1.0 About COPD Support Ireland

COPD Support Ireland is a charity set up to support all those living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We are Ireland’s only national COPD support and advocacy body, bringing together local support groups from around the country, to help those living with, and caring for someone with, COPD.

The organisation delivers community-based programmes, education, advocacy, and support services, and operates with a small core team supported by volunteers and a Board of Directors. 

2.0 About the Role

COPD Support Ireland is seeking to recruit a General Manager to lead the organisation through the next stage of its development. 

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the General Manager will provide clear direction to its dedicated team, while building and sustaining existing partnerships. 

3.0 Key Responsibilities

3.1 Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of the organisation’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with mission and Board priorities
• Translate strategic objectives into clear operational plans, with defined goals, timelines, and accountability
• Ensure organisational resources are aligned to strategic priorities for maximum effectiveness

3.2 Operations and Service Delivery 

• Lead a small team in developing and managing the organisations deliverables.
• To support the ongoing maintenance and development of the network of COPD patient exercise and support groups nationally. 
  • Liaise with local support group leaders to monitor the needs and concerns of groups at local level.
• Support volunteers and staff involved in fundraising initiatives

3.3 Financial Management and Fundraising

• Develop, monitor, and manage the annual budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively. 
• Oversee financial reporting, including monthly management accounts and year-end accounts
• Provide regular financial updates and insights to the Board of Directors.
• Develop and implement a diversified fundraising strategy, including grants, corporate partnerships, and donations including collaboration with the Board Fundraising Committee
• Oversee fundraising campaigns and events

3.4 Stakeholder Management

• Maintain, establish and grow effective working relationships with state agencies, including the HSE. 
• Build strong networks across the not-for-profit, voluntary and community sector. 
• Represent COPD SI with government bodies, regulators, funders and philanthropic organisations
• Collaboration with the Chair of the Board to achieve the above aims.

3.5 Governance and Board Relations 

• Work with the Board to ensure that the Society is rigorously governed and is fully compliant with all legal, regulatory and contractual standards and obligations.
• Review and update governance structures and policies as necessary to ensure the organisation operates effectively and efficiently, is fully transparent and accountable to relevant stakeholders. 
• Lead financial, budget and resourcing activities for maximum operational, governance and commercial effectiveness and efficiency to include:
  • Development of annual budgets 
  • Regular financial updates to the Board
  • Maintain and develop key income streams
  • Ensure a prudent approach to resource utilisation 
• To support preparation of Board Meeting Documents and Financial Reports in conjunction with the Chair
• Attend Board Meetings. 
• To facilitate the sub-committees of the board to carry out their duties.
• To support compliance with governance obligations including Charity Regulator and Revenue requirements.

3.6 Communications and Advocacy 

• Co-ordinate the organisations response to national consultations, policy initiatives and issues of concern to COPD patients. 
• Manage the development of the website and social media presence and maintain ongoing and regular communications with stakeholders.
• Maintain the COPD SI office as a central contact point for the COPD community in Ireland and oversee the dissemination of relevant information.
• To support the development and implementation of campaigns such as World COPD Day, National Meetings etc that raise awareness of COPD.

4.0 Key Requirements/Skills 

Skills and Competencies

• Understanding and experience of healthcare policy and delivery in Ireland.
• Ability to balance long-term impact with short-term operational needs. 
• Proven ability to manage day to day operations. 
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting and financial planning. 
• Ability to develop and lead fundraising initiatives.
• Advocacy and influencing skills. 
• Understanding of governance, compliance and regulatory frameworks. 
• Specific understanding of charity regulator responsibilities and reporting requirements.
• Experience leading small teams and/or volunteer networks. 
• Coaching/mentoring skills to support the team
• Ability to represent the organisation externally with a variety of stakeholders and for media engagement. 
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills. 
• Ability to use data to inform decision making and measure impact of decisions. 

Personal Attributes 

• Passionate about patient advocacy and health equity
• Strong personal alignment with mission driven work and a collaborative and inclusive approach. 
• Strategic thinker who can all also deliver operationally 
• A natural communicator and relationship builder 
• Adaptable and comfortable working with limited resources in a small organisation