ABOUT SAFE IRELAND

Safe Ireland National Social Change Agency works to eradicate Domestic, Sex, Gender and Sexuality-Based Violence (DSGSBV) in Ireland. We recognise that DSGBV is a widescale social problem that requires a nationwide county and community-based response at every level to ensure safe pathways out of abuse for women & children.

We have four distinct functions:

1. Understanding domestic, sex, gender and sexuality-based coercion and violence (DSGSBV) to advance government, commercial and civil society policy, practice and provision responses.

2. Providing and supporting frontline refuge, support and outreach services to SURVIVORS of DSGSBV.

3. Supporting Safe Ireland member SERVICES.

4. Developing DV SECTORAL best practice for community-based DSGSBV responses.

We achieve our work through collaborations with our network of affiliated independent frontline DV services, and with national stakeholders.

There are thirty-seven DV affiliated as members of Safe Ireland. Each deliver local services including helplines, information/advocacy, crisis and move-on accommodation, Garda / Court accompaniment, Welfare advice, and practical/emotional/therapeutic supports for adults, young people and children.

JOB PURPOSE

We are seeking a dynamic, dedicated and experienced Director of Operations to lead and optimise operational functions to maximise our effectiveness to deliver our mission and purpose. The Director of Operations will play a pivotal strategic role in leading the organisation by working collectively and collaboratively with the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Trustees to shape the direction of Safe Ireland and to build and maintain a positive culture.

The Director of Operations will oversee the efficiency and impact of all daily operations of Safe Ireland, ensuring that its programme of work, finances, people, and resources align with its purpose, priorities and values. The Director of Operations will play a key role as second in command to the Chief Executive Officer in ensuring the viability of the organisation, specifically overseeing finance, HR and team leadership, operational systems, strategic planning, policies & procedures, governance & compliance.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Job Title: Director of Operations

Location: Based in Dublin Offices, with travel

Job Type: Full Time 35 hrs per week.

Contract of Indefinite Duration

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Salary Scale: CEO Band SC1 (Social Care): Point 3 HSE Consolidated Pay scales

Number of direct line-reports: 8

Probationary Period: 6 months

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

Operational Strategy and Planning

• As part of the Executive Leadership team with the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Trustees develop and implement operational strategies to deliver Safe Ireland’s purpose and priorities.
• Developing and optimizing operational processes for efficiency and compliance, including managing digital systems and data.
• Establish annual operational plans and budgets in coordination with the Financial Controller
• Develop KPIs and performance metrics to monitor and report on the success of operational initiatives.

Team Leadership and Development

• Leading and managing operational teams, providing guidance, support, and performance management.
  • Lead operational teams, promoting a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
  • Oversee HR function including recruitment, training, and development processes to develop an effective and efficient organisation.
  • Provide strategic leadership to direct reports within the senior management team to develop the Safe Ireland long term business strategy.

Financial and Resource Management

• In conjunction with the Financial Controller, support financial planning, budgeting, and performance management, to ensure financial accountability and sustainability
  • Work with the Financial Controller to oversee budgeting, financial forecasting, and cash flow.
  • Oversee the efficient allocation and management of resources, including human resources, finances, and physical assets.
  • Coordinate outsourced support services, such as HR, IT and audit.
  • With the outsourced HR Partner, over-see development and implementation of HR strategy and policy.
  • Manage outsourced HR contract.

Programme and Project Management

• Work with the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Trustees in development and delivery of the Strategic Plan and priorities
• Oversee the design and implementation of operational processes that support programme delivery and impact both at Frontline Service and organisational level
• Play a central role in managing specific projects from initiation through to execution. To coordinate teams, manage timelines, align stakeholders, and ensure that every aspect of the project progresses with clarity and purpose.
• Coordinate cross-functional projects to improve programme outcomes, reduce operational risk, and increase organisational effectiveness.

Governance and Compliance

• Attend and participate at Safe Ireland Board of Trustees and sub-committee meetings. Work with the Chief Executive Officer and Financial Controller to ensure the Board of Trustees has timely, accurate reports and is supported to fulfil its governance responsibilities.
• Ensure all organisational activities comply with relevant legal, regulatory, and ethical standards, including charity law, Charity Regulatory Authority, Company Law, GDPR, anti-money laundering legislation, safeguarding requirements, managing operational risks in line with Safe Ireland values.
• Act as a key point of contact for external stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and partners as needed.

