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- Tasks: Lead the Irish FA Board, ensuring high standards of governance and strategic oversight.
- Company: Join a pivotal organisation in Northern Ireland's football landscape.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with expenses reimbursed; make a real impact in your community.
- Other info: Unique opportunity to influence one of Northern Ireland's key sporting institutions.
- Why this job: Shape the future of football and promote inclusivity in sport.
- Qualifications: Proven board leadership experience and strong communication skills required.
This is an important moment for football in Northern Ireland. The Irish FA has strong momentum, with continued investment in facilities, improved governance, and growing participation across the game. Progress in women's and girls' football, the development of national academies, and the new National Football Centre at Galgorm reflect a clear focus on long-term sustainability and impact.
As part of a planned succession process, the Irish FA is now seeking to appoint a Chair. The Chair provides clear leadership to the Board, setting high standards of governance, integrity, inclusion and financial stewardship. Working closely with Board members and the Chief Executive, the Chair ensures effective oversight, constructive challenge and that strategy is translated into clear, deliverable priorities.
Externally, the Chair represents the Irish FA with credibility, building strong relationships across football, government, commercial partners and wider civic society. We are seeking an experienced and respected Board leader with excellent chairing skills and a strong track record at board level within a large, complex, multi-stakeholder organisation. You will bring strategic insight, sound judgement and independence of thought, alongside a pragmatic approach to governance.
Strong communication skills, the ability to build consensus, manage challenge and guide long-term strategy are essential, as is a belief in the positive role sport can play in communities. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to one of Northern Ireland's most important sporting and civic institutions and to help shape the future direction of football across the region.
This Chair appointment is voluntary, with expenses reimbursed in line with Irish FA policy. To apply, please follow the link to Clarendon Executive Website for further details. Applications should include a CV and a concise supporting statement. Please quote reference 26002 in all correspondence. Closing date: 5pm Monday, 2 February 2026.
The Irish FA is an equal opportunity organisation and values diversity across all areas of its governance and operations.
Chair Irish Football Association in Newtownabbey employer: Clarendon Executive
Contact Detail:
Clarendon Executive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair Irish Football Association in Newtownabbey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the football community. Attend events, engage on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former board members. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the game! When you get the chance to chat with stakeholders or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for football shine through. Share your vision for the future of the sport in Northern Ireland and how you can contribute to its growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tough questions! Think about the challenges facing the Irish FA and how you would tackle them. Being able to discuss governance, inclusion, and financial stewardship with confidence will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Make sure your CV and supporting statement are tailored to highlight your leadership skills and experience in multi-stakeholder environments.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair Irish Football Association in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role of Chair at the Irish FA. Familiarise yourself with their current projects and values. This will help you tailor your application to show how your experience aligns with their goals.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should highlight your board-level experience and leadership skills. Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy to read. Don’t forget to include specific examples of how you've driven strategy and governance in previous roles.
Write a Strong Supporting Statement: This is your chance to shine! Keep it concise but impactful. Explain why you’re passionate about football and how you can contribute to the Irish FA’s mission. Make sure to reference your strategic insight and ability to build consensus.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through the Clarendon Executive Website as mentioned in the job description. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Remember to quote reference 26002 in all correspondence!
How to prepare for a job interview at Clarendon Executive
✨Know Your Football Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current state of football in Northern Ireland, especially the Irish FA's recent initiatives. Understanding the momentum behind women's and girls' football, as well as the development of national academies, will show your commitment and insight into the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous board leadership roles and how you've set high standards of governance. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to provide oversight and constructive challenge, as these are key aspects of the Chair position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing how you would build consensus among diverse stakeholders. Consider preparing a few anecdotes that illustrate your ability to manage challenges and guide strategy.
✨Emphasise Your Community Impact Belief
The Irish FA values the positive role sport plays in communities. Be prepared to express your passion for using sport as a tool for social change and how you envision contributing to the community through this role. This will resonate well with the interviewers.