of Gaisce. When Morgan McKinley contacts you on behalf of Gaisce, it will be acting as a data processor and the Gaisce privacy policy here shall apply.

Closing Date for Applications: Friday, 10th February 2023