Job Description | 2021
Role Outline
Triathlon Ireland is seeking nominations from people with a passion for sport who feel they can contribute to the continued success of one of Ireland’s leading National Governing Bodies in the role of Triathlon Ireland President.
The President is a senior board position responsible with the overall board for:
→ Setting the strategic direction of the organisation
→ Agreeing strategic priorities and ensuring these are understood by the executive
→ Check and challenge the executive in the delivery of our agreed program
→ Ensuring that there are clear measures of success around delivery of the agreed strategy
→ Ensure the financial health and sustainability of the organisation
Outlined below are the duties and obligations of the role and we encourage interested people to contact us even if you feel you don’t meet all the criteria.
Fiduciary Duties
To act
as a President of Triathlon Ireland (the Company) in the best interests of the Company with honesty and good faith towards its members, employees, partners, funding agencies, sponsors and of the communities within which the Company operates.
To use
such personal and professional skills together with such contacts, experience and judgement as they may possess with integrity and independence to optimise both the short and long term performance of the Company.
To play
a full part in enabling the Board to arrive at balanced and objective decisions in the performance of its agreed role and functions.
To ensure
that the objectives of the Company, as agreed by the Board, are fully, promptly and properly carried out.
President Obligations
In particular the President shall:
→ attend all Board meetings called during the year, unless prevented by exceptional circumstances;
→ attend the Annual General Meeting and such other General Meetings as may be necessary;
→ place on the agenda for meetings of the Board or Committees of the Board any matter relating to the Company’s business which the President considers should be discussed;
→ shall preside as Chair at every General Meeting of the Company.
Board Obligations
The President will:
→ Lead the Board in promoting and overseeing the highest standards of corporate governance within the Board and TI.
→ Safeguard the collective responsibility and authority of the Board.
→ Lead the Board, and in particular, discussions on all proposals put forward by the CEO and Senior Management Team.
→ Set an agenda for the Board which: focuses on strategic matters;is forward looking; evaluates and oversees the current business of TI; and ensures that TI meets all of its governance requirements.
→ Oversee compliance with the schedule of matters reserved for decision by The Board, supported by the Vice President.
→ Hold the CEO responsible for submitting accurate, timely, comprehensive and clear information to members of The Board, to enable The Board to monitor performance, make sound decisions and give appropriate advice to support the success of TI.
→ Promote a culture of openness and debate by facilitating the effective contribution of key management and all members of The Board.
→ Oversee an effective and balanced team of board members, and, supported by The Board, determine any required skill sets amongst the non-executive members in advance of any such vacancies arising.
→ Ensure The Board undertakes an annual evaluation of its own performance, that of its committees, and that of individual members, including the President.
→ Keep under review the effectiveness of the Committee structure and make recommendations to The Board, where appropriate, in respect of Committee membership.
→ Lead and create the conditions for overall board and individual board member effectiveness, including overseeing an appropriate induction program for new members, creating the opportunity for the maintenance of the relevant skills and knowledge required to fulfil membership of The Board and its committees.
→ Be a sounding board to the CEO.
→ Lead on performance management for the TI CEO in tandem with the Remuneration Committee.
→ Represent TI within the Irish sporting community and global Triathlon community in line with agreed strategies and objectives.
→ Ensure the setting of the organisation’s strategic directions, including agreeing strategic priorities and ensuring these are understood by the executive.
→ Establish clear measures of success around delivery of the agreed strategic plan; and to check and challenge the executive performance in meeting agreed goals and objectives.
→ Oversee company compliance to the Governance Code.
→ Satisfy themselves that the integrity of financial information and that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible.
→ Ensure that they are consulted upon and receive adequate information in a timely fashion about the finances, proposed strategy plans and activities that would have a Material Effect on the Company.
→ Ensure that they have access to such key managers and professional advisors of the Company as may be required to enable the President to perform their duties.
→ Ensure that they fully understand: the business of the Company and its services, the sport and territories in which the Company operates; the roles of staff in the Company; the Company’s organisation, structure and methods of working.
→ Ensure that they understand the views of major funding partners and sponsors.
→ Attend a comprehensive, formal and tailored induction.
→ Seek continually to develop and refresh knowledge and skills to ensure any contribution to the Board remains informed and relevant.
→ Ensure that any concerns which cannot be resolved about the running of the Company or a proposed action are recorded in the Board minutes; on resignation provide a written statement to the Vice President, for circulation to the Board, with regard to any such concerns.
Personal Obligations
The President will:
→ Ensure that s/he complies with all his/her obligations as a President required by law, the Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, and decisions of the General Meetings.
→ Obtain independent professional advice at the Company’s expense should they consider that this is required in order to enable them to discharge their duties as President provided that they first obtain the permission (not to be unreasonably withheld) of the Board.
→ Disclose immediately any personal interest in any activity of the Company and take no further part in any Board or committee discussion of the matter.
→ Accept such outside appointments as shall be agreed by the Board: to be compatible with the Company’s demands on the President’s time, and not to be detrimental to the interests of the Company.
Person Specification
Candidates for the position of President of Triathlon Ireland should meet the following person specification:
→ Experience in a senior Board role for a comparable organisation preferably in a Chair or Deputy Chair role (NGB, Not for Profit, Commercial/Corporate).
→ Detailed knowledge and understanding of the type of work undertaken by the organisation.
→ Strong understanding of the Irish sport sector and environment, preferably with established relationships across the sector.
Behavioural competencies and qualities required:
→ Progressive thinker with excellent interpersonal and facilitation skills.
→ Strategic perspective, vision and ability to work positively within a team.
→ Drive and commitment and the ability to demonstrate this to others.
→ Strong interpersonal, influencing, communication and negotiation skills and the ability to develop effective, sustainable partnerships.
→ Demonstrate alignment to the Company Values.
→ A commitment to the sport and the organisation.
→ Business and Financial acumen and experience.
→ Previous experience in developing and overseeing long term strategies.
→ Team player who is open to challenge.
→ Understanding of sports governance and its implementation.
Potential candidates are advised that this is a voluntary role that will require a significant time commitment (c.4-8 hours per week). Key tasks are:
→ Board Meeting: 6 weekly intervals (preparation & attendance at meeting)
→ CEO Meeting: Scheduled monthly meeting plus ad-hoc meeting where required
→ Board Committee Meetings: 1 per month
→ Board Member Interactions
→ Representing TI at Irish Triathlon events: Races, awards etc
→ Representing TI at Irish sports governance events: Average 6 per year
→ Representing TI at international events: Average 3 per year
→ A commitment to the sport and the organisation.
→ Business and Financial acumen and experience.
→ Previous experience in developing and overseeing long term strategies.