The Organisation
The Social Democrats are one of the fastest growing parties in the country with 10 TDs and 35 councillors and have active branches and members across the entire country.
We in the Social Democrats are ambitious for Ireland’s future.
We want Ireland to be a republic in which every person has opportunity and dignity.
The Role
The General Secretary will help lead and guide the growth of the Party’s organisation over this transformative period.
The General Secretary’s role comprises the management and leadership of the Party’s Head Office, the Party’s organisational and administrative affairs, and the development of the Party, branches and membership.
The General Secretary has responsibility for giving leadership and direction towards the strategic and operational management of the party organisation and the implementation of its aims and objectives at national, regional and local levels.
The General Secretary will uphold the constitution of the Party.
The General Secretary is responsible for maintaining oversight of, and ensuring regulatory compliance and good governance across, all organisational and administrative activities.
Key Terms and Conditions
The position is based in the Party’s Head Office in Dublin city centre. The General Secretary reports to the Party’s National Executive in respect of all operational matters and to the Party Leadership in respect of political matters.
Given the nature and scope of the role, the workload requires a high degree of flexibility in the hours and times of work.
The contract is for a specified purpose and is linked to the current Dáil term. The salary will be circa €90,000
Key Responsibilities
- Be the Chief Operating Officer of the Party.
- Carry out directions and decisions of the National Executive, National Council and National Conference.
- Support the development of the Party, branches and membership.
- Developing and maintaining an efficient and effective Head Office that strongly supports the achievement of the Party’s strategic objectives.
- Managing the implementation and oversight of all measures required to maintain statutory and regulatory compliance, good governance and best practice across all Party activities and engagements.
- Ensuring there is close alignment between the activities of Head Office, the National Executive, elected representatives, and Party branches.
- Adopting and implementing systems and procedures to ensure that the financial affairs of the Party are properly managed and controlled.
- Managing the human resource function of the Party secretariat.
- Organise the National Conference in conjunction with the Standing Orders Committee.
- Planning and overseeing other key Party events, including regional and national conferences.
- Supporting the development of the Party branches and membership.
Essential Requirements
Demonstrable experience in:
- Managing and developing cross functional teams across a matrix organisation in a medium-sized business or public organisation.
- Bringing out the best in individuals within a dynamic and united team while working in a fast-paced working environment.
- The implementation and oversight of systems and procedures that ensure regulatory compliance and good governance in a relevant organisation.
- Working in a political party, in politics, NGO, public affairs or a relevant organisation.
- Change management experience, with proven results in driving through strategic, cultural and organisational change within a medium sized public or private organisation.
- Experience of strategy development and implementation.
- Experience of taking responsibility for and managing a multifaceted budget.
- Event, project, or campaign management.
- Successful grant applications and fundraising.
Who are You?
- Excellent verbal, public speaking and written communication skills in the English language, including demonstrable experience in the preparation, analysis and presentation of reports, proposals, presentations and sensitive information of a high standard to different audiences.
- Strong demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the Irish political system, the workings of political parties and the Irish electoral system.
- Strong strategic thinking and critical judgment skills.
- Able to provide clear, comprehensive and reliable advice in respect of complex problems, regulatory compliance and strategic implementation.
- Have strong stakeholder management skills.
- Evidence of excellent group facilitation, training, networking and engagement skills.
- Strategic thinker and self-starter who can prioritise issues and identify short- and long-term goals.
- Proven commitment to the principles of social democracy.
- A track record of integrity and reliability.
- Takes responsibility and is accountable for delivery of agreed objectives/projects.
- Considers the wider implications, agendas and sensitivities within decisions and their potential impacts on a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Understands and applies empathic leadership skills and emotional intelligence.
- Is self-motivated and shows a desire to continuously perform at a high level.
Application Details:
- Submit an up-to-date CV with a cover letter to: recruitment@socialdemocrats.ie
- Closing date: 5pm, 29th January 2025
- Canvassing will disqualify.
- The Social Democrats is an equal opportunities employer.
- andidates must be legally entitled to work in Ireland at the time of application.