Gavin Nelson
Managing Director @Third Sector Connect
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WORK HISTORY
Managing Director @Third Sector Connect
Northern Ireland, GB
As Managing Director of Third Sector Connect, I lead a specialist consultancy focused on strengthening leadership, strategy, and funding across Northern Ireland’s third sector.I oversee the organisation’s strategic direction, operations, and project delivery — managing a diverse portfolio of clients that includes councils, community organisations, and social enterprises. My role blends strategic leadership with hands-on project management, ensuring that every initiative delivers measurable community and economic impact.Key Achievements and Responsibilities:• Secured funding for clients, including a single award worth £2.52 million for one client, through successful tender and grant applications.• Led multiple high-impact projects for local councils and community organisations, including the development of strategies, action plans, town and village plans, and bespoke programme delivery.• Provide expert guidance on governance, funding strategy, and organisational resilience across the voluntary and community sector.• Manage all internal operations and projects, from business development and client relations to staff coordination and performance oversight.• Develop strong relationships with statutory partners, funders, and local authorities to support collaboration and long-term sustainability.
EDUCATION
Mental Health First Aid Northern Ireland
Mental Health First Aid
The Football Association
UEFA B Licence
The Football Association
Level 2
Chartered Management Institute
Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership
Babson College
Entrepreneurial Thought and Action
UEFA/ Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration (IDHEAP), at the University of Lausanne
Certificate in Football Management, Management
Ulster University
Master of Business Administration - MBA, Executive MBA
Association for Physical Education
Level 3 Certificate in Supporting the Delivery of Physical Education and School Sport
University of Staffordshire
BA Hons Sports Development and Coaching
Business in the Community
Carbon Literacy Standard, Carbon Literacy Standard
ABOUT GAVIN NELSON
I’m passionate about strengthening Northern Ireland’s third sector through strategic leadership, sustainable funding, and purposeful collaboration.As Managing Director of Third Sector Connect, I work with community organisations, councils, and non-profits to design actionable strategies, secure vital funding, and build the leadership capacity needed for long term impact.Backed by an Executive MBA from Ulster University and a Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership (CMI), I bring both academic and practical expertise in driving organisational performance and social value.My governance experience includes serving as Vice Chair at Groundwork Northern Ireland and Board Member at RYA Northern Ireland, roles that have deepened my understanding of effective leadership, accountability, and sustainability within purpose-driven organisations.Throughout my career, spanning the Irish FA, English FA and other leadership positions I’ve focused on connecting strategy to real world outcomes- helping teams clarify their vision, strengthen operations, and measure impact.I was honoured to be recognised as one of Ulster University’s 25@25 Leaders, celebrating emerging leadership talent shaping Northern Ireland’s future.
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