Chief Executive Officer

Please note: to apply for this position, you need to create a profile in order to upload your cover letter and CV. The cover letter and CV need to be 1 document. Shortlisting will be conducted based on the questions in the application, the cover letter, and the CV.

This is a unique opportunity to lead one of the island of Ireland's most respected peace-building organisations, an organisation with a proud history, a strong reputation and a clear mission to build a shared and cohesive society by addressing division, fostering understanding, and creating opportunities for positive change.
Reporting to the Chair and Board of Directors, the CEO will provide strategic leadership to Co-operation Ireland, ensuring the organisation continues to deliver meaningful impact through its programmes, partnerships, and advocacy across the island of Ireland. The CEO will lead a talented and committed team, steward the organisation's resources and reputation, and ensure that Co-operation Ireland remains relevant, resilient, and ambitious in a changing social, political, and funding environment.
The CEO will be responsible for translating vision into action, shaping organisational strategy, driving operational excellence, and ensuring that programmes, partnerships, and investments deliver real and measurable outcomes for the communities Co-operation Ireland serves.
As the public face of the organisation, the CEO will represent Co-operation Ireland with credibility and influence across a broad range of stakeholders, including funders, governments, civic leaders, donors, communities, partners, and the media.
The successful candidate will bring the ability to build trusted relationships, create strategic opportunities, and champion the organisation's mission at local, national, and international levels.
Essential Experience:
* Operating at senior executive level (CEO, MD, COO, or equivalent).
* Leading multi-disciplinary teams and delivering organisational performance.
* Developing and delivering organisational strategy and measurable outcomes.
* Driving commercial and financial performance, with full accountability for budgets, funding, and long-term organisational sustainability
* Working closely with Boards or Trustees, ensuring high standards of governance, accountability, and compliance.
* Building and managing relationships with senior stakeholders, including funders, government, partners, and external bodies.
* Driving organisational performance, KPIs and impact measurement.
* Leading on the delivery of programmes or services in complex and/or multi-site environments.
* Understanding and managing organisational risk, compliance requirements, and reputational exposure across a complex operating environment.
* Hold a full current driving licence and have a car available for business use.
Desirable Experience
* Working in not-for-profit, public sector, sport, or community-based organisations.
* Delivering transformation, growth, and organisational change within complex environments.
* Securing funding or building strategic partnerships.
* Leading complex programmes or capital projects.
NB This is a senior role which will require flexibility to meet the national and international travel commitments for the role.

Skills:
CEO Chief Executive Officer

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