About AA

Alcoholics Anonymous Ireland is a national not-for-profit charity that supports people who wish to recover from alcoholism through the AA recovery programme. We operate across the island of Ireland, with approximately 750 AA groups, including online meetings, supporting between 15,000 and 20,000 Fellowship members. For more details on our history and additional organisational information in Ireland, please browse our website: www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie

About the Role 

This is a newly created role for AA Ireland. The General Secretary will report to the General Service Board of Directors and ensure compliance with charity governance and company law. 

The successful candidate will also oversee AA Ireland’s General Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous (GSO), our national support office in Dublin. They will provide operational and team leadership to support AA Ireland’s delivery of its strategic goals and objectives. 

Key Duties and Areas of Responsibility

Governance and compliance duties:

• Strong understanding of charitable governance to ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, and ethical standards applicable to not-for-profit organisations in Ireland.
• Stay informed about and monitor changes in legislation, regulations, and best practices affecting the organisation’s operations, taking appropriate action as and when required, linking with the Board of Directors.
• Manage filings with the Companies Registration Office (CRO), the Charity Regulatory Authority (CRA), and the Register of Beneficial Ownership (RBO).
• Regularly review organisational policies and procedures to ensure GSBAA’s compliance.
• Have a detailed understanding of Charity SORP and work closely with the Finance Team to ensure organisational compliance with financial controls.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks by monitoring, documenting, and updating the organisation’s risk register accordingly, working with the Board.
• Review and update all governance policy documents on an annual basis.
• Provide training and guidance to Board members and staff on compliance-related matters.
• Fulfil all other company secretarial responsibilities.
• Oversee and coordinate the Trustee induction programme for new Trustees.       

Operational management duties:

• Design workforce planning, people processes and operational improvement initiatives.
• Support the GSBAA in continuity planning to ensure operational resilience.
• Support the planning and organisation of annual meetings and conferences, working closely with the Chairperson.
• Develop and utilise digital systems to support effective services and further the organisation’s objectives.
• Be integral to IT management alongside external IT service providers.
• Collate and present reports, guidance, and updates for the Board of Directors and GSBAA subcommittees when required/requested.
• Navigate and manage diverse relationships to ensure GSBAA provides effective support responsive to stakeholders’ needs.
• Collaborate with representatives from the wider AA Fellowship and external partners as required.
• Support the Board and colleagues in driving, influencing, and shaping a positive culture of continuous improvement.

Team leadership duties:

• Lead and manage the GSBAA operational team.
• Inspire and motivate the operational team to implement policies, procedures, and tools aligned with good practice to progress and innovate GSBAA services and support.
• Oversee and monitor team performance, providing encouragement, support and guidance where required.
• Coordinate team meetings and one-to-one team member supervision.
• Identify team training and development opportunities.

Essential Skills, Competencies and Experience

The successful candidate should have:

• A relevant professional background and qualification.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of providing company secretarial and governance support at a senior level.
• A robust working knowledge of company and charity laws, requirements, and best practices.
• Experience in SORP accounting practices and a good knowledge of financial oversight practices and procedures.
• Previous experience liaising with auditors, accountants, staff, and Board members, particularly concerning financial compliance requirements.
• Experience developing and improving IT infrastructure and office systems to enhance organisational efficiency. Advanced Microsoft and CRM skills are essential.
• Experience in leading and managing teams.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex regulations and guidance into accessible guidance to support the organisation's work and effective compliance.
• Experience working with a board/leadership team to deliver on strategic goals and objectives.
• Excellent communication (both written and verbal) and stakeholder management skills. 

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Experience of working in or closely with the charity sector.
• While good IT skills will be essential for the role, the following skills would be a distinct advantage:
  • Previous experience in using Salesforce CRM.
  • Ability to oversee all IT and website systems and procedures.
  • Good knowledge of cybersecurity.
  • Ability to recognise and implement necessary changes in the company’s IT infrastructure and manage them.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary Range €60,000 - €70,000
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Access to EAP
• On-site parking

Location and Hours

• Full-time 37.5 hours per week, permanent
• Dublin, office based with flexibility for hybrid working