We now have a vacancy for a Officer, Wild Atlantic Way x 2 roles

• Role 1: Temporary Specified Purpose Contract, full-time (immediate start, approximate duration 6 months) *The specified purpose of this contract is to cover an internal promotion

• Role 2: Temporary Specified Purpose Contract, full-time (commencing July 2025, approximate duration 11 months) *The specified purpose of this contract is to cover a maternity leave

LOCATION 

Blended work model with office location in:

• Áras Reddan, Temple St., Sligo, F91 RX45

This is a high-profile, exciting role that involves working within a highly effective team and with internal and external stakeholders to maximise the economic benefit of the Wild Atlantic Way. The successful candidate will have clear business capabilities and tourism development skills and be able to work cross functionally with other teams and stakeholders. The role will report to the Manager, Wild Atlantic Way.

JOB PURPOSE

To help grow the economic, social and environmental contribution of tourism to the Wild Atlantic Way region, by working to deliver the regional tourism strategy and Destination and Experience Development Plans (DEDPs). To harness key opportunities for the development of sustainable tourism, deliver incremental tourism revenue and visitor numbers, and work with tourism businesses to help them grow commercially.

Primary Objectives/Key Responsibilities 

Destination Development

• Support Implementation of the Wild Atlantic Way Regional Tourism Development Strategy (RTDS) 2023-2027.

• Support development and implementation of Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs) across the Wild Atlantic Way region.

• Translate key strategic development priorities for the Wild Atlantic Way into actionable plans and deliverables at destination level to drive sustainable economic growth.

• Input into the development and implementation of plans that adhere to the VICE model of sustainable tourism planning.

• Contribute to the completion of needs analysis and implement activity to develop the destination and drive visitor appeal according to relevant market segments.

• Support visitor experiences to seek innovative approaches to leverage opportunities, adapting to changing market conditions.

• Work closely across the matrix organisation within Fáilte Ireland including other regional teams, marketing, product development, commercial development, industry digitisation & sector development to ensure consistency of approach to maximise effectiveness in the implementation of plans & activities.

• Support manager in the delivery of team KPIs.

Industry and Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders such as local authorities, public agencies, and tourism industry partners to collectively deliver agreed plans and objectives.

• Develop and harness industry and destination networks to actively collaborate to gain buy-in and commitment on project priorities and areas of focus.

• Identify themes and experiences and work with stakeholders and businesses (both individually and through clusters/networks) to develop & enhance their tourism offering.

Key Account Responsibilities

• Enable and assist the industry to grow its capacity and capability so that it can thrive and create sustainable jobs in local communities.

• Key account management of tourism businesses through a one-to-one process.

• Ensuring collection and in-depth analysis of business performance data from key accounts through the trade portal.

• Working with available data and insight to identify business critical issues and supporting businesses to address issues and embrace opportunities for growth.

Operational

• Manage multiple projects and deadlines and navigate an effective path to deliver agreed KPIs.

• Track and collate data to assess and report performance against agreed programme KPIs.

• Embrace new and evolving organisational systems and processes.

• Support the broader team to deliver the operational plan.

• Ensure all activities are delivered on time and on budget.

• Deliver presentations on the Wild Atlantic Way region, as requested.

• Ensure communication internally and externally is consistent, timely and relevant.

• Integrate use of CRM management system in daily activities.

• Write requests for tenders as and when required.

• Adhere to Fáilte Ireland budgetary processes, tracking spend and triggering remedial actions should variances occur.

• Ensure that any procurement of work from a third party is implemented in line with the Fáilte Ireland procurement policy.

Carry out all other duties as required and participate as a full member of the Wild Atlantic Way team by supporting different work projects, as required, from time to time.

This role requires travel, with attendance at a number of national and regional locations / sites on an annual basis.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator, with well-developed interpersonal skills and experience in destination or product development within tourism or a related sector. An interest and passion for innovation and best practice would be desirable, and ideally the successful applicant will have been part of a team that delivered large scale projects with multiple stakeholders. The successful candidate will also have strong commercial aptitude, understanding the key drivers of commercial success at firm and destination level.

The successful candidate will have the following skills and criteria:

• Understanding of sales and commercial development

• Understanding of destination development

• Ability to communicate articulately and effectively both orally and in writing

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Strong presentation skills

Essential Criteria 

In order to be eligible to apply for this role you must have / demonstrate in your application form the following

• Minimum of three years’ experience in the tourism or service industry.

• Experience of managing senior stakeholder relationships.

• Understanding of the tourism industry and related institutional networks at local and national level.

• Valid Full Driving Licence/access to own means of transport

Qualifications/Mandatory Training

• A professional qualification (minimum Level 6 under the QQI Framework) in a related discipline is essential

Desirable Criteria 

• Experience in Tourism Marketing and Sales including distribution channels

• Experience working on projects incorporating project management methodology

• Destination development experience

• Marketing experience

• Experience of public sector investment schemes

Key Competencies 

• Commercial Awareness

• Teamwork

• Planning and Managing Work

• Managing Relationships

Shortlisting will be based on applications and the selection process may involve two competency based interviews. A panel of successful candidates may be formed following the selection process.

Fáilte Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace which values and benefits from the diversity of the workforce. We encourage you to reach out to us directly at recruitment@failteireland.ie should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process.