Senior Rugby Development Officer

Bedford, Bedfordshire
Bedford Blues Foundation

Senior Rugby Development Officer
£26,000 – £29,000 per annum
Bedford
Full Time

We are the charitable arm of Bedford Blues Rugby Club. We use the values of rugby and sport to change lives through interventions and programmes that support our local community. Our work aims to improve wellbeing, create inclusive opportunities, and develop skills in young people.

Launched in April 2020, we have projects that are designed specially to support our target audiences and help young people tackle their personal challenges. Projects include our flagship Tackle LIFE programme, Rugby and Reading, curriculum rugby, our ABILITY Blues disability sport programme and our Holiday Provision.

Role Overview:

We are looking for someone driven and passionate to lead and champion rugby delivery at Bedford Blues Foundation. The Senior Rugby Development Officer will represent the Foundation in community clubs, schools and engage with Bedford Blues supporters and the wider community.

The Senior Rugby Development Officer will lead high quality coaching on our curriculum rugby programmes and secondary school rugby delivery. They will lead our internal and external CPD courses and manage casual staff. They will also become the key link to community rugby clubs in Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, growing our brand and presence locally.

The person:

It is important to us at Blues Foundation that we bring the right people into our environment. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate an ability to actively and consistently exhibit the new Blues Family values; Passion, Adaptability, Unity, Sustainability and Enjoyment.

Working within a fast-paced and agile charity, the post holder will need to think on their feet, effectively prioritise their workload, and attack challenges head on. Applicants should have a strong work-ethic and can-do attitude.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the Education Manager and coaching staff to continue developing school and club rugby provision, increasing participation in the sport across the local area.
• Promote Blues Foundation at local events and organised activities with other organisations.
• Develop, manage and mentor casual coaches and staff including their inductions, monthly meetings and scheduling, as well as ensuring high quality and professionalism in all delivery.
• Deliver high quality rugby and physical activity sessions for Blues Foundation, focusing on our current community rugby programmes within schools and organisations.
• Lead on the School Rugby Manager project alongside the RFU and other funded partners.
• Take a lead role planning and implementing Blues Foundation holiday and rugby camps, providing high quality coaching and provision.
• Take financial responsibility for rugby and holiday camps, exploring opportunities to grow them, learning from best practice and maximise earning potential.
• Liaise directly with schools, colleges and universities to promote and sell our community rugby packages and programmes, managing contracts and key relationships.
• Identify and develop further areas of improvement, including new projects.
• Support home match days, focusing on the creation of a thriving community rugby provision to include coaching clinics, Guard of Honour, activities, and external opportunities where required.
• Establish key links with further community rugby clubs and assist in their development where required.
• Work with Bedford Junior Blues to support coach and player development, whilst harnessing and enhancing the relationship.
• Undertake CPD opportunities and identify other key areas of development for personal growth.
• Maintain a professional approach, ensuring that Blues Foundation and Bedford Blues rugby club is always promoted positively.
• Have a sound understanding of all policies in place, including safeguarding and reporting procedures.
• Be responsible for data collection on all projects associated with their delivery programmes.
• To carry out other duties for Blues Foundation as and when required by management, not limited to the above.

Responsible to:

The Senior Rugby Development Officer will report to our Education Manager on all areas of their work. The role will be based at Goldington Road and locations around Bedford and surrounding areas, therefore the ability to travel is essential.

Essential skills and experience:

• Experience in delivering a wide variety of high-quality classroom and practical based activities, as well as flexibility to adapt to the needs and challenges presented by the variety of young people.
• Experience in managing people and communicating effectively.
• Experience and ability to communicate professionally across different levels including young people, school and college professionals, funders, and other key partners.
• Ability to deliver to a high standard and to the values of Blues Foundation, as well as an ability to contribute to wider work and impact of Blues Foundation.
• Ability to work and deliver in a team environment, as well as individually. The successful candidate should be motivated, demonstrate a positive attitude towards the work of the Foundation.
• Understanding and/or experience in the education sector, secondary and 16+ experience is desirable.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with colleagues and learners.

Qualifications:

• Degree or equivalent level qualification desirable but not essential.
• Level 2 coaching award or equivalent experience.
• Full and clean driving license.
• Valid Emergency First Aid and Safeguarding qualifications desirable.
• Sector relevant qualifications are desirable.

Benefits:

• Access to continuous training and qualifications.
• Progression opportunities for the right person.
• Staff discount at Bedford Blues shop.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Additional day off for your birthday!

Blues Foundation are an equal opportunities employer, we will consider any reasonable adjustments under the terms of the Equality Act (2010) to enable an applicant with a disability (as defined under the Act) to meet the requirements of the post. Blues Foundation may adjust or change to the job description, role or grading at their discretion and will be communicated with the post holder appropriately. The role will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. A full and clean driving license is essential for this role.