FAI Board - Independent Non-Executive Director

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the governing body of football, at all levels, throughout the Republic of Ireland.  Founded in 1921, the FAI is an affiliate of both FIFA and UEFA with responsibility for overseeing the development, administration and promotion of football.  Connected with every community around the country, the FAI aims to have a positive impact - on and off the pitch - to foster the games continued growth & participation levels.  The FAI is seeking to appoint an Independent Non-Executive Director to join the Board.

Position Overview:

As an Independent Non Executive Director on the FAI Board, you will play a key role in providing independent oversight, constructive challenge and strategic guidance to the Board and Executive.  Working alongside a diverse and experienced Board, you will leverage your expertise to support the Senior Leadership Team on all the strategic goals for the Association.

 

At the FAI we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. The FAI is committed to achieving gender balance on our board in line with Government policy. Applications are particularly encouraged from female candidates. Where candidates are of equal merit, consideration may be given to the addressing of any gender imbalance.

Financial Experience:

 

This role has a focus on a financial skillset, candidates for this current vacancy must demonstrate evidence of experience, at an appropriately senior level, in the following areas:

• Audit Committee leadership, demonstrated by either experience as a member of an Audit Committee or of having directly reported to/worked with an Audit Committee. Experience as Audit Committee Chair would be a significant advantage.
• Significant experience in accountancy, audit, corporate finance or financial leadership.
• Management/operation of financial systems and the design or oversight of business information systems to support decision-making and reporting.

 

Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven track record at a senior executive level
• Board Experience: Previous experience serving as a director or advisor on a corporate, non-profit, or public sector board.
• Strategic Acumen: Demonstrated ability to contribute to an organisational transformation.
• Leadership: Ability to inspire and influence executive teams and stakeholders at the highest levels.
• Integrity: A commitment to ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability.
• Understanding of compliance and governance obligations in a regulated or publicly funded environment.
• The judgement, independence and authority required to chair a key Board committee
• Experience in the sports sector or complex stakeholder environments including knowledge of governance frameworks applicable to national governing bodies.

 

Personal Attributes:

• Strategic thinker
• Collaborative and team-oriented approach
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Independent judgment and the courage to challenge the status quo
• To reflect government policy that the Boards of publicly funded NGBs maintain gender balance in this instance we are seeking a female for this role

The responsibilities of the FAI Board include:

• Setting the strategic direction of the Association and reviewing progress
• Overseeing the development, promotion and regulation of football matters
• Agreeing business plans and major plans of action
• Monitoring organisational and financial performance
• Agreeing and overseeing annual budgets
• Overseeing major capital expenditure and investment decisions
• Ensuring effective risk management and internal control processes are in place
• Appointing an effective Board Committee structure to support the Board in its role
• Ensuring legal, regulatory and governance obligations are adhered to.

As well as sharing the passion of the Board for the development of Football in Ireland, candidates for this INED role will demonstrate skills in some or all of the following areas:

 

• football administration (or other relevant football experience);
• financial;
• legal;
• governance;
• risk management;
• board experience;

Time Commitment:

This role requires attendance at monthly board meetings (either in-person or virtually), active leadership of the Audit, Risk, Compliance & Finance Committee, attendance at AGM and ad hoc engagements as needed. You will need to be comfortable committing at least ten hours per month in this role, with additional time at peak reporting, audit and budget periods, on a voluntary basis.   

To apply for this role, please click on the following link to submit in strictest confidence a CV & Covering Letter detailing your experience. If you require additional information, please direct your inquiries to governance@fai.ie by Tuesday 31st March 2026

 

The FAI is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and to achieving gender balance on its Board. In line with Government policy under the National Sports Policy and Action Plan for Sport, and as a condition of Sport Ireland funding and recognition, the FAI is required to maintain a minimum of 40% representation of each gender on its Board.