LOI Academy Development & Support Manager

Job Title: LOI Academy Development & Support Manager Location: FAI HQ, Abbottstown Direct Reporting Line: Head of League of Ireland Academies Commencement Date: TBC Duration: 3 Year Fixed Term, Full-Time Introduction The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the national governing body for football in Ireland, driving the growth, promotion, and development of the game at all levels. We are passionate about inspiring participation, supporting talent, and celebrating the power of football to unite communities across the country. With a proud history and an ambitious vision for the future, the FAI is committed to fostering excellence on and off the pitch, ensuring the game is inclusive, accessible, and a source of national pride. The Purpose of the Role The League of Ireland (LOI) Academy Development & Support Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of academy development across Irish football. Working within the League of Ireland Department as part of the LOI Academy team, the successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, operational support and expert guidance to clubs, driving continuous improvement and helping to strengthen the League of Ireland Academy system. Established through the LOI Academy Government Investment Programme, this role will drive the delivery of the League's academy development strategy, ensuring investment delivers measurable improvements in player progression, academy performance, organisational capability and strategic objectives. Working closely with Club Leadership Teams, Technical Boards, Sporting Directors, Academy Directors and Heads of Academy Coaching, the Academy Development & Support Manager will act as a strategic partner to clubs, helping build high-performing academy environments that support both football excellence and the holistic development of players. The role will support academies to identify development priorities, embed continuous improvement, and use performance data and quality assurance insights to measure impact and inform decision-making. It will also lead the implementation of the LOI Academy Mark, establishing a consistent framework for quality and accountability, while supporting the ongoing development of the League's Player Care & Life Skills Programme to help develop resilient, well-rounded young people on and off the pitch. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of Irish football by building a modern, sustainable academy system focused on player development and long-term success. This is a hybrid role, primarily based at the Football Association of Ireland's National Training Centre in Abbottstown. The successful candidate will be expected to travel regularly to League of Ireland clubs and academy events nationwide, with occasional evening and weekend work required to support competitions, development activities and stakeholder engagement. Key Responsibilities Academy Development & Club Support Work collaboratively with the League's Academy Auditing and Quality Assurance partners to support clubs in developing, implementing and reviewing Academy Development Plans aligned with strategic objectives. Support academies in establishing priorities, measurable KPIs and continuous improvement plans, using quality assurance insights, benchmarking and performance data to inform decision-making. Develop trusted relationships with allocated academies, acting as a strategic partner and trusted advisor by providing constructive challenge, practical support and expert guidance. Conduct academy visits, review meetings and development planning sessions to assess progress, identify opportunities and provide tailored support. Support Club Leadership Teams and Academy staff in enhancing player development environments, organisational effectiveness and academy operations, including delivery of strategic projects aligned with national player development objectives. Promote collaboration, innovation and the sharing of best practice across the League of Ireland Academy network. Games Programme Development Support the strategic development, review and continuous improvement of the League of Ireland Academy Games Programme, ensuring competitions, festivals, tournaments and showcase events provide high-quality, player-centred learning environments. Contribute to the design and evaluation of Games Programme activities that promote player learning, coach development and positive parent engagement. Build effective relationships with Youth National Team staff and key stakeholders to ensure alignment, information sharing and consistency across the player development and progression pathway. Use stakeholder feedback, performance insights and emerging best practice to enhance programme effectiveness and alignment with national player development objectives. Governance, Quality Assurance & Player Welfare Work collaboratively with the League's Academy Auditing and Quality Assurance partners to coordinate academy reviews and organisational development processes. Support clubs in implementing recommendations arising from reviews, audits and assessments, promoting continuous improvement across the academy network. Promote high standards of governance, safeguarding, player welfare and compliance with academy regulations, policies and reporting requirements. Support compliance with academy regulations, policies and reporting requirements. Act as a key link between clubs, Academy Auditing and Quality Assurance partners, the League of Ireland Academy Department and relevant internal stakeholders. Contribute to the ongoing enhancement of quality assurance frameworks that support safe, inclusive and player-centred development environments. Collaborate with the Club Licensing Department to promote, monitor and support safeguarding compliance across League of Ireland academies. LOI Academy Mark & Continuous Improvement Work collaboratively with the League's Academy Auditing and Quality Assurance partners to support the implementation and ongoing development of the LOI Academy Mark across the League of Ireland Academy system. Support clubs in progressing against Academy Mark standards, quality assurance recommendations and agreed development priorities using evidence and performance measures to monitor improvement. Assist clubs in evaluating improvement initiatives and demonstrating the impact of academy investment on player development, organisational effectiveness and overall academy outcomes. Contribute to the ongoing refinement and evolution of the LOI Academy Mark to ensure it remains a leading framework for quality, development and excellence within Irish football. Research & Innovation Identify and promote emerging best practice and innovation from across Irish and international football. Contribute to research, policy development and strategic projects that strengthen the League of Ireland Academy system. Person Specification Essential UEFA A Licence or equivalent qualification and/or significant experience within elite player development, academy leadership, education or performance environments. Significant experience within football, youth development, education, talent development or academy environments. Strong understanding of long-term player development principles and talent pathway systems. Experience supporting organisational improvement, strategic planning and development programmes. Experience working with senior leaders and managing complex stakeholder relationships. Ability to develop, implement and monitor strategic development plans and improvement frameworks. Experience using data, performance insights and evidence-based approaches to support decision-making and evaluate impact. Excellent communication, presentation and report-writing skills. Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary environments. Strong organisational, planning and project management skills. A proactive and solutions-focused approach to supporting clubs and driving continuous improvement. Willingness to travel regularly and work evenings and weekends where required. Successful completion of Garda Vetting and Safeguarding 2 certification prior to commencement of employment. Desirable UEFA Elite Youth A Licence. Experience working within an academy accreditation, licensing or quality assurance framework. Experience supporting organisational change, transformation or improvement initiatives. Knowledge of talent development systems and academy structures within professional football. Experience working within multidisciplinary high-performance environments. Understanding of safeguarding, governance and player welfare frameworks. Experience in monitoring and evaluating performance against strategic objectives and development plans. Knowledge of the League of Ireland Academy system and the wider Irish football landscape. Our Benefits We are proud of the range of benefits we can provide: Two premium level tickets to each home international game Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave Opportunities to work at international matches Company pension Life assurance Bike to work scheme Free onsite parking Employee assistance programs Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements Discounted access to the National Aquatic Centre and gym complex Application Details Closing date for receipt of applications is close of business on Friday, 21 August 2026. Shortlisting and interviewing process will take place thereafter. The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and promotes Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I).