Work in Boxing: CEO

IABA, through recruitment firm Ascension, is recruiting a Chief Executive Officer.

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) is the national governing body for boxing in on the island of Ireland. Established in 1911, the IABA’s main role is to develop, foster and control amateur boxing in 32 counties of Ireland.

The IABA is committed to provide the environment in which support and opportunities given to our athletes, coaches and clubs in Irish boxing.

The IABA operates from the National Stadium in Dublin, the only purpose-built amateur boxing stadium in the world and there are currently over 360 clubs affiliated to the association across the Island oof Ireland.

It is a volunteer led organization where the hard work, dedication and significant time afforded by each member has contributed to the growing success of the sport in Ireland.

Our vision is to honour our standing as Ireland’s most successful Olympic Sport, and become Ireland’s most innovative, inclusive and development-focused sporting community

Our purpose is to develop a culture of unity, promote engagement and participation in clubs and communities, and advance performance at all levels.

The Position

As Chief Executive Officer, you will lead the organisation and be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA). You will be accountable to the Board, as you drive the organisation forward.

As CEO, you will be expected to understand member’s needs, while having the ability to manage a complex portfolio of organisational responsibilities, including commercial and strategic priorities, operational effectiveness, stakeholder management, communications and financial/governance controls.

To be considered for this role you will need to be a strong leader, with excellent stakeholder management capabilities and have the ability to attract new revenue streams through sponsorship and funding initiatives. You should have excellent skills in management prioritisation and specifically be experienced in the delivery of strategic plan goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership / Strategic Planning

  • Act as an organisational culture champion. Continue to develop the values of IABA and lead by example by delivering objectives through inclusivity, integrity, respect, the pursuits of excellence and teamwork.
  • Maintain and develop best practice management and governance protocols.
  • Represent IABA and the IABA community, nationally and internationally, in a responsible manner in line with the organisation’s values.
  • Work proactively and respectfully with all the organisation’s key stakeholders to deliver the goals of the Strategic Plan.

Stakeholder management

  • Create an environment where excellent relationships with all stakeholders are maintained – including Sport Ireland, government, commercial partners, referees, coaches, volunteers, schools, colleges and clubs to help deliver IABA strategic outcomes.
  • Ensuring an inclusive environment, with consultation and dialogue at its core, is a key priority for the organisation.
  • Actively engage with the IABA community in creating an open dialogue.

Financial/Governance/Risk Management

  • Manage the financial dealings of the Association in a prudent manner in line with Board oversight.
  • Ensure IABA is at the forefront of best peer practice in all Governance matters and in full compliance with statutory frameworks with full Board engagement.
  • Continue to actively explore and drive existing and potentially innovative and new revenue streams outside of statutory funding vehicles.
  • Ensure all IABA risk management systems and policies are appropriate, current and applied.
  • Ensure the successful ongoing operation and resourcing of Board Committees in line with Board policies.

Commercial, Marketing and Communications

  • Manage commercial and sponsor relationships to maximise revenue certainty by building long-term partnerships.
  • Identify new programmes and other innovative opportunities to expand the revenue base.
  • Ensure that marketing and communications activities are structured to strengthen the reputation of IABA and that of the sport.
  • Assume the role of primary spokesperson for IABA, supported by the marketing/communications professionals and with board oversight.

Experience Requirements

Essential:

