The Organisation:
AsIAm is Ireland's National Autism Charity based in Blackrock, Co. Dublin. AsIAm is a fast-paced, growing organisation with a vision to create a society where every Autistic person is accepted "as they are" – equal, valued, and respected. The organisation's purpose is to advocate for an inclusive society for Autistic people that is accessible, accepted and affirming. AsIAm works to support the Autistic community and our families to fully engage in Irish life and build the capacity of society to facilitate true inclusion.
Our Values:
A key expectation of everyone who works for AsIAm is that they demonstrate our values; Perseverance, Same Chance and Service. Our values come into play throughout everything we do at work – how we work together and how we deliver services to the people we support and to the people we work alongside.
The Role:
We are seeking a Community Connect Programme Managerto lead the development, delivery, and evaluation of AsIAm's innovative Community Connect Programme.
The successful candidate will establish and scale a national volunteer-led community support model that strengthens local connections, promotes inclusion, and increases opportunities for Autistic people and their families to participate in community life. The role will oversee volunteer recruitment, training, safeguarding, partnership development, programme monitoring and evaluation, and the ongoing growth and sustainability of the programme.
The ideal candidate will have experience in programme delivery, community development, volunteer management, or social care, with a passion for building inclusive communities and driving innovative approaches that create meaningful impact.
The successful candidate will report to the Head of National Supports.
We particularly welcome applications from neurodivergent individuals.
Key Responsibilities:
This role will encompass a broad range of responsibilities including:
Lead the implementation and ongoing development of the Community Connect Programme.
Develop systems, resources, and processes to support effective programme delivery and future growth.
Recruit, onboard, train, support, and recognise volunteers across multiple community locations.
Coordinate volunteer screening, reference checks, Garda Vetting, and compliance requirements.
Develop and maintain volunteer training pathways and guidance materials.
Facilitate volunteer supervision, support meetings, and ongoing learning opportunities.
Build and maintain relationships with community groups, local services, clubs, and partner organisations.
Support Autistic people and families to connect with meaningful community opportunities and supports.
Work collaboratively with volunteers, Autistic people, families, and community stakeholders to ensure supports remain responsive to community needs.
Implement robust safeguarding, risk management, and quality assurance procedures across all programme activity.
Monitor volunteer engagement, programme participation, outcomes, and impact.
Analyse trends and programme data to support ongoing service improvement and future planning.
Produce reports for internal stakeholders, funders, and senior management.
Support funding, sustainability, and programme expansion opportunities.
Represent AsIAm at community events, partnership meetings, conferences, and external engagements.
Work collaboratively across departments to support organisational priorities and strategic objectives.
Key Requirements:
Experience, Education, Skills, and Abilities Required
Essential
Third-level qualification in community development, social care, education, disability studies, social sciences, project management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Minimum three years’ experience in programme delivery, community development, volunteer management, disability services, or a related area.
Experience coordinating projects with multiple stakeholders.
Experience recruiting, supporting, and managing volunteers.
Experience developing, scaling, evaluating, or improving programmes, services, or operational functions.
Strong understanding of safeguarding, risk management, and community-based practice.
Excellent organisational, communication, and relationship-management skills.
Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and use data to support decision-making.
Strong IT and administrative skills.
Commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and neuroaffirming practice.
Full clean driver's licence and access to a vehicle, with willingness to travel nationally.
Desired
Other requirements relevant to the role but not essential are:
Experience in the disability, community, health, family support, or not-for-profit sectors.
Experience managing funded programmes or pilot projects.
Experience with monitoring, evaluation, and impact reporting.
Knowledge of governance, compliance, or safeguarding requirements.
Experience building partnerships and engaging stakeholders.
Understanding of co-design, community development, or service innovation approaches
Contract Duration
This is a two-year fixed-term contract funded through the New Solutions Social Innovation Fund, with potential for extension subject to programme outcomes and future funding.
Salary & Benefits
Salary will align with Grade V of the HSE Consolidated Pay Scale. In addition, we offer:
Annual leave allowance of 23 days p.a., rising in line with years of service
Additional paid time off (company days) as approved by Management
Hybrid working arrangements
Inclusive and neuro-affirmative team environment
Pension Plan (initially through “My Future Fund” and transitioning to Company Pension plan on successful completion of probation)
Employee Assistance Programme and Death in Service Benefit
Healthcare Cash Plan (on successful completion of probation)
Professional Development opportunities
Location / Working Hours
The role is 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
Work location is AsIAm’s office in Blackrock, Dublin however the position can operate on a hybrid basis within the Republic of Ireland. Regular national travel will be required to support programme delivery, volunteer engagement, training, partnership development, and community events nationwide.
Given the nature of the role, the role holder will be required to have a degree of flexibility regarding working hours, with the expectation of some evening and weekend work. Time off in lieu will be provided in line with organisational policy.
Your Next Step....
Interested applicants should apply with a CV and Cover letter.
Closing Date
The closing date for receipt of applications is 22 November 2026.
Note:All candidates must be willing to undergo Garda Vetting should they be successful.
AsIAm actively supports inclusion in the workplace and will endeavour to provide reasonable accommodations as requested by candidates throughout the interview process for this position.
AsIAm is an equal opportunities employer which reserves the right to practice positive discrimination as set out by the Employment Equality Acts.