At a Glance
- Tasks: Help select Olympic rowing crews with integrity and transparency.
- Company: British Rowing, the governing body for rowing in England.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with travel and accommodation cost coverage.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible commitment of 10-15 days per year.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on athletes' Olympic dreams and uphold fairness.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in high-performance rowing and strong judgement skills.
British Rowing are seeking an External Selector for the Men’s Olympic Programme to help uphold the integrity of the selection system and contribute to directly selecting crews.
A bit about the role:
The External Selector provides independent scrutiny within the Men’s Olympic Selection Group to ensure that athlete selections are:
- Made in line with the Selection Policy and Performance Strategy
- Transparent, consistent and evidence-based
- Free from conscious or unconscious bias
- Clearly communicated and understood by athletes and coaches
Selectors help uphold the integrity of the selection system and contribute directly to selecting crews in line with British Rowing’s selection standards and stated aims as part of delivering Olympic gold medal success.
What you’ll be doing:
- Participation in Selection Activity:
- Attend major trials and relevant assessments as defined in the annual Performance Strategy
- Prepare for and attend Selection Group meetings (in person and virtual)
- Review selection evidence, including athlete data, testing results and selection narratives
- Maintain a deep working knowledge of the Selection Policy and relevant Performance Strategy
- Develop and maintain a detailed knowledge of the full cohort of athletes under consideration for selection, encompassing both NTC-based athletes and those training within the club system.
- Independent Challenge and Oversight:
- Ensure the Nominated Coach follows the agreed process and policy
- Identify and highlight potential bias; review and question evidence when needed
- Contribute to well-balanced, collective decisions within the Selection Group
- Support a culture of fairness, transparency and athlete confidence in the system
- May be contacted by athletes seeking clarification on specific selection aspects
- Expected to communicate respectfully, professionally and within the boundaries of the policy
- Must record contemporaneous notes for any relevant discussions
- Professional Conduct:
- Respect and protect confidentiality at all times
- Uphold British Rowing policies (Safeguarding, Anti-Doping, Water Safety)
- Act in good faith, in the best interests of British Rowing and the athletes seeking selection
- Support continuous improvement of the selection process
A bit about you:
Skills and Experience:
- 10+ years’ experience in high performance rowing (coach, selector, athlete or manager)
- Understanding of Olympic level performance standards
- Ability to assess multiple data sources including matrices and seat racing
- Strong judgement and ability to remain unbiased
- High levels of discretion
- Excellent observational skills, communication and professionalism
- Prior experience selecting crews in a squad environment
A bit about us:
British Rowing is the governing body for the sport of rowing, both indoor rowing and rowing on water. We are committed to ensuring that the sport continues to thrive from the grassroots right up to winning medals at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. We are responsible for participation and the development of rowing and indoor rowing in England and for the training and selection of individual rowers and crews representing Great Britain.
British Rowing is an equal opportunities employer, committed to building a culture where everyone feels welcomed, supported and like they belong. We understand that a diverse, values-driven culture makes us stronger and we are continuously working to create an inclusive workplace environment. Therefore, we are proud to encourage applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.
Get your application in:
To apply for this role, please submit your application alongside your CV and a 1 page cover letter explaining your suitability. We’re going to close applications on 14th January 2026 but, if you like the sound of the job, please apply straight away as we reserve the right to close applications early if we find the right candidate!
Salary: Voluntary Role - Remuneration of reasonable travel and accommodation costs available
Type: Part time, 10-15 days per selection year
Application Dates: From Thursday 27th November 2025 to Wednesday 14th January 2026
Independent Selector – Men’s Olympic Rowing Programme in Reading employer: British Rowing
British Rowing is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the stunning Dorney Lake, where employees can engage in meaningful operations that directly contribute to the safety and enjoyment of rowing activities. With a strong emphasis on employee development through comprehensive training in health and safety practices, staff are encouraged to grow their skills while enjoying a supportive culture that values teamwork and community engagement. The role provides unique opportunities to work in a premier sporting venue, making it an attractive choice for those passionate about water safety and operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Selector – Men’s Olympic Rowing Programme in Reading
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Events
Find local sports events or community recreation activities in your area and offer to volunteer. This is a fantastic way to network with industry professionals, gain hands-on experience, and show your commitment to the field. Plus, it could lead directly to job opportunities in organisations like British Rowing!
✨Join Sports Management Associations
Consider joining sports management associations or local clubs related to your interests—these often have member directories or job boards. Engaging with these communities can help you learn about part-time roles and connect with key people who might point you towards open positions at places such as British Rowing.
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Create a LinkedIn profile highlighting your interest in sports and recreation management. Share any relevant experiences or passion projects related to sports, and join LinkedIn groups focused on the industry. This can help raise your visibility in the field and may catch the eye of hiring managers at British Rowing!
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Selector – Men’s Olympic Rowing Programme in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:When applying for a role in sports recreation management, let your love for sports shine through in your CV and cover letter. Share any experiences you have managing teams, coordinating events, or working in sports facilities. This enthusiasm is infectious and is sure to catch the eye of the hiring team at British Rowing.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to sports management, first aid, or coaching, make sure to list them prominently. These qualifications demonstrate your commitment to the field and your preparedness for the responsibilities of the job. Don't forget to mention any practical training that shows you're ready to jump in at British Rowing.
Flexibility and Availability is Key:For part-time roles, availability can be a big plus. Mention your schedule clearly in your application, showing you're ready to work weekends or evenings if needed. This will help British Rowing see you as a reliable choice who can fit in with their staffing needs.
Tailor Your Experience to the Role:When crafting your CV and cover letter, align your previous experiences with the specific requirements of the role at British Rowing. If you've coordinated sports leagues, organised events, or managed budgets, make sure those get the spotlight. This way, you can clearly show how you're the perfect fit for their team!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Rowing
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In sports recreation management, it's all about engaging with people—be it clients, team members, or event participants. During the interview with British Rowing, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully handled diverse groups and fostered positive experiences in recreational settings.
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
From managing sports facilities to understanding recreational programming, don’t forget the technical aspects of the role. Prepare to discuss specific software or tools you’ve used for scheduling events or managing participants, as this shows you're ready for the part-time responsibilities you'll be taking on at British Rowing.
✨Communicate Your Passion for Sports
As this is a part-time role, passion counts for a lot! Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for sports and recreation in the interview. Talk about your experience with recreational activities—anything from coaching to volunteering—to help British Rowing see the personal investment you've got in the field.
✨Think About Your Flexibility
With part-time roles, it’s essential to demonstrate your availability and adaptability. Be ready to discuss your schedule and how you can adjust to the needs of British Rowing. Share examples of how you’ve successfully balanced other commitments while pursuing your passion for sports—it’ll show you’re a reliable choice for them.