  • Degree or similar level qualification, or equivalent expertise in a sports or management-related discipline or
  • Strategic experience in a similar field, ideally in the sporting or not-for profit sectors.
  • Minimum of 5 years senior management or executive experience in a fast-paced and challenging environment nationally/internationally.
  • Experience managing budgets.
  • Experience in securing commercial sponsorship contracts with leading national and international brands.
  • Experience of effectively managing and motivating a team of diverse professionals.
  • Demonstrated strong project management skills & methodologies.
  • Visionary thinker with the ability to facilitate and lead change.
  • Strong, yet inclusive management and leadership style, with the ability to effectively build relationships with a wide variety of IABA enthusiasts, volunteers, professionals, governing bodies and other stakeholders.
  • A passion for excellence while maintaining impeccable standards of integrity, both organisationally and personally.
  • Previous experience of reporting to a Board.
  • Experience of building relationships and collaborating effectively with multiple organisations and stakeholders to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes.
  • A leader who values diversity and inclusion at all levels, who will champion this agenda and continue to deliver real change inside the organisation and across the sport as a whole.
  • A confident spokesperson when representing our organisation, an ability to demonstrate previous experience in doing so with stakeholders, commercial partners, media and others.

Desirable:

  • A passion for sport in general and boxing in particular with a knowledge of boxing infrastructures and systems
  • Experience in working with a diverse range of stakeholders in Ireland and Internationally.
  • Experience of working with the media.

Applications

To apply for this position please send your CV and cover letter in confidance outlining why you are suitable for this position to our recruitment partner Ascension Executive Recruitment – recruitment@ascension.ie no later than 5pm on Monday 27th of January 2025, or through THIS portal.

Register now: Fuelling Success

IABA’s Women in Sport Officer Sophie Doolan is hosting a keynote event focusing on nutrition on Sunday, January 26th, Fuelling Success. This event is open to boxers, coaches and parents.

This panel discussion will be MC’d by Paris Olympian Grainne Walsh, of St. Mary’s BC, Tallaght, and follows on from her participation in the Sport Ireland’s Body Composition: More than a Number Campaign, which you can watch here:

The panel will be composed of Paris Olympians and will be discussing how they make weight and manage eating for performance and how this has evolved for them throughout their careers.

The panel will be followed by a presentation on key nutrition points by Dr. Sharon Madigan, Head of Performance Nutrition at Sport Ireland Institute – Sharon has worked with boxing for 20 years, through 5 Olympic Games, and numerous World and European campaigns.

Date: January 26th

Time: 2.30pm

Location: the Carlton Hotel, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

Booking: https://shout.com/s/imRYFHdI

For more information, contact WIS Lead, Sophie Doolan via sophie@iaba.ie

Revised programmes: 2025 National Youth Competition

Up-dated programmes for the final two days of boxing in the 2025 National Youth Competition have been released, following a number of weigh-ins.

Weigh In Times, National Stadium.

Friday 8am – 9am & 12pm – 1pm (Boxing Starts at 6pm)

Saturday 8am – 9am (Boxing Starts at 11am)

Reminder:

  • All Coaches must have wrist bands to enter the Field of Play & changing areas.
  • Wristbands must be collected at the Top Table by coaches prior to entering the changing areas.
  • Under no circumstances is a male Coach allowed to enter the female changing area, nor is a female Coach permitted in to the male changing area.
  • If any clubs need to change the Coach entered, please send notification to National Secretary Tara Robins Mari, secretary@iaba.ie before 12pm Friday 16th January so the relevant checks can be completed.

Following the advisory issued by the National Secretary on December 28th (available here), that this event is a competition not a championships. As such, the January competition will not be used as a tool of potential selection for international competition.

