Chief Operating Officer

IWDG Recruiting a Chief Operating Officer

Applications are invited for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) position with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG). IWDG was founded in 1990 to establish an All-Ireland sighting and stranding scheme and to campaign for the declaration of Irish waters as a whale and dolphin sanctuary. Since then, the group has grown in numbers to become what it is today, a diverse group of people from varying backgrounds with one thing in common, a passion for whales and dolphins and the marine environment.

The IWDG is registered with the Charities Regulator (RCN: 20029913) and receives funding from a range of sources., such as core funding from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment through the Irish Environmental Network, research grants from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, membership subscriptions, corporate sponsorship, donations and consultancy work.

Key purpose of role:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will play a critical leadership role in ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of IWDG’s strategic and operational objectives. Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will be responsible for overseeing the organisation’s core operational functions, including governance, finance, HR, facilities, compliance, and risk management – while supporting a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. The role exists to ensure that IWDG maintains the highest standards of organisational performance, transparency, and sustainability, enabling it to deliver on its mission to promote better understanding of cetaceans and their habitats through education and research. We carry this out by: the collection and distribution of information and collaboration with universities, government and research groups

Duties:

• Lead and empower colleagues in the IWDG areas within their remit
• Direct, coordinate and plan essential central services
• Assist in planning best allocation and utilisation of resources for all IWDG buildings and staff
• Plan for future development in line with strategic business objectives and cost containment measures
• Ensure that the IWDG delivers on its corporate governance responsibilities in line with the Code of Practice and the Charities Regulator’s Code of Governance
• Periodically review the governance framework and ensure it is fit for purpose
• Coordinate the roll out of the annual internal audit plan, ensuring recommendations are acted upon appropriately and reports and updates are brought to the CEO and Board
• Work closely with risk owners to identify and manage the status of risks and related mitigating actions
• Lead the annual cycle of business and financial planning and oversee the subsequent monitoring of performance
• Support the annual budget-setting process and the production of quarterly financial forecasts, and identify budget variances and any mitigating actions required
• Develop, mentor and motivate staff to deliver excellent support services
• Calculating and comparing costs for required goods or services to achieve maximum value for money whilst ensuring that the IWDG remains stocked with operational essentials (such as cleaning materials, stationery etc.)
• Supervision and coordinating the work of staff, including managing any performance issues if they arise
• Ensure the IWDG meets its statutory obligations in all areas pertaining to health, safety and welfare at work, including statutory training and reporting
• Ensure that safety inspections are carried out, fire drills and fire alarms are correctly reported, and that risk assessments and lone working procedures are managed
• Deputise for the CEO as required/appropriate
• Any other duties as assigned by the CEO

Essential Criteria:

• A third-level qualification in a relevant field
• A post graduate qualification in a relevant field
• A minimum of five years’ relevant experience
• A strong track record and substantial working experience of leading Corporate Services and Governance functions, including for example, Finance, Human Resources, Information and Communications Technology
• Sound knowledge of governance and risk management policies and processes, and experience of their application
• Experience of developing and implementing policies, procedures and systems to ensure compliance, best practice and consistency in organisational operations
• Proficiency in financial and business planning
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain good working relationships within and outside the organisation
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Experience of effectively leading and managing teams in the pursuit of organisational goals and fostering a culture of engagement and respect, whilst ensuring performance management
• Good project management experience and time management skills
• Managerial and teamwork skills: a teamwork mentality and the ability to lead and motivate a small team of reports
• A practical, flexible, proactive and innovative approach to work

Desirable Criteria:

• Professional qualification in Business Administration, Management, Strategic Management or Corporate Governance
• Passion for marine conservation and sustainability, with demonstrated alignment to the mission and values of the IWDG.
• Certification in Health and Safety
• Experience working in a mission-driven or environmental organisation.
• Familiarity with charity regulation and compliance in the Irish context.

This is a full-time (or maybe part-time) job as an IWDG employee for a fixed period of a maximum of 3 years. Salary will align with IEN pay scales and start at €49,638-€66,880 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

This role allows for remote working options, however the successful candidate will be expected to be present at our head office in Kilrush, Co Clare at least three days per week. Please see the IWDG Remote Working Policy for more detail.

Closing date: 19 December 2025 @ 5pm