Operations And Development Manager

ABOUT RCÉ/GRI AND IRGT

Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is the governing body for the greyhound racing industry in Ireland, managing and licencing operations at 14 greyhound racing stadia across the country. The organisation is multifaceted through its commercial business operations, delivery of year-round racing programme, acting as regulatory body for the industry including laboratory and care and welfare programmes and in working with all greyhound racing industry stakeholders across owners, breeders, trainers, RCÉ operated and privately operated stadiums and wide business and community connections.

The Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT) was established in 1997 as a registered charity by RCÉ whose objective is to rehome greyhounds after retirement and promote them as domestic pets, as well as to communicate with greyhound owners, welfare and greyhound representative organisations, and the wider Irish public about the processes involved in transitioning an elite greyhound athlete into a domesticated pet. The IRGT operations are managed and run through RCÉ with the Operations and Development Manager being an integral part of RCÉ’s management structure.

The IRGT rehomes approximately 1,800 greyhounds annually, both domestically and internationally See https://irgt.ie.

The Operations and Development Manager will be employed on a full-time contract. Reporting to RCÉ’s Director of Veterinary Services the role is charged with leading the efficient management of the IRGT. The role will have a particular focus on developing robust sustainable networks and avenues for rehoming of retired racing greyhounds across the country, particularly in areas where stadia are located, and industry participation is clustered. This will involve working with owners and trainers in the industry, stadia networks, community-based organisations, welfare organisations and representative bodies in growing rehoming opportunities.

THE ROLE

Suitable candidates would include anyone who has a knowledge and interest in the greyhound racing industry and/or similar community-based pursuits or business comparators. An interest in greyhound welfare and recognition of the strong cultural, community and historical aspect of greyhound racing would be of value. As the role will require strong leadership, communication and capacity building skills, this role will be attractive to someone who has experience of management and promotional activity, stakeholder and network building activity, in areas that involve the public in Ireland or abroad. A strong combination of administrative, organisational, project management and interpersonal skills are essential along with an ability to promote and extensively advocate RCÉ’s and IRGT’s rehoming message.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION, TRAINING, EXPERIENCE

Each candidate must have on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

- Strong time, self-management, interpersonal and organisational skills.
- Experience in leading individuals and teams in developing work programmes.
- Experience in working with stakeholder groups and building strong mutual working and business relationships.
- A knowledge and interest in the Irish greyhound racing industry.
- An interest in the long-term welfare of animals including their integration in society and value across various aspects of society.
- Ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines and manage time effectively.
- A satisfactory knowledge of effective organisational administration, including developed office skills.
- Experience in managing projects (including budget administration).
- A knowledge and understanding of animal welfare and associated legislation and codes of practice would be an advantage.
- Full National Driver’s Licence essential

The duties and responsibilities of the post will include the following:

- Managing the RCÉ rehoming team staff and work programme associated with the IRGT operations.
- Management of all resources and budgets deployed by RCÉ to the work of the IRGT ensuring best value for money in operations.
- Developing a work programme and plan to develop a network of stakeholder/group relationships across the country as effective avenues for rehoming of retired greyhounds.
- Strategically promoting and actively leading the delivery of all rehoming initiatives and events organised.
- Promoting greyhound rehoming in Ireland by assisting and, where necessary, developing local rehoming groups in our major towns and cities.
- Liaising with and developing effective relationships with Irish, European, American and Canadian organisations and charities that are involved in the rehoming and/or welfare of greyhounds.
- Ensuring through the rehoming team that greyhounds being rehomed in Ireland and outside of Ireland are fully prepared for rehoming, including veterinary care and preparation, transport organisation and paperwork is in order and in compliance with the relevant transport regulations.
- Overseeing the efficient operations of the administration duties of the rehoming team.
- Overseeing the management of the IRGT’s rehoming list.
- Liaising with RCÉ supported Care and Foster homes for greyhounds including all associated service delivery requirements and agreements, including cost and budget management.
- Providing education and information to the public and to industry participants regarding best practice in greyhound welfare including rehoming requirements.
- Carrying out media interviews to promote greyhound rehoming.
- Dealing with queries from the media.
- Developing policies to promote rehoming of retired greyhounds.
- Preparing reports for the IRGT trustees, the Board and Executive of Greyhound Racing Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

HOURS OF WORK

The role is a full-time position, 37.5 hours per week, over 5 days, which would be agreed with RCÉ but would have a requirement to be across Monday to Sunday, depending on the needs of the business.