Chief Executive Officer, Swim Ireland
Swim Ireland is the National Governing Body for swimming, water polo, diving and associated aquatic disciplines across the island of Ireland. It is committed to inspiring people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to enjoy and excel in aquatic sport – from first experiences in the water through to European, World and Olympic/Paralympic success.
THE ORGANISATION
Swim Ireland is the National Governing Body for swimming, water polo, diving and associated aquatic disciplines across the island of Ireland. It is committed to inspiring people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to enjoy and excel in aquatic sport – from first experiences in the water through to European, World and Olympic/Paralympic success. Working closely with Sport Ireland, government, local authorities, clubs and communities, it delivers programmes that promote participation, performance, health and wellbeing. The Board of Swim Ireland now wishes to appoint a dynamic and visionary Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) to lead the organisation and further strengthen its impact, profile and influence in the years ahead.
THE ROLE
Reporting to the Board Chair and accountable to the Board of Directors, the CEO will provide strategic leadership and overall direction to Swim Ireland. The CEO will shape and implement Swim Ireland’s vision, mission and long-term strategy, while overseeing day-to-day operations so that effective systems, pathways and structures support participation and performance. A key focus of the role is strategic financial leadership, including responsibility for budgeting, risk management, compliance and diversifying income through sponsorships, grants, partnerships and commercial activity. The CEO will lead and develop a high-performing executive team, foster a positive and inclusive organisational culture, and ensure best-practice governance, safeguarding and compliance with the Governance Code for Sport and all statutory requirements. As the public face of Swim Ireland, the CEO will represent the organisation at national and international level and build strong relationships with Sport Ireland, government departments, local authorities, sponsors, clubs and volunteers.
THE PERSON
You will be an inspirational and visionary leader with a proven track record in a senior executive role, ideally within sport, the not‑for‑profit sector or a comparable commercial organisation. You will bring strong strategic, operational and financial acumen, experience of leading teams, shaping organisational culture and delivering measurable results in addition to a deep understanding of governance, compliance, risk management and stakeholder engagement in complex environments. You will be an effective communicator and advocate, possessing significant networking and stakeholder management abilities. Experience working with or within a national governing body, in a volunteer-led environment and engaging with the media is highly desirable. Personally, you will be collaborative, approachable, resilient and adaptable, with a genuine passion for aquatic sport and community engagement.
To Apply:
Lansdowne Executive Search has been retained by Swim Ireland to manage this recruitment process.
Further information, including details on how to apply are available on www.swimireland.ie
If you feel you would benefit from a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact:
Seán McDonagh, Partner, Lansdowne Executive Search. Email: sean.mcdonagh@lansdownesearch.ie
For a confidential discussion, please contact Seán at +353 (0)87 796 1062.
Closing date for applications is Friday 9th October 2026.
Candidates for this role will be sourced through both advertising and executive search processes.
Swim Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.
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