This is a significant leadership opportunity within one of Ireland’s leading national housing and homelessness charities. 

About the Organisation

Focus Ireland is a housing and homelessness charity driven by the fundamental belief that homelessness is wrong. Founded in 1985 by Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, Focus Ireland works with people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home and employs approximately 600 employees across more than 120 projects nationwide.

Since its foundation, Focus Ireland has operated with the belief that homelessness in Ireland is not inevitable and can be ended. Every one of us has a right to a place we can call home, somewhere safe, secure and stable, where we can build our future.

Through its new strategy, Turning the Tide on Homelessness – Focus Ireland & Focus Housing Joint Strategic Plan 2026–2030, the organisation recommits to its Purpose, Vision and Mission, based on its values of Dignity, Quality, Social Justice and Environment.

In 2025, Focus Ireland supported approximately 18,000 people nationwide who were homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The Opportunity

The Director of Services – Prevention, Youth & Aftercare, will provide strategic leadership and operational control across key service areas including Youth Homelessness, Aftercare, Singles Day Services, and the provision of Advice and Information, in line with organisational strategy. The role also includes direct responsibility for Practice Development across all services.

This role is responsible for fostering a high employee engagement culture within the services organisation, embedding devolved strategic decision-making and accountability, underpinned by best practice and a transparent performance management process.

This is a senior Executive Team role, reporting to the Chief Executive, responsible for supporting the Board and Executive Team in the implementation of strategy and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, customer-centred services.

Key Accountabilities

Overall

• The Executive Team is mandated by the Board to implement the strategy of Focus Ireland, ensuring customers are at the forefront of everything they do
• As Director of Services – Prevention, Youth & Aftercare and a member of the Executive Team, responsibility is to manage and direct the organisation and support the Board in its activities
• Develop trust in the Executive Team throughout the organisation, ensuring visible ownership and support for Executive decisions
• Uphold the values and ethos of Focus Ireland to achieve its vision and mission

Strategic Thinking

• Implement and develop the strategic services plan through a matrix workstream structure that champions a customer-centric, preventive approach aligned to the overall Focus Ireland strategy
• Develop organisational structures, partnerships, policies, systems and practices to deliver the services strategy and ensure positive outcomes for customers
• Deliver an innovative design and quality approach to prevention and sustained exits that respect and empower customers and are tailored to their needs

Leadership Capability

• Lead and deliver change management initiatives while ensuring high-quality service delivery
• Lead the implementation of a trauma-informed care approach across the organisation
• Lead the management team across Prevention, Youth & Aftercare to deliver against accountable objectives
• Ensure the voice of the customer is promoted and embedded across all services
• Deliver people strategy across services and advocate for an employee engagement approach
• Foster a culture of leadership, engagement, accountability, innovation and communication
• Manage, develop and support teams delivering high-quality, safe, trauma-informed services to customers with complex needs

Sub-Committee & Governance

• In conjunction with the Director of Services – Family and Housing Supports, manage all aspects of the Services Sub-Committee to ensure the terms of reference are met including:
  • Ensure all minutes, agendas and papers are issued on time
  • Advise the Chair on membership and relevant issues

Relationship Building

• Foster links with stakeholders to maximise the availability of integrated and effective services
• Work closely with the Executive Team, particularly the Director of Services – Family and Housing Supports, to ensure coordinated stakeholder engagement
• Play a lead role in influencing statutory and non-statutory homelessness services

Operational Procedures

• Deliver annual work plans and budgets across areas of responsibility
• Manage day-to-day operational delivery in line with legislation, regulation and organisational policy
• Use data-led analysis to improve service delivery and respond to changing customer needs

General

• Comply with all Focus Ireland policies and procedures
• Be vigilant regarding Health, Safety and Welfare risks
• Undertake additional duties as directed by the Chief Executive

Candidate Profile

Skills and Competencies

• Credible and dynamic leadership capability with strong people management and change management experience
• Excellent relationship, networking and influencing skills
• Ability to motivate teams in a challenging and diverse environment
• Strong understanding of service provision and development for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Experience in designing, planning, implementing and evaluating services for people with complex needs
• Strong communication, writing, negotiation and influencing skills
• Knowledge of core organisational functions including Advocacy, Research, Policy Development, Housing, Finance, Human Resources and Fundraising
• Experience of public speaking and media engagement

Essential Criteria

• Senior management experience with a proven track record in strategic planning, team leadership, budget management and service delivery
• Relevant qualification in social care, policy, psychology, business or equivalent
• Strong IT and presentation skills

Salary

• Salary will be €85,000+ DOE

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus 3 concession days
• Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
• Life assurance
• Hybrid and flexible working available
• Sick Pay Scheme 
• Educational Assistance Scheme and comprehensive learning and development programme in place
• Employee Assistance Scheme 
• Annual Travel Pass or Cycle to Work Schemes available