All programmes are subject to change

Friday, January 17th. Boxing begins at 6pm

  1. 48kg   Noah Bacon (Saints) V Kurt Kinsella (Monkstown D)
  2. 48kg   Caoimhin Connelly (Twin Towns) V Rico McInerney (Portlaoise)
  3. 51kg   Odhran Reynolds (Clonard A) V Aidyn Thompson (Spartans U)
  4. 51kg   Michael Reilly (St Pauls Waterford) V Aaron Keogh (Drimnagh)
  5. 54kg   Matthew McDonagh (Dukes) V Niall Hall (Saints)
  6. 54kg   James McCann (St Monicas) V Jack Cannon (Monkstown D)         
  7. 57kg   Sam Hourican (Monkstown D) V Lochlainn Beagan (Sean Dorans)
  8. 57kg   Thomas Curran (Treaty) V Sean McCusker (Dealgan)
  9. 60kg   Aodhan Scott (Glengormley) V Glen Mason (St Josephs Edenderry)
  10. 60kg   Daniel Hunter (Corpus Christi) V James Delaney (Olympic C)
  11. 63.5kg Louis Griffin (Portlaoise) V Nojus Smataukas (Gilford)
  12. 63.5kg Rahman Abdulnasser (Ballymun) V Patrick Kelly (St Abbans/ Kilmyshall)
  13. 71kg   Eternity Okungbowa (Lucan) V Kane Brannigan (Lisburn)        
  14. 71kg   MJ Burke (Sliabh Luachra) V Rati Abuladze (Togher)
  15. 75kg   Reuben Aigbologo (Mayfield) V John Crowley (St Martha’s)
  16. 75kg   Jason Whelan (Dublin Docklands) V Daniel McDonagh (Geesala)
  17. 80kg   Andrew Sunni (Spartacus) V Chulainn McDonnell (Whitechurch)
  18. 80kg   Kieran Reilly (St Saviours OBA) V Edvin Volodkevic (Spartacus)
  19. 92+kg Michael Olaloko (Swords) W/O
  20. 92+kg James Ciaza (Bracken) V Owen Piegza (Top End)

Saturday, January 18th: boxing begins at 11am

  1. 44kg   Jasmine McCarthy (Setanta L) W/O
  2. 44kg   Dillon Donnelly (St Pauls A) W/O
  3. 46kg   Emily Midwinter (Rosslare) V Ava McCabe (Jobstown)
  4. 46kg   Alekesesj Lazic (St Nicholas) V Robert Quinn (St Pauls A)
  5. 48kg   Abbey Molloy (Sacred Heart D) V Ella Joy Thompson (Setanta L)
  6. 48kg   Winner V Winner
  7. 50kg   Isabel Nolan (Santry) V Skye Ward (Neilstown)
  8. 51kg   Winner V Winner
  9. 52kg   Jessica Gallagher (Mulhuddart) V Kayleigh Byrne (Gorey)
  10. 54kg   Elma Barry (Setanta L) W/O
  11. 54kg   Winner V Winner
  12. 57kg   Tiegan Farrelly (Dunboyne) V Grace Conway (Tredagh)
  13. 57kg   Winner V Winner
  14. 60kg   Kelsey Langan (Ballina) W/O
  15. 60kg   Winner V Winner
  16. 63.5kg Winner  V Winner
  17. 66kg   Sarah Murphy (St Brigids Kildare) W/O
  18. 67kg   John Donoghue (Olympic L) V Calvin Farrell (Brochagh)
  19. 70kg   Chloe Poleon (Dunboyne) V Saoirse McCarthy (St Pappins)
  20. 71kg   Winner V Winner
  21. 75kg   Nessa Tabachuk (Celtic Eagles) V Alexandra Whittaker (Underdog)
  22. 75kg   Winner V Winner
  23. 80kg   Winner V Winner
  24. 86kg   Denis Muntean (Bracken) V Shay O’Dowd (Swords)
  25. 92kg Christopher Stokes (Crumlin) W/O
  26. 92+kg Michael Olaloko (Swords) V Winner

High Performance announces expansion of the Visiting Athlete Squad.

The High Performance Unit is to incorporate members of the 2024 European U23 squad in to the 2025 Visiting Athlete Squad.

The Visiting Athlete Squad is one of three High Performance Squads announced on January 8th, which provide for the training and development of 50 boxers in a high performance setting. VAS affords part-time weekly training and members are eligible for additional training opportunities, as applicable.

Today’s announcement brings to 60 the number of athletes from 40 clubs engaging in High Performance training in 2025, a record high.