Line Management and Leadership

• Convene and facilitate regular team meetings
• Provide on-going line manager support and organise regular performance management sessions, as well as Probation Review meetings for new staff and annual appraisals for all staff members.
• Contribute to monthly subgroup and Board of Trustees meetings.
• Recognise and value all aspects of equality, diversity and inclusion

IT, Systems, and Data Management

• Oversee our outsourced IT contract ensuring systems are secure, efficient, and scalable.
• Implement data management protocols and systems to facilitate reporting, transparency, and evidence-based decision-making.
• Develop cybersecurity policies and data protection practices in compliance with GDPR and other data regulations.

Stakeholder Management and Partnerships

• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to include the Safe Ireland staff, Members Network, community partners, funders, and donors to support operational needs.
• Attend and proactively participate in regular performance reviews and meetings as required.
• Represent Safe Ireland at relevant events, conferences, and public forums as required.
• Undertake any other duties and reasonable requests that are in keeping with the nature of this post

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• You are a values-led leader with a passion for Safe Ireland’s mission, vision and values.
• You have a demonstrable commitment to and want to help create a culture with these values at its heart.
• You are an excellent relationship builder and thrive on working collaboratively with colleagues.
• You are comfortable driving change and bringing people on the journey, are open to ideas and enjoy working through proposals
• You have a growth mindset and believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• You are a strategic, empathic leader who is resilient, responds well to change and combines pace and ambition with self-care and reflection.
• You have excellent levels of discretion and judgement and experience of dealing with sensitive information.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Extensive experience in operations management, within the NGO sector.
• Funding, grant management experience
• A strong understanding of the DSGSBV landscape and experience of developing and embedding meaningful strategies & policies to ensure nationwide county and community-based response at every level to ensure safe pathways out of abuse for women & children.
• A good understanding of current DSGSBV National and International Policy and best practice guidelines.
• Experience of leadership and working at a senior level within an organisation within the NGO sector including helping to create and maintain a positive organisational culture.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, a natural collaborator, networker, and relationship-builder who establishes rapport and trust quickly and has the ability to inspire and persuade others.
• Experience in programme management and service delivery.
• Knowledge and experience of Project Management.
• Knowledge of best practice and compliance in HR and experience of overseeing staff learning and development.
• Proven track-record in implementing organisational change and a good understanding of the importance of data & analysis to drive continuous improvement.
• Experience of leading cross-organisational business planning processes.
• Excellent project manager with outstanding organisational skills and the ability to work on multiple complex projects at the same time.
• Strong communicator able to interpret and simplify complex issues and communicate them in a compelling way.
• Experience of developing and implementing strategy for all aspects of operational activity, including HR, and ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements, financial literacy and experience of financial planning and managing risk.
• Innovative and tech savvy with an excellent understanding of ICT and evolving technology.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a Senior Management role in the NGO Sector.
• Experience of effective cross-functional, interagency working.
• Experience in the not-for-profit sector.
• Leadership in change management skills.

QUALIFICATIONS

ESSENTIAL:

• A relevant 3rd level qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications in Social Work/Care or related field.
• Professional management qualification.
• Subject Matter Expertise in at least one of the following areas: DSGSBV, Community Development, Women’s Studies, Children & Young People, Mental Health, Housing, Social Policy, Law as it relates to DSGSBV, 3rd Level Education in Social Work, Social Care or related discipline.
• Full Clean Irish Driving License.

DESIRABLE:

• Level 9 Qualification in the National Framework of Qualifications in Social Work/Care or related field.
• Level 9 Qualification in Professional Management.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU:

• Pension: 7% employer’s contribution through our Pension Scheme (7% of annual basic salary) once probation is passed.
• Annual leave/Public Holidays: Entitled to 25 working days annual leave pro rata per annum; this is exclusive of public holidays.
• Paid Sick leave: Available once 6-month probation is passed.
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24-hour support and counselling services available to staff.

APPLY FOR THE ROLE 

Please send a detailed CV and cover letter to:

recruitment@canavanbyrne.ie

Please note closing date is 5pm on Friday 26th September 2025

Interviews anticipated for week beginning 13th October 2025

All applications are treated in the strictest confidence.

This role is subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and Garda Vetting.

Safe Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.