LINQ Ireland is the only non-governmental organisation working exclusively with women (trans and non-binary inclusive) who identify as queer, lesbian or bisexual in the Republic of Ireland. With close to 30 years’ experience, our aim is to improve the quality of life, health and well-being of our community across the country.

Our Vision

An Ireland where LBQ women (trans and non-binary inclusive) are celebrated; where the values of diversity, inclusion, social justice and equity are championed.

Our Mission

To enhance the quality of life, health and well-being of LBQ women (trans and non-binary inclusive) and their families through advocacy, education, training, and development of a vibrant LBTQ community in Ireland.

Our Values

Driven by the principles of feminism, social justice and community development, our values include:

  • Working to achieve an equitable and inclusive society.
  • Enacting compassionate leadership that recognises and celebrates diversity.
  • Delivering services rooted in respect, dignity, and equality.
  • Empowering LBQ women (trans and non-binary inclusive) to achieve fulfilment and realise individual potential.
  • Maintaining advocacy and integrity as key drivers of positive change for our community.

Our Governance

The Board and Steering Group oversee LINQ Ireland’s governance and strategic planning relevant to the organisation, ensuring that LINQ Ireland’s mission, vision and strategic plan is enacted through all LINQ Ireland programmes and operations. The Board and Steering Group support the LINQ Ireland Executive Director who directly manages day-to-day operations of the organisation including programmes, services and staff.

 

  1. Context for Appointment

LINQ Ireland seeks to recruit an Executive Director (ED) to lead the organisation through the next stage of its development.

Building on the progress made by the incumbent, LINQ Ireland’s next ED will, in line with its 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, ensure operational excellence and lead the team to achieve LINQ Ireland’s mission through building and maintaining strong governmental relations, partnerships with similar organisations, and advocating priorities at a regional, national and international level.

 

  1. The Position

Title: Executive Director

Reporting To: Board of Directors

Direct Reports: 6 (Accounts Administrator, 2 Community Liaison Officers, Administrator, Community Health Worker, Employment and Education Officer) This level of staffing may increase or decrease over time.

Place of Work: LINQ Ireland, 11A White St, Cork, T12 D36W. While the ED will need to be based in Cork, flexible working arrangements may be considered.

Contract Type: Permanent, following successful completion of 6-month probationary period.

Working Hours: 35 hours per week. The post requires a considerable degree of flexibility; some evening /weekend work will be required depending on the needs of the organisation. National and international travel may also be necessary from time to time.

Start date: May / June 2026, depending on availability.

 

  1. Role Summary

As the lead executive, the Executive Director (ED) will guide a passionate team, build strong partnerships, and represent the organisation nationally and internationally.

The ED serves as the strategic and operational leader of LINQ Ireland, reporting to the Board of Directors. Operating within the strategic direction and governance framework set by the Board, the ED is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of LINQ Ireland and delivering on the organisation’s mission and strategic goals.

The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader with strong operational, financial, and people management experience — capable of both high-level strategic thinking and hands-on delivery.

 

  1. Main Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Provide effective leadership to the organisation and team, ensuring alignment and focus on achieving the organisation’s strategic objectives and goals as set in LINQ Ireland’s Strategic Plan 2023-2028.
  • Ensure the organisation remains responsive to the evolving needs of LBQ women (trans and non-binary inclusive).
  • Collaborate with the Board to develop and implement the organisation’s strategy and vision.
  • Ensure the organisation’s relevance, sustainability, and impact within its field of operation.
  • Strategic oversight of day-to-day operations, ensuring excellence in programme delivery, governance, and compliance.
  • Act as the organisation’s primary public representative, promoting its mission and values.
  • Demonstrate values-led leadership in the execution of all tasks in line with the organisation’s values.

 

People and Culture

  • Lead, support, and develop a small, passionate staff team, creating a culture of care, collaboration, and accountability.
  • Ensure effective HR policies and practices are in place, including performance management, wellbeing, and training. Foster a safe and inclusive working environment that reflects LINQ Ireland’s values.
  • With the support of the Board, lead HR, wellbeing, office infrastructure, HR compliance, internal systems and staff support function.
  • Promote professional development.

 

External Relationships, Representation and Advocacy

  • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including LGBTQI+ community leaders & representatives, government, donors, and partner organisations.
  • Represent the organisation in public forums, including media, conferences and stakeholder engagements, advocating for policies and initiatives that align with its mission.
  • Actively engage with the diverse LBQ women (trans and non-binary inclusive) community to understand their needs and priorities in line with the organisation’s values, being cognisant of the regional aspect of service provided.

 

Financial Management

  • Develop and manage the organisation’s budget, ensuring effective use of resources.
  • Lead efforts to secure and maintain funding, including through grants, donor partnerships and fundraising campaigns.
  • Identify potential sources of funding and develop appropriate methods of securing these.
  • Oversee financial reporting, audits, and long-term planning for sustainability.
  • Ensure adherence to financial regulations and funding conditions while identifying and securing new funding sources.

 

Governance and Compliance

  • Develop and maintain an effective working relationship with the Chair, the Board of Directors and the Steering Group.
  • Support the Board in fulfilling its governance duties and regulatory obligations.
  • Ensure timely reporting and compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.
  • Provide regular updates on strategic progress, risks, and opportunities.
  • Ensure all records are up-to-date and readily available and in compliance with GDPR regulations.

 

  1. Competencies and Experience

Essential

  • Proven leadership experience (3+ years) in a management role within a non-profit, public, or advocacy organisation, or relevant field of work. Strong track record of people management and building inclusive workplace cultures.
  • Qualifications (educational or professional) in a relevant field, including community work or social work.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
  • An understanding of, and affinity with, the issues facing Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer Women (Trans and Non-binary inclusive) and their families and an awareness of the community.
  • Strong commitment to social justice and human rights.
  • Values based leader, committed to working with compassion and kindness.
  • Based in Cork.

 

Desirable

  • Familiarity with Irish charity regulations, funding bodies, and NGO governance.
  • Experience in public advocacy.
  • Experience overseeing budgets, compliance, and reporting within a governance fr
  • Understanding of the Irish national context (including political and socio-economic) and knowledge of the wider LGBTQ+ sector.
  • Understanding of wider equity barriers (e.g. sexism, racism, migration status, ableism, socio-economic disparities) in Irish society and intersectionality.
  • Experience working with small teams and/or grassroots community organisations.
  • Understanding of the principles of community development.
  • Fundraising experience.
  • Full clean drivers licence

 

  1. Skills
  • Teamwork and positive collaborative attitude
  • Strategic thinking
  • Community-building and people oriented
  • Time and organisational management

 

  1. Remuneration and Benefits

The salary awarded for this role starts at 56,915€. Progression from the first point is funding dependent.

Non-pay related benefits include:

  • 28 days of annual leave (3 to be taken at Christmas) and Bank Holidays
  • Continuous professional development opportunities.
  • Bike to work scheme and taxsaver commuter tickets.
  • Auto-enrolment pension – MyFutureFund.
  • Time in Lieu Policy.

 

  1. Application Process

Applications should include a CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role and submitted to recruitment@linqireland.ie

Initial interviews will be held with selected candidates after that review. Core interview questions will be supplied in advance. Further in-person interviews may be held with candidates selected from that round. Completed applications should be received no later than Monday 13th of April at 5pm.

Please direct any queries to recruitment@linqireland.ie.

LINQ Ireland is an equal opportunities employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.

This post is funded by the Cork North and East Community Work Department HSE Southwest.