Summary of the role
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced development professional to play a central role in shaping the future of a unique island community.
The role is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and delivered via Comhar na nOileán.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
Inishturk has an ambitious long-term vision and an exciting programme of projects already underway, spanning community infrastructure, housing, energy, biodiversity, enterprise, tourism and sustainability.
The Development Manager will join the organisation at a pivotal point — with the Inishturk 2050 Vision established, significant projects in development, established funding relationships and a committed Board and team — and will have a genuine opportunity to turn that vision into tangible outcomes.
This is a role for someone who enjoys making things happen: taking an idea or opportunity, bringing the right people together, securing the resources required and seeing it through to delivery.
The Development Manager is the senior executive manager within Inishturk Community Club CLG, responsible for leading the organisation’s strategic development programme and providing senior management oversight across the organisation. Day-to-day management of individual services will remain delegated to the relevant managers and staff.
The role is focused on turning the Inishturk 2050 Vision into action — progressing projects, securing funding, developing partnerships, strengthening organisational capacity and ensuring agreed priorities are delivered.
The successful candidate will be expected to work independently within an agreed framework of delegated authority, take ownership, identify solutions and bring the right people and resources together to make things happen.
The Development Manager will be supported by the Board, two Co-Chairs, relevant Committee and Subcommittee Chairs, Finance Manager, wider management team, staff, professional advisers and external partners.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Hours: 35 hours per week.
The role will require reasonable flexibility to attend occasional evening meetings, Board meetings, community meetings and events. Appropriate time off in lieu arrangements will apply where additional hours are worked in accordance with organisational policy.
Location: Primarily Inishturk Island, County Mayo, with travel to the mainland as required for meetings with funders, Government, local authorities, professional advisers and project partners.
The Board recognises the practical challenges associated with relocating to an island and will support a successful candidate in exploring suitable accommodation on Inishturk where required.
Salary, pension, annual leave and other terms and conditions will be confirmed in the final recruitment advertisement.
Responsibilities of the role
STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT & PROJECT DELIVERY
The Development Manager will lead and coordinate the organisation’s strategic development programme, ensuring projects are appropriately prioritised, resourced and progressed.
Key projects currently include:
- RRDF Multi-Purpose Community Hub
- Housing and Development Projects
- Energy & Island Resilience
- Inishturk Native Irish Honeybee Sanctuary and associated enterprises
- Tourism, enterprise, biodiversity, heritage and other projects arising from the Inishturk 2050 Vision.
The Development Manager will:
- Maintain an overview of the strategic project pipeline.
- Progress projects from development through to delivery.
- Coordinate professional advisers, project teams and partners.
- Identify risks, funding requirements and resource needs.
- Ensure projects remain aligned with the organisation’s strategic priorities.
- Keep the Board appropriately informed and facilitate decisions required to progress projects.
For the RRDF Multi-Purpose Hub, the Development Manager will work alongside the Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Project Steering Committee and Southwest Mayo Development Company (lead partner), providing strategic coordination and organisational support rather than technical project management.
For the Honeybee Sanctuary, the Development Manager will provide strategic support to the Biodiversity & Community Liaison Officer in progressing the next phase of the project and exploring sustainable enterprise and income opportunities.
FUNDING & INVESTMENT
Inishturk Community Club CLG has a strong track record with established funders and existing funding relationships, together with an active funding pipeline.
The Development Manager will:
- Oversee the delivery, compliance, monitoring and reporting requirements associated with existing funded programmes.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with existing funders and partners.
- Identify and develop new funding opportunities aligned with the organisation’s priorities.
- Lead or coordinate funding applications and supporting business cases.
- Develop relationships with Government departments, funding bodies and development partners.
- Ensure funded projects are effectively managed through to completion.
SENIOR MANAGEMENT & ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Development Manager will provide senior management leadership to the organisation’s existing management and staff, including the teams responsible for the:
Bar & Restaurant | Community Shop | Holiday Cottages | RSS Scheme | Biodiversity & Community Liaison | Marketing & Communications
The Development Manager will provide strategic and management leadership rather than day-to-day management of each service, with operational responsibilities delegated across the organisation’s management and staff structure.
The role will focus on ensuring that the organisation has the people, structures, systems and processes required to deliver effectively.
Responsibilities include:
- Providing leadership, direction and accountability.
- Reviewing organisational structures, roles and workflows.
- Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and delegation.
- Supporting managers and staff to take appropriate ownership and accountability for their areas of responsibility.
- Strengthening management systems and internal communication.
- Supporting organisational change and capacity building.
