Club Developer

Overview

Club Developer role at England Rugby. This permanent, full-time position is based homebased in North and East Devon/Dorset and South Somerset with extensive travel (company car provided). The role supports clubs to sustain and grow within the community as part of the Rugby Development team.

Job details

Job Title: Club Developer

Department: Rugby Development

Reports to: Club & Volunteer Support Manager

Direct report(s): N/A

Salary Banding: c. £30,900 per annum

Job Level: Implement

Location: Homebased – North and East Devon/Dorset and South Somerset

Travel: Extensive travel to fulfil role needs – company car provided

Employment Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, five days out of seven (Monday to Sunday inclusive)

Application information

• Please submit an anonymised CV (remove personal details).
• The closing date for applications: Sunday 14th September at 11.59pm.

Please note: there may be issues applying from certain email domains (Live, MSN, Hotmail, Outlook). If you typically use one of these domains, please apply with a different address to ensure communications can be received.

The Role

England Rugby (RFU) is the national governing body for rugby in England. The purpose is to enrich lives, introduce more people to rugby union and develop the sport for future generations. This role supports clubs to operate sustainably and be fit for the future by providing high-quality personal, group and virtual support, building strong relationships with clubs, and facilitating opportunities to create effective club management, diversify revenues, grow the volunteer base and enhance facilities.

We are looking for a Club Developer to enhance the community game through a four-year investment and prioritisation plan. You will help clubs access support and expertise, focusing on diversity and inclusion and increasing participation across all aspects of rugby.

This role may evolve as the plan is implemented and RFU delivers against strategic objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Connect clubs seeking development or facing challenges with other clubs that have strengths in those areas, and help cement and operate these partnerships.
• Utilise RFU specialist support to assist clubs with technology and virtual connectivity.
• Support clubs in improving management and volunteer structures, with a focus on increasing diversity among club leaders and managers.
• Assist clubs in considering revenue diversification and facility improvement opportunities, signposting relevant experience and expertise.
• Support clubs in developing creative solutions to increase and diversify playing membership, particularly for 14–18-year-olds (male and female).
• Coordinate and deliver core projects to engage new audiences, focusing on recruitment of women and girls into rugby clubs.
• Develop local clusters of clubs to share knowledge and facilitate creative solutions to common challenges.
• Facilitate opportunities for clubs to build relationships with educational establishments, community organisations, local authorities and Active Partnerships to grow membership and diversify revenue.
• Promote RFU assets, including AGPs, and promote usage with other sports and community organisations.
• Stay up to date with best practice and propose improvements.
• Collaborate with colleagues to contribute to current strategic, business and operational plans.
• Act as an ambassador for RFU, promoting its culture and core values: Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other.
• Undertake other duties as required consistent with the post and organisational needs.

Qualifications, skills & experience

The skills and attributes described are not exhaustive; candidates with different relevant experiences are welcome.

• Strong project management skills; ability to handle several projects simultaneously and communicate priorities.
• Comprehensive understanding of best practice and trends in sports development.
• Proactive self-starter with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work independently with high autonomy.
• Effective time management and prioritisation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative, influencing, and partner management abilities with constructive challenging where needed.
• Strong facilitation skills and adaptable communication style for different audiences.
• Significant experience of operational delivery and stakeholder management.
• Good judgement, problem-solving attitude and creative thinking to achieve goals.
• Self-aware and committed to ongoing professional development.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and familiarity with Smartsheet.
• Commitment to RFU values and inclusive culture in day-to-day decisions and actions.
• Ability to contribute administratively and strategically, with flexibility to take on roles beyond normal responsibilities.
• Interest in sport is desirable but not essential; understanding of the sporting landscape in England and knowledge of funding and revenue opportunities for community organisations is advantageous.

Additional information

• We encourage applicants by offering support to demonstrate skills and potential; contact recruitment@rfu.com for assistance or adjustments during the application process.
• During application, questions about identity may be asked. This information is confidential and not seen by hiring managers.
• This role will require a DBS check.