Role

The Community Development Manager (East & North) will work to support, promote and grow the Sanctuary Runners movement in the counties of Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare, Monaghan, Donegal, Louth, Meath, Fermanagh & Cavan. 

This is a full-time role (35 hours per week) and a 12-month contract with a 6 six-month probationary period. 

Salary scale: €35,000 - €45,000

Benefits: Flexible working hours. Contributory pension after 6 months probationary period. 

Location: Remote / mobile within area of responsibility and to national team meetings 

The organisation

Sanctuary Runners is an innovative, award-winning, solidarity-through-sport organisation which uses running, jogging, walking and other sporting activities to bring everyone in the community together - including migrants and especially those seeking international protection and refugee status.

Founded in Cork in 2018, Sanctuary Runners has grown to c.40 groups nationwide, supporting a community-led approach to integration around Ireland. A small staff team develops and supports the network of Sanctuary Runners groups. The impact of this award-winning organisation is far-reaching and our model allows communities to get to know each other and improves physical and mental health. As a community-based group that focuses on positive action, we operate under the principles of solidarity, friendship and respect.

Vision

Our vision is for a more inclusive, integrated and equal society where the benefits of multiculturalism are clearly understood and valued and community integration is properly understood, valued and championed.

Mission

Our mission is to become bridge builders, in Ireland and internationally, by using running, jogging, walking groups and other sporting events to bring people together, including, and especially, asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. By building and creating these opportunities in an equal and respectful way it will enable people to develop friendships, networks and learn from each other.

About you

You are passionate about the vision and potential of Sanctuary Runners.

You have strong interpersonal skills, are an excellent communicator and listener, and can influence and direct others to help achieve the vision of Sanctuary Runners. 

You are naturally empathetic, action-oriented and have the life or work experience to be able to work on your own initiative as well as part of a team.

You are a problem-solver, and open to new ways and models of achieving our mission of community integration through sport.  

Responsibilities

Volunteer & Group Management 

• Work with group leaders (volunteers) of our existing groups across the region to support and develop their Sanctuary Runner groups locally
• Bring regional groups together, through developing a network of group leaders, organising events or entries to regional events for runners in the area, 
• Support groups with advice as well as central resources such as promotional materials, running gear, budget allocation, training requirements, funding and fundraising advice
• Work with the development team on creating relevant resources for volunteers & members
• Help identify new training needs for organisers and members
• Identifying new areas of demand for Sanctuary Runner groups through research and local contacts
• Assist with recruitment within the local community, in Direct Provision and emergency accommodation centres and in migrant communities
• Seek out local funding opportunities

Communications

• Act as a hub for storytelling and identify opportunities that showcase the positives of community integration in the region. Provide content for social media and member newsletters
• Liaise with local and national media to boost coverage of the Sanctuary Runners locally
• Representing Sanctuary Runners at network events and delivering presentations to stakeholders

Partnerships & events

• Create and sustain partnerships with other 3rd parties to promote sustainable and flourishing communities.
• Work with existing partners including Athletics Ireland, parkrun, Local Sports Partnerships, PPNs, migrant support groups and others to promote Sanctuary Runners and community integration in the region
• Support attendance at or organise local events, including races, promotions, conferences and community initiatives 
• Work with your Sanctuary Runner colleagues on national or special events and projects

General

• Attend regular meetings with development team colleagues and the Head of Operations and Impact
• Attend regular team meetings to ensure all staff are kept informed of progress.
• Maintain an accurate up to date record of work and initiatives.
• Additional, relevant duties as required by the Organisation.

Candidate skills and experience:

The skills and experience listed below are desirable and an advantage in applying. However, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all requirements given this role requires a wide variety of skills and attributes, some of which can be developed as part of the role. 

• 3 - 5 years experience in a community development, community engagement or sports development role
• A third-level qualification in a relevant discipline 
• A knowledge of Ireland’s International Protection System and the issues faced by people currently in the system 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal
• A full, clean driving licence and access to own car (travel across your region and to meet colleagues will be required)
• Good group facilitation skills/experience.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to deal with problems/enquiries in a diplomatic and sensitive manner.
• High comfort level in facilitating groups.
• Legally permitted to work in Ireland.
• Proficient in IT – MS Word, Canva, Excel, PowerPoint