At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community initiatives and engage diverse groups through rugby programs.
- Company: Ampthill and District Community Rugby Club, a hub for grassroots rugby and social change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, match-day tickets, and club kit.
- Other info: Join a vibrant team dedicated to inclusivity and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by using rugby to unite and uplift the community.
- Qualifications: Degree in Sports Development or related field; 3+ years in sports management.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Ampthill / Bedfordshire/ Hertfordshire - Hybrid working
Salary: Competitive salary and performance related benefits
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent (including weekends and evenings)
Closing Date: 12.00 pm 2nd July 2026
Interview Date: 7 July 2026
About Us
Ampthill and District Community Rugby Club is an elite English rugby union club that proudly balances its status as an RFU Champ competitor with a passionate, grassroots mission. Aspiring to be the most professional community rugby club in the country, the Bedfordshire-based club fields multiple senior, women's, youth, and mini sides every single weekend. Driven by a core ethos of "Rugby for All," Ampthill actively removes traditional financial, physical, and cultural barriers to participation to ensure that players of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds can thrive.
The Role
Are you passionate about using sport to drive social change? As our Community Engagement Lead, you will be the driving force behind our grassroots growth. You will design and deliver impactful programs that take rugby into schools, diverse communities, and underrepresented groups. You will bridge the gap between our professional ethos and local passion, making rugby accessible to everyone.
Who You Are
- A natural relationship builder who can connect with schoolchildren, volunteers, and corporate partners alike.
- An organised project manager who thrives on turning big strategies into real-world results.
- A champion for diversity and inclusion, dedicated to breaking down barriers to sports participation.
- Someone with a deep understanding of the rugby landscape and its power to change lives.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and performance-related benefits.
- Opportunities for professional development and accredited rugby qualifications.
- Complimentary match-day tickets and official club kit.
- A vibrant, energetic, and purpose-driven work environment.
Role Purpose
The Community Engagement Lead will strategically plan, develop, and oversee all community and grassroots initiatives for Ampthill and District Community Rugby Club. The primary focus is to grow participation, deepen local community relationships, and ensure the sport's core values are accessible to all demographics.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and execute a comprehensive community engagement strategy aligned with the Club board's core objectives and national governing body goals.
- Develop tailored initiatives for women, girls, boys, men and underrepresented communities.
- Oversee the successful delivery of school programmes, holiday camps, and match-day community activations.
- Act as the primary ambassador for the club within local schools, colleges, and grassroots clubs.
- Build strong partnerships with local authorities, public health bodies, charities, and commercial sponsors.
- Collaborate with internal marketing and media teams to promote community success stories.
- Lead the development of diverse formats of the game, such as walking rugby, tag rugby, and mixed-ability rugby.
- Implement targeted programs addressing local social issues, including youth anti-social behaviour and mental health.
- Manage the community department budget, ensuring maximum return on investment.
- Track project KPIs, monitor participation data, and write reports for funding bodies and executive boards.
- Ensure all community staff and volunteers adhere to strict safeguarding, First Aid, and health and safety policies.
Person Specification
Qualifications (Essential)
- Degree in Sports Development, Business, or related.
- Enhanced DBS clearance.
- Valid UK driving license.
Experience (Essential)
- 3+ years managing sports development or community projects.
- Proven track record of managing budgets and hitting targets.
Skills (Essential)
- Exceptional public speaking and presentation skills.
- Strong project management and organisational abilities.
- Proficiency in data tracking and report writing.
How to Apply: Send your CV and example of a community activation programme you designed, delivered and development detailing the social impact it created in the local community recruitment@ampthillrufc.com by 12.00pm 2 July 2026.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
Community Engagement Lead in Ampthill employer: AMPTHILL & DISTRICT COMMUNITY RUGBY CLUB LIMITED
Ampthill and District Community Rugby Club is an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and community engagement through the power of rugby. Located in Bedfordshire, we offer a vibrant work culture where passionate individuals can thrive, with opportunities for professional development and accredited qualifications. Our commitment to breaking down barriers ensures that every team member plays a vital role in making rugby accessible to all, fostering personal growth and meaningful connections within the community.
Contact Details:
AMPTHILL & DISTRICT COMMUNITY RUGBY CLUB LIMITED Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Engagement Lead in Ampthill
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the club inside out! Research Ampthill and District Community Rugby Club's values, community initiatives, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely passionate about their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn, attend local rugby events, or join community forums. Building connections can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your experience aligns with the role of Community Engagement Lead. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven social change through sport in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to our community-focused mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Engagement Lead in Ampthill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for community engagement and rugby shine through in your application. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission of 'Rugby for All' and how you can contribute to making a difference.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in sports development or community projects. We love seeing specific examples of how you've made an impact, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Craft a Compelling Programme Example:When submitting your example of a community activation programme, be clear about the social impact it created. We’re looking for details on how you designed and delivered it, so paint a vivid picture for us!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AMPTHILL & DISTRICT COMMUNITY RUGBY CLUB LIMITED
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into Ampthill and District Community Rugby Club's community initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their current programmes and think about how you can enhance them. Showing that you understand their mission of 'Rugby for All' will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Passion
Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight your passion for using sport as a tool for social change. Whether it's a project you've led or a community event you've participated in, make sure to convey your enthusiasm for making rugby accessible to everyone.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific community engagement scenarios. Think about challenges you might face in promoting inclusivity or managing partnerships, and prepare clear, structured responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Connect with the Values
During the interview, align your answers with the club's core values. Emphasise your commitment to diversity and inclusion, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to breaking down barriers in sports participation. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the club's culture.