The Visiting Athlete Squad has a dual mandate as a talent ID mechanism, and to provide ongoing training and development to athletes of high potential. It is in this context that the 2024 European U23 squad members join VAS.

The athletes being incorporated in to this squad are:

W48 Georgia McGovern, Setanta BC, Kildare

W50 Nicole Buckley, DCU Athletic, Dublin

W50 Katie O’Keefe, Kanturk BC, Cork.

W54 Robyn Kelly, Ballynacarigy BC, Westeath

W60 Rebecca Kavanagh, Mulhuddart BC, Dublin

W81+ Cliona D’Arcy, Tobar Pheadair BC, Galway

M67 Luke Hall, Rochfortbridge BC, Westmeath

M67 Cian Cramer, Cabra BC, Dublin

M75 Josh Olaniyan, Jobstown BC, Dublin

M86 Kian Hedderman, St. Francis BC, Limerick

M92 Charlie Ward, Monivea BC

They join the existing members of the VAS:

W50Caitlin Fryers, Immaculata BC, Belfast
W52Nicole Clyde, Antrim
W63Kaci Rock, Holy Trinity ABC, Belfast
W80Mikayla Kelly, Sacred Heart L
M48Padraig Downey, St John Bosco Antrim
M51Adam McKenna, Holy Family, Drogheda
M67Malo Davis, Monkstown, Dublin
M75Taylor Guiney. St. Mary’s, Tallaght
M92Nathan Ojo, Esker BC, Dublin

Two other HP 2025 Squads are the Senior Squad & the HP Priority Development Squad. These include Paris and Tokyo Olympians, World, European and Commonwealth medalists, as well as high-potential new entrants to the High Performance programme

National Head Coach, Zauri Antia, says “This new format of HP Senior Squad, Priority Development Athletes and Visiting Athletes recogniseds the breadth of potential in boxers trained in clubs throughout the Association. The structure enables the High Performance Unit to optimise the development opportunities available to athletes. Its an exciting system which will ensure that IABA continues it’s tradition of benchmark event podium finishes, as athletes in any of the squads may be selected for competition or training camp events”

High Performance Manager, Sean Crowley says ” Building on the lessons learned from the 2023 and 2024 European U22 and U23 campaigns, resuming squad training for U23 athletes at the earliest opportunity, will significantly bolster preparations as we prepare for the 2025 iteration of these championships.

HP Senior Squad

These athletes are in full-time training.

W48Carleigh Irving , Oakleaf BC, Derry
W50Daina Moorhouse, Enniskerry BC, Wicklow & Shannon Sweeney, St. Anne’s BC, Mayo
W54Jenny Lehane, DCU BC, Dublin
W57Michaela Walsh, Holy Family BC, Belfast & Niamh Fay, Phoenix of Ballyboughal
W60Kellie Harrington, St Mary’s Tallaght
W66Grainne Walsh, , St Mary’s Tallaght
W70Lisa O’Rourke, Casterea BC, Roscomon
W75Aoife O’Rourke, Castlerea BC Roscommon
W80+Judy Bobbett, Liberty BC, Wicklow
M48Louis Rooney, Star ABC, Belfast
M51Sean Mari, Monkstown Dublin
M54Patsy Joyce, Olympic Mullingar
M57Jude Gallagher, 2 Castles Olympic, Tyrone
M60Adam Hession, Monivea BC, Galway & Rhys Owens, Erne BC, Fermanagh
M63Dean Clancy, Sean McDermott BC, Leitrim & Jason Nevin, Olympic Mullingar
M67Darren O’Connor, Olympic Galway
M71Aidan Walsh, Holy Family BC, Belfast & Jon McConnell, Holy Trinity ABC, Belfast
M80Kelyn Cassidy, Saviours Crystal BC, Co. Waterford
M86Brian Kennedy, St.Brigid’s Edenderry
M92Jack Marley, Monkstown, Dublin
M92+Martin McDonagh, Galway BC

HP Development Priority Squad

These athletes are in part-time weekly multi-session boxing technical training, and are eligible for additional training opportunities, as applicable.

