Swimming Activator (Munster)

Role overview

The Swimming Activator for Munster will report to the Participation Manager and support Swim Ireland’s work to grow swimming participation across the Munster region. This position involves working with Local Authorities, Local Sports Partnerships, facility operators, and commercial partners to widen access to swimming and make it easier and more affordable for people to take part regularly.

Key responsibilities

The role is centred on four main areas: places, people, programmes, and partners.

• Work with pool operators to secure time for Swim Ireland activity and for groups that are harder to reach.
• Find appropriate open-water swimming locations with Local Authorities, making sure they are safe, accessible, inclusive, and welcoming.
• Coordinate with the Grassroots Disability Activator to identify accessible swimming venues.
• Arrange swimming teacher courses with the Education team and local facilities.
• Help expand the pool and open-water swimming teacher community by reaching out to underrepresented groups.
• Recruit, train, and keep Community Coaches who can deliver local programmes in every county.
• Spot potential Coach Developers and Swim Ireland Tutors within each county.
• Work with the Grassroots Disability Activator to create CPD opportunities so tutors can deliver more inclusive lessons.
• Support programme development with the Activation & Participation team and Local Sports Partnerships.
• Deliver lifecycle programmes that encourage female participation at different stages of life.
• Run programmes for harder-to-reach groups in line with Sport Ireland and Healthy Ireland priorities.
• Support open-water initiatives, including transition support from pool to open water and participation in open-water events.
• Collect participant feedback and review programme performance from time to time.
• Take part in campaigns and events such as European Week of Sport, HER Outdoors, and Disability in Sport Week.
• Build public understanding of Swim Ireland’s role in swimming and water safety.
• Develop stronger relationships with pool operators, Local Authorities, Local Sports Partnerships, community groups, charities, and other organisations that can help promote swimming and identify participants.
• Work with the Grassroots Disability Activator to connect with relevant inclusion and disability sport partners.
• Set and track delivery standards for swimming programmes within the council administrative area.
• Compile evaluation information for Swim Ireland and Local Authorities/LSPs.
• Monitor programme budgets and keep spending within the approved allocation.
• Prepare regular reports as needed.

Experience and qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar post or in a sports-related environment is expected.
• A third-level qualification at degree level in Sports Development, Sports & Recreation, Health Promotion, or another relevant field is preferred, or at least 2 years of relevant practical experience.
• The ideal candidate will be confident working independently and able to handle queries efficiently.
• Knowledge of local and regional sports structures is important.
• A strong background in sports development and programme delivery is desirable.
• Swimming teacher qualification would be an advantage, though it is not mandatory.

Key qualities

• Strong organisational and leadership ability.
• Excellent communication and administrative skills, with careful attention to detail.
• Good interpersonal skills and a willingness to meet and work with new people, including volunteers.
• A strong work ethic, with flexibility and adaptability.
• Ability to work as part of a team, independently, and under pressure when needed.

Essential requirements

• Must be eligible to work in Ireland on a full-time basis.
• Availability for evening and weekend work is required, along with flexibility in working hours.
• A full, clean driving licence and access to a vehicle are necessary.
• Good working knowledge of IT tools and software, including MS Office, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience in designing, delivering, and evaluating programmes is required.

Additional information

This list of requirements is not exhaustive and may change if needed.

Remuneration and location

The salary will reflect qualifications and experience and is expected to start at approximately €35,000 per year. This is a fixed-term, full-time contract ending on 31 December 2027. The role is based in Munster and will be carried out as a roving remote position, with the option to use office space at home and in offices across the Munster region. Occasional travel to the Swim Ireland office at Sport Ireland Campus, Dublin will be required.

Appointment conditions

Any appointment will depend on successful safeguarding checks, vetting, and reference checks. Applications close on Monday 13 July. Interviews are scheduled in Munster during the week beginning 20 July 2026.

Equal opportunity statement

Swim Ireland welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and encourages people to apply even if they do not meet every single requirement. The organisation is committed to an inclusive and authentic workplace and is an equal opportunities employer.