At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative programmes to support volunteers and staff in the rowing community.
- Company: British Rowing, dedicated to making rowing more accessible and inclusive.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact and develop leadership skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and community engagement.
- Why this job: Drive change in the sport and empower those who make rowing happen.
- Qualifications: Passion for project management and experience in workforce development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
British Rowing are seeking a Volunteer & Workforce Development Initiatives Lead to translate strategic workforce priorities into well‑designed, effectively delivered programmes that strengthen and support the volunteers and staff who underpin the sport.
A bit about the role: British Rowing’s Development Directorate is focused on strengthening the foundations of the sport and supporting more people to take part in ways that suit their lives. We work with clubs, community partners and national programmes to broaden access, modernise participation offers and create clearer, more connected pathways into and through rowing. Our approach is evidence‑led, collaborative and centred on enabling local environments to thrive. We aim to make rowing more relevant, more welcoming and more sustainable for the long term. This means testing new ideas, supporting clubs to develop, building strong local partnerships and ensuring that volunteers and staff have the tools and confidence to deliver high‑quality experiences. The directorate works closely across British Rowing to link participation, workforce, events and talent development into a coherent, inclusive system.
As Volunteer & Workforce Development – Initiatives Lead, you will play a pivotal role in turning strategy into action. Your focus will be on designing, piloting and rolling out practical workforce initiatives that support the people who make rowing happen – from coaches and umpires to club leaders and volunteers. Working closely with the Head of Volunteer & Workforce Development, Head of Qualifications & Training Development and delivery colleagues, you will ensure new ideas move quickly and effectively from concept to implementation. You will balance strong project management discipline with collaborative relationship‑building, ensuring initiatives are inclusive, targeted and responsive to real‑world needs.
A bit about you: This role is well suited to someone who enjoys driving momentum and making things happen. You will:
- Translate strategic workforce priorities into clear, deliverable programmes and initiatives.
- Lead the design, piloting and rollout of new coach development and workforce initiatives, ensuring relevance, inclusion and impact.
- Extend support across other key roles in rowing, including umpires, club leaders and event organisers.
- Work closely with qualifications and training colleagues to ensure new learning products are integrated into wider workforce initiatives.
- Use data, insight and local intelligence to target initiatives where they will have the greatest effect.
- Build strong relationships across British Rowing and the wider rowing community to inform design and prioritisation.
- Develop and manage clear project plans, with milestones, ownership and reporting in place.
- Monitor progress, capture learning and share insight to support continuous improvement and quality enhancement.
If you enjoy moving ideas into delivery, coordinating across teams and creating initiatives that genuinely support volunteers and the workforce, this role offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference to how rowing is delivered across the country.
Volunteer & Workforce Development – Initiatives Lead employer: British Rowing
British Rowing is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community within the sport. With a strong focus on employee growth, collaboration, and innovative programme development, we empower our team to make a meaningful impact on volunteers and staff across the country. Our supportive work culture, combined with opportunities for professional development and the chance to drive positive change in rowing, makes this an ideal place for passionate individuals looking to contribute to a sustainable future for the sport.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer & Workforce Development – Initiatives Lead
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer & Workforce Development – Initiatives Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like British Rowing, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at British Rowing.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Rowing
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of British Rowing and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
