Lakers’ General Manager

Job Description

Post:General Manager/Project Leader

Location:Lakers

Responsible to:The Chair (Fergus Finlay) and Board of Lakers

Works with: Managers, Staff, Volunteers, Members

The Job

Lakers is a community-based social, recreational, sports and education club for children and adults with an intellectual disability. We provide a wide range of learning, developmental and fun activities for our 300 members at our centre in Bray, Co. Wicklow.

In Lakers we passionately believe that each member is unique, has their own abilities and is entitled to the chance of a better future. Our overall aim is to enable children and adults with an intellectual disability to develop their innate skills and self-esteem in an environment which is inclusive and supportive. Our members develop their skills and abilities through a range of activities such as sport, drama, arts & crafts, cookery and much much more. The teamwork and inter-action with other people in these activities promotes the development of social skills, growth in self-confidence and self-esteem.

We seek to create opportunities for our members to participate in the wider community to the full extent of their abilities. We also seek to provide a strong, supportive network for parents, families and friends of people with an intellectual disability as a vital resource in facing the challenges they inevitably face.

We are now seeking to recruit a General Manager for Lakers. The person appointed will inspire and lead a small and committed team of staff, be responsible for the overall management of the club, and help to build a strong base for the future. We are looking for someone inspirational and strategic; with experience of and insight into intellectual disability; great people skills; an interest in fundraising and the development of Lakers’ identity; and the kind of passion that will truly reflect our members’ loyalty.

We will offer a two-year contract to the successful applicant with the option of renewal at the end of that period. The salary will be competitive and commensurate with skills and experience.

Core Job Requirements

Management

To participate in the development and implementation of strategic and operation plans.

To ensure the delivery, management, development and review the range of services we offer.

  • To manage, supervise and motivate all staff employed by Lakers.
  • To support and develop the role of volunteering within and in support of Lakers.

To develop and manage the annual budget.

To ensure that best possible relations are maintained with all funders (including responsibility for ensuring that timely reports are delivered), and to seek out and pursue funding opportunities to support the work.

  • To ensure that standards in relation to such issues as child protection, data protection and all other relevant areas are maintained to the highest standards.
  • To develop and maintain policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of safety, risk management and governance.
  • To develop a strong culture of participation within Lakers, protecting and developing our ethos.

Staff and Supervision

  • To ensure all staff and volunteers receive regular and professional supervision and appraisals.
  • To ensure that staff are developed, mentored and coached as required.
  • To develop key performance indicators to ensure optimum performance.
  • To ensure training needs are identified and addressed.
  • To manage the recruitment process for staff to the service.

Delivery of Services

  • To ensure effective referral, assessment, planning and review processes are in place to meet the needs of members participating in our services.
  • To ensure quality and best standards are adhered to in all aspects of the work.
  • To maintain appropriate relationships with external agencies in order to ensure that the needs of members are met in an integrated and co-ordinated manner.
  • To ensure that legislation and statutory guidelines, organisational policy and the corporate plan are fully implemented.

Development of the Service

  • To pro-actively pursue the development of new services to meet the needs of members as they arise.
  • To ensure that families of members always feel welcome and involved in the work of the club.
  • To participate in the overall development of good practice models within the organisation.

Organisational Role

  • To attend all meetings of the Board of Lakers, and to prepare a report of activities for each Board meeting.
  • To ensure that financial information is up-to-date and accurate.
    To participate in the development of organisational policy and plans to ensure they are implemented within the work.
  • To participate, along with the Board and in other ways, in the development of the development of strategies and policies within the organisation.
  • To represent Lakers as appropriate in public settings, and to participate in media and advocacy work as required.

Person Specification

Personal attributes

  • Strong strategic insights
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a willingness to engage with media and in public speaking
  • Ability to manage in a dynamic and busy environment
  • Teamwork required and the ability to work in collaboration with others
  • Ability to lead and manage the staff team
  • Ability to prioritise competing demand
  • Ability to work autonomously but seek advice as appropriate
  • Ability to manage complexity and diversity
  • Ability to develop, manage and maintain complex internal and external relationships with a range of stakeholders
  • Ability to assess needs and identify appropriate service responses
  • Ability to work to standards and work within policy framework and legislation
  • Ability to demonstrate high level dynamic skills of responsiveness, flexibility, creativity and problem solving
  • Ability to be analytical and critical
  • Flexibility and adaptability is essential for this post (Hours of attendance to meet the needs of the work will vary, and work during unsocial hours may be required)
  • IT and Social Media skills
  • Humour, friendliness and disability awareness are all important.

Experience

  • A minimum of five years post qualification experience and demonstrable competencies in terms of management ability essential. Prior management experience highly desirable.
  • Experience of developing and implementing strategy.
  • Experience of leading and managing change.

Qualifications

  • Relevant professional 3rd level qualification essential, for example: Social Work, Social Care, Child Care, Education, Youth and Community Work, Psychology or equivalent. Management training highly desirable.