Chief Executive Officer opportunity with RACE

Clark is delighted to partner with Racing Academy & Centre of Education (RACE) for the recruitment of a Chief Executive Officer to lead, inspire and develop the strategic agenda for Education and Training for Ireland’s only dedicated training and educational academy for the Thoroughbred Industry. Based in Kildare town close to The Curragh Racecourse this role is an integral role in providing accessible solutions of education, training, and development for the Thoroughbred Industry.

RACE is Ireland’s national academy for the horse racing industry, a not-for-profit educational enterprise and registered charity providing training and further education services for a broad range of Irish and international clients in the Thoroughbred sector. Combining high performance and education RACE is a unique centre focused on bringing together the dual dynamic of sport and industry specific solutions in the space of high performance, education and development.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, Racing Academy & Centre of Education CLG your responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:

Responsibilities:

  • Promoting and cultivating a learning environment to facilitate agile and sustainable learning across a broad demographic and geographically dispersed base supporting a dynamic Industry
  • Collaborate, design, and develop Industry specific solutions to lead standards in key areas
  • Sponsor and develop the future of high performance for elite athletes – lead the evolution of high performance models for licenced Jockeys and racehorse trainers within the industry
  • Business development including industry collaborations and strategic alliances (national & international)
  • National and international stakeholder management on behalf of RACE. Representing RACE in national and international forums, public relations, fundraising activities to grow the commercial agenda
  • Leadership and development of the management team and broader group of staff reporting directly and indirectly to the CEO
  • Effective financial leadership and management
  • Active collaboration with industry bodies and other stakeholders including educational boards and certifying bodies on quality assurance and output
  • Development and implementation of corporate governance policies, procedures, and regulatory reporting
  • Development and implementation of quality standards, safety and safeguarding environment and horse welfare
  • Ongoing development of campus facilities, residential facilities, and services

Requirements:

  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership role with direct responsibility for leading teams in either an educational or high performance sport environment
  • Knowledge and experience of leading teams in areas of governance and change
  • Strong stakeholder management experience
  • Strong educational and personal development background. Knowledge of the education & training sector is desirable but not essential
  • Proven ability to lead, develop and manage people and teams
  • Passion for sport and people development
  • Excellent communication skills and purpose-driven
  • Strong commercial awareness and experience of strategic planning
  • Flexible and adaptable mind set

Please contact Edel Smyth in confidence on 045 881888 or email your CV to raceceo@clark.ie

Closing date for applications is 10th December 2022 at 5pm.

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