W48Ciara Walsh, Smithfield BC Dublin
W52Amber Byrne, Arklow BC, Wicklow
W54Chloe Gabriel, Dublin Docklands, Dublin
W60Kellie McLoughlin, St Catherine’s BC Dublin
W63Linda Desmond, Rylane BC, Cork
W75Bethany Doocey, Castlebar BC, Mayo
M51Clepson Dos Santos, Holy Trinity ABC, Belfast
M57Gavin Ryan, Ratoath BC Meath & Dylan Eagleson, St. Paul’s BC, Antrim
M60Lee McEvoy, Avona BC, Dublin
M63Roy Colgan, Avona BC, Dublin
M71Bobby Flood, Cabra BC, Dublin
M75Gavin Rafferty, Dublin Docklands
M80James Whelan, Dublin Docklands
M92Wayne Rafferty, Dublin Docklands
M92+Godstime Ide, Crumlin BC, Dublin

Work in Boxing: Regional Performance Head Coach

IABA has a vacancy for a Regional Head Performance Coach for the Ulster High Performance (UHP), who will lead the regional performance programme and support the National High-Performance Programme when required.

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) has a proud tradition of success, being Ireland’s most successful Olympic sport and Northern Ireland’s most successful Commonwealth Games sport. The Regional Head Performance Coach will play a pivotal role in leading the NI team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow delivering on continued success for NI and the IABA. 

The Ulster High Performance unit is located at the Ulster University Sport Village, in collaboration with Sport Institute Northern Ireland (SINI).The Regional Head Performance Coach  will be experienced coach that will take a leadership role in the day-to-day coaching of athletes, assuring national alignment working across both programmes as needed. They will play a pivotal role in developing quadrennial and annual training and competition plans for elite, transitional, and youth boxers, ensuring the programme at Ulster High Performance is fully aligned with the national programme.

The Regional Head Performance Coach will support the National Boxing programme on a negotiated basis, working at the High-Performance Unit (HPU) at the Sport Institute Ireland.

Job Description and Personal Specification
Role Purpose:    The Head Coach, in partnership with the Regional Performance Manager, will lead and manage all aspects of the Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) Medals & More Programme (MMP). They will also serve as Head Performance Coach for the Commonwealth Games, overseeing the quadrennial and specific competition plans to ensure the Ulster High Performance (UHP) programme meets MMP targets. Additionally, they will assume the Head Coach role or mentor Ulster coaches for competitions where Northern Ireland or Ulster competes independently.
Location:Ulster University Sports Village, Jordanstown, BT37 0QB with travel domestic and overseas.
Hours of work:  The successful candidate is expected to work 40 hours per week. Given the nature of the position, flexible working arrangements are necessary. Such arrangements will be discussed and approved with the line manager.  The employee will not receive any additional payment for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week but may be permitted to take time off in lieu of such excess hours worked, if agreed with the line manager.
Contract:2 Years Fix Term with the possibility of 2-year extension depending on funding. Six-month period of probation will apply.
SalaryNegotiable depending on qualification/experience

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Training, Planning, and Development

  • Oversee quadrennial planning and execution of UHP training programs and competitions, including the development of schedules for domestic and international camps. Collaborate with High-Performance Unit Managers and the National Head Coach to manage athlete welfare, logistical arrangements, and support planning for benchmark events like the Olympic Games and World Championships.
  • National Alignment: Ensure alignment of practices in Ulster with the national program by collaborating with the National Head Coach and performance coaches.
  • Athlete Development & Profiling: Work with National and Regional Performance Managers to create an athlete profiling matrix for selection and development, focusing on technical, tactical, physical, and psychological growth.
  • Competition Leadership: Assume the role of Head Coach for the Commonwealth Games and other competitions, including appointing support coaches.
  • Multi-Disciplinary Team Collaboration: Lead and coordinate with SINI practitioners to provide comprehensive Sports Science and Medicine support for UHP athletes, ensuring optimal delivery within the Daily Performance Environment.
  • Coach Development: Support coach development initiatives, such as the Paris Pool Coach Programme and Ulster Pool Coach Programme, by identifying key themes for progression.
  • National Team Support: Assist the national team under the direction of the Performance Director and National Head Coach during daily training or international competitions.