- Identifying additional staffing requirements where appropriate, subject to available funding and budget.
PEOPLE LEADERSHIP
People and organisational development will be an important element of the role.
The Development Manager will:
- Support and lead the management team.
- Promote a positive, respectful and professional working environment.
- Support staff development and performance.
- Identify future staffing and organisational capacity requirements.
- Work in partnership with the People & Human Resources Subcommittee and external HR support on organisational development, workforce planning, employee matters and recruitment.
- Identify future staffing requirements and support recruitment where additional resources are required and funding permits.
- The People & Human Resources Subcommittee retains Board-level oversight of people and HR matters, with specialist external HR advice used where appropriate.
FINANCIAL, COMMERCIAL & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
The Development Manager will work closely with the Finance Manager and experienced Treasurer to support effective financial and commercial management.
This will include:
- Monitoring project and operational financial performance.
- Working with the Finance Manager and Treasurer on budgets and forecasting.
- Ensuring grant expenditure is appropriately managed.
- Identifying opportunities to improve income generation and financial sustainability.
- Ensuring organisational resources are aligned with strategic priorities.
- Providing the Board with appropriate management information and recommendations.
The Development Manager will not be responsible for the organisation’s day-to-day accounting or financial administration.
ADVOCACY, PARTNERSHIPS & COMMUNITY
The Development Manager will play an important role in advocating for Inishturk and building the partnerships required to support its future development.
This will include:
- Building relationships with Government departments, Mayo County Council, development agencies, funders and strategic partners.
- Promoting the priorities of the Inishturk 2050 Vision.
- Advocating for investment and improvements in critical island infrastructure, including the harbour.
- Representing Inishturk Community Club CLG at appropriate meetings and forums.
- Maintaining positive and professional relationships with the island community, listening to community perspectives and ensuring these inform significant development initiatives.
BOARD SUPPORT, GOVERNANCE & RISK
The Board is responsible for governance, strategic direction and oversight.
The Development Manager is responsible for executive management and delivery within the authority delegated by the Board.
The Board will maintain an agreed framework of delegated authority to support timely and effective executive decision-making.
The Development Manager will:
- Prepare clear reports and recommendations for the Board.
- Maintain strategic action plans and performance information.
- Highlight key risks, opportunities and issues.
- Support Board working groups and subcommittees.
- Ensure Board decisions are implemented.
- Support compliance with relevant governance, funding, regulatory and organisational requirements.
The Development Manager will work closely with the two Co-Chairs and relevant Committee and Subcommittee Chairs, drawing on the expertise available across the Board and wider organisation. The Board has quarterly meetings and informal monthly updates.
INITIAL PRIORITIES
The successful candidate will work with the Board to take forward the organisation’s established programme of work, with priorities reviewed and agreed following appointment.
Initial priorities are expected to include:
Strategic Projects
- Progress the RRDF Multi-Purpose Community Hub.
- Progress the Housing Development Projects.
- Advance the Energy & Island Resilience project and other priority strategic projects.
- Support the next phase of the Inishturk Native Irish Honeybee Sanctuary.
Funding
- Oversee delivery, compliance, monitoring and reporting for existing funded programmes.
- Develop and progress the funding pipeline.
- Identify new opportunities to support strategic priorities.
Organisation
- Review organisational structures, roles and workflows.
- Strengthen management accountability, delegation and communication.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and organisational capacity.
Advocacy
- Strengthen relationships with Government, Mayo County Council and development partners.
- Advocate for the island’s strategic infrastructure and development priorities.
Requirements
The person we are looking for
We are looking for an experienced, motivated and resourceful individual who is excited by the opportunity to contribute to the future development of Inishturk.
This is a senior development and organisational leadership role, and we recognise that candidates will bring different combinations of skills and experience. We are not expecting one person to be an expert in every area of the organisation.
We are looking for someone with strong core community development and leadership skills who can work independently, build relationships, identify opportunities, bring people together and turn ideas into action.
Experience & Knowledge
Essential
- Experience in development, project management, community development, regeneration, enterprise, organisational leadership, management or a related role.
- Experience of progressing projects or programmes from planning through to delivery.
- Experience working with a range of stakeholders, partners and/or professional advisers.
- An understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in developing projects within a community or organisational setting.
Desirable
- Experience in community, rural, island or social-enterprise development.
- Experience working within a small or developing organisation.
Strategic Thinking & Project Delivery
Essential
- Ability to understand a wider vision and translate it into practical priorities and actions.
- Strong organisational and project-management skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and keep projects moving.
- Ability to identify what should be led directly, delegated or supported by specialist expertise.
