Griffin, who earned 29 caps, progressed through the Saints academy after arriving in Perth from Belfast as a 15-year-old in 1994.
He made more than 120 appearances for the club, as well as earning international recognition.
Griffin captained Saints at the age of just 18 and was involved in memorable European games against VPS Vaasa and Monaco. The 47-year-old, who officially begins his new role on Monday, has been football co-ordinator with Saints in the Community.
Glentoran owner Ali Pour: ‘I need to spend up to £1million for the club to survive’
.
“This is a chance that I have always really wanted, and it is a great opportunity for me,” he told club media.
“I started here as a 15-year-old wanting to become a footballer. I lived my dream through this football club.
“Now being able to help other youngsters try to live that same dream is going to be very special. Pre-season is just around the corner so it is an exciting time. I like to think I’ve learned a lot over the years in football — and sometimes learned the hard way. I have experience to pass on to these guys.
“I’ll need them all to work hard. It’s down to them how far they want to go. But I’ll certainly be doing my very best to help them every step of the way.
“This football club has a reputation of bringing talented kids through the academy — there is no reason we can’t keep doing it. I have worked with the St Johnstone Community Trust for a long time now, starting with Atholl Henderson. It has been a great time.
“A big thank you goes to everyone at the trust and to all the kids and parents who I have had the pleasure of dealing with over the years.”
Griffin’s career included spells with Dundee United, Stockport County and Livingston before finishing his playing days at Arbroath.
He made his Northern Ireland debut against Germany aged 18 in 1996 and also scored a famous winner against the Republic of Ireland at Lansdowne Road in 1999.
He is among the players featured in a new mural celebrating Northern Ireland’s top players throughout its footballing history.
Situated in Battenburg Street off the Shankill Road, the mural features 14 of the region’s most acclaimed players, including another former Saints player, George O’Boyle.
Funds towards the artwork were gathered by Northern Ireland football supporters’ clubs across the Greater Shankill area.