At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community engagement initiatives and drive grassroots growth through impactful rugby programs.
- Company: Ampthill and District Community Rugby Club, a hub for social change through sport.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, match-day tickets, and club kit.
- Other info: Join a vibrant team dedicated to breaking barriers and fostering lifelong friendships.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by promoting inclusivity in rugby.
- Qualifications: Degree in Sports Development or related field; experience in managing community projects.
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: 7th 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. From elite development pathways to fully inclusive local outreach initiatives, the club serves as a vital social and athletic hub that leverages the power of professional sport to unite and elevate its surrounding community.
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
- Strategic Planning & Program Delivery: 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.
- Stakeholder & Relationship Management: 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.
- Inclusion & Social Impact: 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.
- Operations, Budgeting & Reporting: 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.
Qualifications (Desirable):
- RFU/Governing Body Coaching Level 2+.
- First Aid qualification.
Experience (Essential):
- 3+ years managing sports development or community projects.
- Proven track record of managing budgets and hitting targets.
Experience (Desirable):
- Experience securing grants or community funding.
- Working within a professional rugby environment.
Skills (Essential):
- Exceptional public speaking and presentation skills.
- Strong project management and organisational abilities.
- Proficiency in data tracking and report writing.
Skills (Desirable):
- Digital marketing or social media content creation.
How to Apply:
Send your CV and example of a community activation programme you designed, delivered and developed detailing the social impact it created in the local community by 12.00pm 2nd July 2026.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
Community Engagement Lead in Luton 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. With a vibrant work culture that prioritises professional development, employees enjoy competitive salaries, performance-related benefits, and opportunities to gain accredited rugby qualifications. Located in Bedfordshire, the club fosters a purpose-driven environment where passionate individuals can make a meaningful impact on local communities while promoting the core values of sport.
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 Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the club inside out! Research Ampthill and District Community Rugby Club's community initiatives and values. This way, when you chat with them, you can show how your passion for rugby and community engagement aligns perfectly with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the interview process. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the team!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some killer questions for your interview. Think about what you want to know regarding their community programs and how you can contribute. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you figure out if this is the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to showcase your past successes! Bring examples of community projects you've led or been a part of. Highlight the impact these had on the community, as this will resonate with their focus on social change through rugby.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Engagement Lead in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for community engagement and rugby shine through. We want to see how you connect with the sport and its potential to drive social change.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in sports development or community projects. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets and achieve targets.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they align with our mission of making rugby accessible to everyone.
Include a Community Activation Example:Don’t forget to attach an example of a community activation programme you’ve designed and delivered. We want to see the impact it had on the local community, so make it compelling!
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 programs and think about how you can enhance them. Showing that you understand the local landscape will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Inclusion
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged underrepresented groups in sports. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in the past that align with the club's ethos of 'Rugby for All'. This will demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion.
✨Bring Your Project Management Skills
Since the role requires strong project management abilities, come prepared with a detailed example of a community project you've led. Highlight your planning process, budget management, and the impact it had on the community. This will showcase your organisational skills and results-driven mindset.
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
During the interview, let your passion for rugby and community engagement shine through. Use positive body language, maintain eye contact, and express your excitement about the potential to make a difference. This energy can be contagious and will resonate well with the interviewers.