Programme Management and Development

  • Programme Management: Work with the Regional Performance Manager to design programme plans, set KPIs, and manage the budget and resources for High Performance in Ulster.
  • Performance Pathway Alignment: Collaborate with the National programme to ensure alignment between Ulster and national programmes, working simultaneously to enhance overall athlete performance across both programmes.

Partnership and Networking

  • Work harmoniously with IABA staff, Ulster Boxing Council, Sport Northern Ireland, Sport Ireland, and Ulster University on both high-performance matters and broader organisational initiatives.
  • Support the National Performance Director in strengthening the relationships with the Olympic Federation of Ireland, Sport Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland, NI Commonwealth Games Association and other key partners who support the Ulster programme and athletes
  • Take the lead role in developing and mentoring coaches who are working with identified athletes and emerging talent, and contribute to planning and coach development initiatives when required by the National Performance Director
  • Adhere to existing policies and contribute to the development of organisational and operational frameworks and processes that deliver a high level of duty of care to athletes and drive adherence to Irish Athletic Boxing Association’s principles of athlete/staff welfare and well-being
  • Assist (when required) in the recruitment of staff aligned to the Ulster programme
  • Support colleagues who have a lead role in the organisation, promotion and development of a coach, parent and/or athlete education programme through workshops, seminars and camps.

Miscellaneous

  • Attend all necessary IABA meetings as requested by the National Performance Director
  • Engage positively in a personal performance development plan, actively identifying new areas for learning and committing to a culture of continual improvement
  • Work cooperatively with IABA and Ulster office staff, primary partners and sponsors to support marketing and promotional activities and media requirements
  • Any other reasonable duties as required by the National Performance Director.

Personal Specification

Essential Criteria

  • Have gained a 2 Star Coaching Qualification or higher
  • 5 years’ experience working within High Performance Programmes that contributed to international performance at major competitions such as Olympics, Worlds, Europeans and Commonwealth Games.
  • Experience of leading at competitions which includes periodisation planning for athletes to maximise their performances at a grade A higher competition.
  • Demonstrate high level of knowledge for amateur boxing with specific regard coaching technical and tactical development, Performance Pathway and Periodisation Planning.
  • Ability to lead and collaborate with a performance team that includer Sports Science and Sports Medicine
  • Proficient in Microsoft and Other Software Packages
  • Understanding and knowledge of funding systems in Northern Ireland and Ireland including programme and athlete

Desirable Criteria

  • Experience of contributing to the development of performance pathway that aids sustainable performances
  • Experience of mentoring and developing coaches throughout the coaching pathway including workshops, seminars and 1-1s.
  • Experience in developing funding submissions including athlete funding and programme funding.

Application Process

Interested persons are invited to submit the following by email to hr@iaba.ie:

  • Resume including 2 referees
  • Cover letter outlining how they meet the essential skills and qualifications by providing examples of how they have previously fulfilled the duties and responsibilities of this type of role

Application closing date: Monday 20th January 2025 at 1pm

Anticipated Interview Dates: Between 27th January – 7th February 2025   

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  The post holder is required to undergo Safeguarding Training, to be agreed with the Head of Safeguarding. The successful candidate will be required to complete the necessary Access NI checks prior to appointment. The Irish Athletic Boxing Association is an equal opportunities employer.

http://iaba.ie/site3/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IABA-Regional-Head-Performance-Coach-10-1-2025.pdf