Croí Physical Activity & Exercise Coordinator (Full-Time)

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CROÍ PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & EXERCISE COORDINATOR (FULL-TIME)

About Croí

Croí is an award-winning, not-for-profit, Irish Heart & Stroke Foundation based in Galway (Registered Charity Number 20016616).

Our vision is an end to premature death or disability from cardiovascular disease in Ireland.

Our mission is to prevent heart disease and stroke, save lives, empower and support people, families, communities and future generations to take control of their health and well-being.

Since its genesis in 1985, Croí has developed an expertise in cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention, early detection and intervention, and built a dynamic and energetic multi-disciplinary team, committed to excellence in all areas of our work, which has been recognised by a variety of national and international healthcare and innovation awards.

We are recruiting an Exercise Professional for the role of Physical Activity & Exercise Coordinator (Physiotherapist or Exercise for Health Specialist or similar). Applications are invited from people who are passionate about working to prevent heart disease and stroke by supporting people to embrace physical activity and exercise as part of their lives.

Join us and make a real difference in the area of heart disease and stroke prevention and support, while working with a dynamic and progressive organisation.

If you want to work with an organisation that believes what you believe, is moved by the power of purpose, cares about helping and supporting people, has great ideas, and is passionate about your future professional growth, we would love to hear from you!

The Role

Exercise and physical activity are central to Croí’s mission to prevent heart disease and stroke. From programme delivery to public campaigns, they are at the heart of our work. As we expand our cardiac and stroke recovery programmes, we are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic full-time Exercise Professional (Physiotherapist or Exercise for Health Specialist) to join our multi-disciplinary Health Team.

The successful candidate will lead the delivery, development, and evaluation of Croí’s exercise services and resources, focusing on integrating movement into the daily lives of our community.

This is a dynamic role for someone passionate about patient advocacy and prevention. Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and delivering exercise classes
• Supporting heart disease and stroke risk factor screening
• Contributing to public awareness campaigns and research
• Engaging with local and national service discussions
• Providing clinical input and leadership

A holistic understanding of exercise in both health and disease is essential. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of how physical activity prevents heart disease and stroke, and how it supports rehabilitation in both primary and secondary prevention. Confidence in tailoring programmes to individual needs while promoting long-term wellbeing is vital.

We are looking for a motivated, collaborative professional with initiative, strong communication skills, and a commitment to improving cardiovascular health.

The role is based at the Croí Heart & Stroke Centre, Newcastle, Galway, but flexible working arrangements, based around programme delivery, may be available dependent on business need.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Croí’s physical activity and exercise services, addressing the needs of people living with heart disease or stroke, their families and carers
• Deliver assessment and management for participants in Croí exercise programmes (in-person and online), including classes and specialist programmes such as Rebuild and Healthy Hearts Club
• Identify and implement service improvements aligned with Croí’s prevention mission
• Manage programme data and documentation to support evaluation, performance review, and adherence to current guidelines
• Coordinate and deliver public health promotion sessions and exercise classes
• Oversee and maintain exercise resources
• Embed behaviour change strategies, including graded mastery and self-monitoring, into service delivery
• Contribute to team education, training, and knowledge sharing
• Build and maintain relationships with acute and community healthcare partners
• Engage with local and national bodies on service development and health priorities, including the Cardiac Rehabilitation Model of Care
• Commit to ongoing professional development with mentoring and support from Croí

Skills & Competencies

The post holder will be required to:

• Demonstrate strong knowledge of heart disease and stroke prevention and management
• Conduct comprehensive fitness assessments, including heart rate calculations and exercise tolerance
• Adapt exercise prescriptions to individual needs
• Apply evidence-based reasoning and problem-solving
• Communicate clearly with participants and colleagues
• Work independently and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• Lead and coordinate exercise and activity services
• Show initiative, motivation, confidence, and flexibility
• Utilise IT tools (Email, Word, PowerPoint, Databases) effectively

Essential Requirements

The post holder must be suitably qualified as follows:

• Physiotherapist – CORU registration
• Exercise for Health Specialist/Exercise Professional – REPs Ireland certification in Long Term Conditions Exercise Instructor category or equivalent
• Be at least 5 years post registration/certification with at least 3 years’ relevant experience
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering safe, effective exercise programmes for people with long-term conditions (e.g. cardiovascular, stroke, chronic diseases)
• Have the professional, managerial and administrative capacity to fulfil the functions of the role
• Have experience in service evaluation or clinical audit

Remuneration

An attractive and competitive remuneration package, commensurate with experience, is available for the right candidate. This is a full-time position being offered initially as a fixed-term contract of one year with potential for extension.

Non-pay benefits include:

• Supportive and positive team environment, with full induction provided
• Ongoing learning, training and professional development opportunities
• Attractive annual leave entitlement plus 2 concession days on Good Friday and Christmas Eve
• Automatic enrolment in the new Government initiative pension savings
• Gold Certified Cycle Friendly Employer (EU Initiative)
• Supports for sustainable commuting including Bike to Work Scheme, onsite showers, changing facilities and lockers
• Free onsite parking and EV charging points
• Employee Assistance Programme

To apply, please send your CV, with a cover letter, to careers@croi.ie by Wednesday, September 24th

A desktop shortlisting process may be carried out prior to interview stage. Attendance at the interview will be at the candidate’s own expense.

This job profile will be subject to review in accordance with service developments and is neither restrictive nor definitive, but rather a guide to the general range of duties required.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term
Contract length: 12 months

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Galway, H91 FF68.