Event Operations Coordinator, Ireland Games 2026

Job Title:Event Operations Coordinator, Ireland Games 2026 Reporting To:Games Director About the Event Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games 2026 is a high-profile, multi-sport event bringing together athletes, volunteers, families and friends from across the island of Ireland. With 3 days of competition across 11 venues, an Opening Ceremony, accommodation of delegations and additional programmes for athletes, the event relies heavily on a well-coordinated community of volunteers to ensure smooth operations and an unforgettable experience for all involved. Position Summary We are seeking two highly motivated and organised individuals to join our team in the lead-up to and delivery of this major multi-venue sports event. These roles offer an unique opportunity to work closely with the Games Organising Committee, and within the operations team, to support the planning and execution of key functional areas across all venues, engaging with over 2,000 volunteers. The role involves the development and integration of plans across several Games functions to ensure successful delivery, with responsibility for key operational areas such as Transport, Spectator Services, Logistics, Venue Fit-Out, Accommodation, Lunch and Dinner Services, Sound Production, Signage Operations and Safety. The job will involve evening and weekend work. The individuals appointed will drive and support volunteer teams in each area in the planning and delivery of the Games. This role will work across one or more of the functional areas listed above depending on team structure, event needs, and individual strengths. It is anticipated that two Event Operations Coordinators will be appointed, each contributing to different aspects of the planning and delivery process. Flexibility, collaboration, and a willingness to support across multiple areas will be key to success in this role. These roles are fixed term contract roles ending in July 2026 Duties and Responsibilities: The two individuals will be assigned specific responsibility for the planning and operation and service activities related to the function of all venues, in a couple of the following areas (related to their skills and experience): Transport Assist in coordinating delegation transport requirements and schedules. Consult with transport providers to ensure timely and efficient services. Spectator Services Help design and implement crowd management strategies. Coordinate with venue teams to ensure a positive spectator experience. Assist in training and briefing volunteers on crowd management and emergency protocols. Safety Working with the Games Director to ensure that all insurance, legal and health and safety obligations are followed for all Games. Assist with risk assessments and emergency planning. Help coordinate safety briefings and compliance checks. Venue Fit Out Coordinating the design process, set up and take down for all venues including sourcing of suppliers and equipment. Assist in planning and overseeing temporary infrastructure installations. Consult with contractors and suppliers to ensure timely setup. Equipment Planning & Logistics To plan, manage and oversee the equipment planning and logistics operations at all venues, both competition and non-competition, through a combination of contractor management and volunteer management, working with the Games Warehouse Manager. Co-ordinate with functional areas and suppliers to develop an integrated logistics and delivery plan to ensure effective venue operations, within the agreed financial parameters. Support venue readiness checks with layout plans. Sound Production Assist in scheduling and coordinating sound system setups at venues. Consult with technical and sports awards teams to ensure audio requirements are met. Develop radio communication fleet maps and requirements Signage Operations Help plan and implement venue signage for wayfinding, branding and sponsorship requirements. Coordinate production, delivery, and installation of signage. Other Responsibilities will include: Support the Training Manager in delivering effective training for volunteers in preparation for their Games roles. Manage and coordinate Games bookings with key suppliers such as sports venues and delegation accommodation providers. Relationship management with external partners, contractors and stakeholders. Must work in collaboration with all other Games Organising Committee functional area planners and Venue Management Teams. Implement the Organisations procurement processes and maintain Games Purchase Order and Invoice in line with procedures. Skills and experience required: Essential Proven experience in event operations, project coordination, or logistics (preferably in a large-scale or sports event context). Experience collaborating with volunteers or an awareness and understanding of the volunteer ethos. Previous experience of working with Office 365, SharePoint, MS Teams, Excel, Canva A good ability to work independently; but also, within a team. Excellent organisational skills, ability to problem-solve, use own initiative and attentive to detail. Comfortable managing multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously. Excellent interpersonal and written/verbal communication abilities Willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends. Full Clean driver's license Desirable A relevant degree or professional qualification in event management is not essential but may be advantageous Ability to use CAD Software to create simple CAD Drawings What This Role Offers: A first hand role in one of the most exciting sporting events of the year. Opportunity to work with an enthusiastic and experienced team. Valuable experience in large-scale event planning and delivery. This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of the areas of activity and will be amended in the light of the changing environment within Special Olympics Ireland. Closing Date:28 Sep 2025 Skills: Event Operations Logistics Event Coordination CAD Drawing MS Suite Canva Project Coordination