- Ability to identify challenges, assess options and find practical solutions.
- A clear focus on achieving outcomes and delivering results.
Desirable
- Experience of capital, infrastructure or community development projects.
- Experience working with external project managers, consultants or professional teams.
Funding & Investment
Essential
- Experience of identifying funding opportunities and/or preparing funding applications
- Ability to maintain effective relationships with funders and partners.
- Experience or understanding of overseeing funded projects, including delivery, compliance, monitoring and reporting requirements.
Desirable
- Experience managing Government, EU, philanthropic or capital funding.
- Experience managing multiple funding streams.
Leadership & People
Essential
- Experience of leading, managing or coordinating people, teams or projects.
- Ability to provide clear direction, support and accountability.
- Ability to build positive and professional working relationships.
- Ability to recognise organisational and staffing needs and identify opportunities to strengthen capacity.
- A commitment to creating a positive, respectful and supportive working environment.
- Ability to delegate effectively and support managers and staff to take appropriate ownership of their areas of responsibility.
Desirable
- Experience of organisational change, restructuring or developing organisational capacity.
- Experience working in partnership with HR professionals, Board-level HR structures or external HR advisers.
Communication, Relationships & Advocacy
Essential
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people and organisations.
- Ability to develop constructive relationships with Government departments, local authorities, funders, agencies, community organisations and other partners.
- Ability to represent the organisation professionally and advocate effectively for its priorities.
Desirable
- Experience working with Government, local authorities or development agencies.
- Experience in community advocacy or public engagement.
Financial & Commercial Awareness
Essential
- A good understanding of budgets, financial performance and organisational sustainability.
- Ability to understand financial information and use it to support decision-making.
- Awareness of the importance of organisational sustainability and effective use of resources.
- Ability to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, income generation and organisational sustainability.
Desirable
- Experience in social enterprise, community enterprise or commercial development.
- Experience developing new income-generating opportunities.
Initiative, Problem Solving & Adaptability
Essential
The successful candidate will be:
- Highly motivated with sound judgement.
- Resourceful and solutions-focused.
- Able to work on their own initiative and take ownership.
- Practical and delivery-focused.
- Organised and able to manage competing priorities.
- Adaptable and resilient.
- Comfortable working across a varied strategic and organisational portfolio while maintaining clear priorities and boundaries.
- Confident making decisions within their delegated authority.
- Able to recognise when specialist advice or support is required and bring the right people into the process.
Desirable
- Experience working in a small, complex or evolving organisation.
- An entrepreneurial or opportunity-focused approach.
Community Focus
Essential
- Genuine interest in community development and creating positive outcomes for people and place.
- Ability to work respectfully within a close-knit community.
- Ability to build trusted community relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
- Understanding of the importance of listening to community views and building trust.
- Commitment to sustainable and long-term community development.
Desirable
- Experience working with rural, remote or island communities.
- Understanding of the particular opportunities and challenges facing island communities.
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant third-level qualification or equivalent professional experience in development, management, project management, community development, regeneration or a related area.
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification or relevant professional qualification.
We welcome applications from candidates whose professional experience demonstrates the required skills and capability, even where their career path does not follow a traditional route.
WHAT MATTERS MOST TO US
We are interested in what you can bring to the role, not simply a checklist of qualifications.
You do not need to be an expert in every aspect of Inishturk Community Club CLG’s work.
You will be supported by an experienced voluntary Board and Co-Chairs, Board committees, Finance Manager, wider management team, staff, professional advisers and external partners.
What we need is someone who can:
See the opportunity.
Understand what needs to happen.
Bring the right people together.
Find solutions.
Take ownership.
And make things happen.
If you have the energy, judgement, initiative and capability to help deliver the next chapter of Inishturk, we would like to hear from you.
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ABOUT INISHTURK COMMUNITY CLUB CLG
Inishturk Community Club CLG is the development company, charity and social enterprise responsible for supporting the long-term social, economic, environmental and community development of Inishturk.
The organisation operates a range of community and social-enterprise services and facilities, including the Community Club, Bar & Restaurant, Shop, Holiday Cottages and other community facilities.
The organisation is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors and has developed the Inishturk 2050 Vision and Action Plan, setting out an ambitious long-term programme for the island.
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HOW TO APPLY
For the full recruitment information, please visit:
https://inishturkisland.com/living-on-inishturk/
If you have any questions about the role or the recruitment process, please contact:
To apply, please submit a current CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to: [email protected]
Please use the subject line: Development Manager Application – [Applicant Name]
Closing date: 5.00 p.m. on Friday, 2 October 2026.