Role Description: Board Director with Commercial Experience

Organization: Irish Sport and Exercise Science Association (ISESA)

Position Type: Voluntary / Non-Executive Term: Typically 3 years (renewable per constitution/governance policy)

Role Purpose:

We are recruiting for a Board Director with commercial experience who can provide strategic leadership on all commercial matters affecting the association, helping to grow revenue, partnerships, and brand value. As a board member, you will ensure that all commercial initiatives align with the organisation’s mission to lead, represent, and advance the sport and exercise sciences community through advocacy, knowledge exchange, collaboration, and accreditation.

Key Responsibilities:

Board-Level Duties:

• Participate in setting the strategic direction of the Association.

• Provide oversight and governance in line with the association’s mission, policies, and legal obligations.

• Actively contribute to board meetings, subcommittees, and strategic decision-making.

• Act in the best interest of the association, maintaining integrity, confidentiality, and transparency.

Commercial Strategy and Development:

• Lead the development and implementation of a commercial strategy to generate sustainable revenue.

• Identify and develop income-generating opportunities, such as sponsorships, partnerships, grants, events, or digital services.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders in sport, health, academia, and the corporate sector.

• Oversee the development of commercial policies, and input into partnership frameworks and pricing structures.

• Ensure commercial initiatives contribute positively to the association’s financial sustainability.

Brand and Market Positioning:

• Support brand development and public positioning to enhance recognition and influence in Ireland and internationally.

• Contribute to marketing strategies and campaigns that promote services, events, and publications.

• Help ensure that commercial messaging reflects the vision and mission of the Association.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Proven experience in commercial leadership roles (e.g., business development, marketing, partnerships).

• Passion for exercise science, health, sport, or related fields.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into deliverable plans.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable:

• Understanding of nonprofit governance and the role of board members

• Knowledge of the Irish sport, health, or education sectors.

• Prior experience on a board or in a nonprofit setting.

• Network of contacts within relevant public and private sectors.

Time Commitment:

Approx. 6–8 board meetings per year, including AGM. Additional involvement in working groups or committees as required. Attendance at key events or stakeholder engagements.

Please email your expression of interest, including a cover letter and a CV, to info(at)isesa.ie

Deadline for submissions: 4 July 2025.