Head of Region - Connacht

Direct Reporting Line: Head of Grassroots

Commencement Date: ASAP

Duration: Specified Purpose Contract – Maternity Leave Cover, Full-Time

Work Model: Hybrid

The Role

The Head of Region plays a pivotal leadership role within grassroots football, providing strategic, operational and people leadership across their designated region. The role is accountable for ensuring regional alignment with the Association’s overall strategy and the Football Pathways Plan, while supporting staff to deliver high quality programmes, strong partnerships, and meaningful community impact. This role requires a strong leader capable of managing complex relationships, developing regional growth plans and enhancing governance and operational standards across grassroots football.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of a regional plan aligned with the Association’s strategy and Football Pathways Plan.
• Provide leadership and guidance to Regional Leads to ensure high quality consistent programme delivery.
• Use data, insights, and feedback to inform decision making, regional planning and resource allocation.
• Identify opportunities for growth, innovation and increased participation within the region.

• Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with Local Authorities, leagues, clubs and internal departments.
• Act as a key liaison supporting communication across regional stakeholders.
• Mediate challenges, support conflict resolution and promote collaborative working environments.
• Represent the FAI at regional forums, consultations and events.

1. Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of a national governance framework that strengthens integrity and sustainability in grassroots football.
2. Promote the adoption of best practice governance standards across the region.

• Lead engagement with Local Authorities to align regional objectives with local community needs.
• Support the delivery of local football development plans, facility projects and participation initiatives.
• Manage and report on Local Authority grant funding.
• Build partnerships that support sustainable football ecosystems and drive inclusion, access and long term grassroots development.
• Advocate for investment that enhances community participation and grassroots infrastructure.

• Collaborate with Function Leads and fellow Heads of Region to ensure consistent delivery nationwide.
• Contribute to policy development, cross regional initiatives and Association improvements.
• Ensure regional insights, risks and opportunities are communicated effectively.