Coeliac Society of Ireland was established in 1970. For 45 years, the registered charity, has provided information and support to people diagnosed with coeliac disease throughout Ireland. We are the foremost authority on coeliac disease in Ireland.

Coeliac Disease is a life-long and incurable intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. A diet that strictly avoids gluten is the only medicine. If a person with coeliac disease ingests gluten, they experience a variety of debilitating symptoms, greatly impacting quality of life. Damage occurs to the lining of the small intestine, which if repeated, at worst, can lead to bowel cancer.

Coeliac Society of Ireland’s mission is to improve the quality of life for people with coeliac disease and other who benefit from a gluten free diet for medical reasons.

Our vision is to improve awareness, detection and management of coeliac disease and related conditions requiring a gluten free diet for medical reasons.

We provide:

Information on Coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) (an intensely itchy rash)
Information on gluten-free food
Information on the living gluten-free in a healthy and positive way
Opportunities for members to meet and to share experiences
A campaigning voice for people affected by coeliac to the government, health professionals, the food and hospitality industry and the general public

We are a membership organisation with over 6,500 members nationwide. Members are not limited to people affected by the disease themselves, with membership also including:

Those on gluten-free diets for related conditions and other health or lifestyle reasons,
Family members,
Health professionals (GPs, hospital physicians, health nurses, dieticians, pharmacists),
Those involved in gluten-free businesses (manufacturers, retailers and hospitality including restaurants, cafés, caterers),
Those involved in gluten-free food provision (hospitals and care homes, schools, work canteens).

Business Development Executive

We are seeking a commercially astute individual, who is empathetic to our cause, to play a pivotal part in the charities development. While autonomous in your role, you will work as a member of a small busy integrated team, working particularly closely with the Marketing Communications Manager and Finance Manager and reporting to the CEO.

Overall Purpose

This is a business and revenue development role. You will increase sponsorship and advertising sales. You will build relationships with gluten-free food manufacturers, retailers and caterers. Through the promotion of sponsorship, advertising, professional membership and event opportunities to gluten-free businesses, increased income will result for the charity and mutually beneficial relationship will develop for both the gluten-free business and our charity.

The charity is 80% self-funded. Funds raised will contribute to sustaining our awareness, information and support services.

Key Responsibilities

Revenue development: strategy and implementation
Relationship development, management and retention: Managing relationships with gluten-free food manufacturers, retailers, trade bodies and relevant mainstream brands and developing relevant sponsorship proposals
Advertising revenue generation via Coeliac Society of Ireland’s publications and online e.g. Overseeing advertising sales and placement of advertising in the food list (comprehensive guide of certified gluten-free food items), in the catering list (gluten-free catering guide), restaurant list, website, apps, social media competitions, database mailings and welcome pack
Developing and promoting professional memberships e.g. Professional membership to Coeliac Society of Ireland by the Restaurant & Catering industry
Promotion of the cross grain symbol usage to gluten-free food manufacturers and retailers, resulting in a uplift in the number of companies licensing the symbol
Promotion of the cross grain symbol usage within restaurant environment
Event Management: Hosting food fairs, member events and medical conferences
Development and promotion of training packages in consultation with the Food Manager for the catering industry

Skills & Experience

Essential

Experience in Business development, advertising sales and event management are required. Ideally a minimum of 2 years experience.
Ability to reach and exceed financial targets – outcomes focused
Report writing ability, presentation skills
Excellent organisational, time management, project management, communication and  interpersonal skills
Ability to work on own initiative and independently
Ability to multitask and prioritise own workload, while meeting deadlines
Creative thinker & the ability to be innovative
Excellent computer skills (Microsoft office suite & social media)

Desirable

Qualification in Business, Marketing and or Event Management
Previous experience income generation / fundraising in a commercial or a not for profit organisation
An interest and empathy with the coeliac disease
Working knowledge of social media
Full clean driving licence and own transport (Travel within Ireland will be necessary when events are taking place)

Contract: 2 year full time, with a 6 month probationary period. Permanency offers upon successful completion of the contract.

Reporting to: CEO

Location: Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups, 4 North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7

Hours: 37.5 hours per week. Flexible working hours required to accommodate out of hours work. A time in lieu system will apply.

Application process: Clearly state ‘Business Development Executive’ and submit covering letter with CV to be sent to ceo@coeliac.ie or post to CEO, Coeliac Society of Ireland, Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups, 4 North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7

Closing date for application:  Friday 29th May 2015