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- Tasks: Manage and develop competitive sports programmes for over 70 student-led clubs.
- Company: Join the Edinburgh University Sports Union, a vibrant community of athletes.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of student sports.
- Qualifications: Experience in sports administration and a passion for student engagement.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with excellent career development prospects.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
Closing date: 24 September 2025
Location: Edinburgh
Region: Scotland
Employment type: Full Time
Salary: 29,588
Job Title and Department
Job Title: Sports Coordinator – Competitions
Department: Edinburgh University Sports Union
Reports To: Interim Head of Sports Development Programmes
Overview
This role actively contributes to the management and development of Edinburgh University Sports Union’s (EUSU) competitive sport programme, including; British University and College Sport (BUCS), Scottish Student Sport (SSS) and EUSU’s own Intramural Sport Programme, ensuring a consistent, efficient and effective service to our 70 student-led Sports Clubs.
Responsibilities
- Plan, coordinate, administer and manage the EUSU BUCS programme, which sees students participate in ~1300 fixtures and enter ~1000 competitors across an academic season.
- Manage the allocated programme budget resource and work closely with the Sports Coordinator – Transport & Admin, to ensure suitable travel and accommodation has been arranged, as well as operations and bookings colleagues to secure facilities and ensure smooth match/competition day operations.
- Work with a network of colleagues from across UK institutions to fulfil the fixture programme each season, with a solutions-based approach which prioritises getting fixtures played, whilst respecting competition regulations.
- Provide programme direction, plan, develop and support the Sports Participation Activator and IM members of the Student Executive, to administer and deliver a multi-sport intramural programme (IM), which services ~1900 intramural members, with over ~1200 fixtures being played each year.
- Liaise with operations and bookings colleagues to ensure the efficient scheduling and daily operations of ~300 number of club training sessions a week.
- Analyse and monitor programme and sector competition trends to refine the programme each year and work closely with the Executive committee, Sports Union President and Head of Sports Development Programmes to help inform the future direction of competitions.
- Play your part in EUSU daily operations and support with the delivery of large-scale events. Key contacts / Relationships – EUSU Colleges, Edinburgh Sport Colleagues, EUSU Club Captains, Coaches and Committee members, University of Edinburgh Staff, BUCS Administrators within other Institutions, BUCS and SSS Staff, NGB’s, local clubs and facility operators.
Planning & Organising
- Plan and organise one of the largest multisport competitions programmes in the country, ensuring high quality assurance with NGB and BUCS/SSS. Often this will require working with a range of stakeholders (bookings, operations, partners etc.) to planning months ahead to align with the University’s academic calendar and secure facilities.
- Organise and prioritise your own workload on a daily, weekly and monthly basis to achieve overall agreed priorities, whilst remaining agile and flexible to be able to positively respond to unexpected events and adjusting priorities as required, in consultation with Interim Head of Sports Development Programmes.
Problem Solving
- Handle day-to-day challenges that arise in collaboration with colleagues in the opposing Institution (taking into account differing academic timetables, conflicting events and availability of match officials/venues) to uphold and assure a full competitive programme under the best conditions for EUSU teams, escalating to SSS and BUCS, as required.
- Assist clubs and other Institutions with competition enquiries, complaints, concerns and feedback, to determine appropriate course of action, whilst maintaining confidentiality where required.
- Adopt a flexible and practical approach to competing demands of Clubs and Institutions to meet their requirements.
Decision Making
- Using the agreed resources (inc. financial) allocated to the programme, make daily decisions regarding fixture changes, competition entries and training schedules, to ensure safe, efficient and high-quality programme facilitation.
- Meet regularly with the Interim Head of Sports Development Programmes to agree priorities (daily, weekly, monthly) and to find better ways of working, but plan and prioritise own work activities on a day-to-day basis.
Education, Qualifications & Training
- Educated to HNC level.
- Educated to degree level. (desirable)
Knowledge & Experience
- Minimum of 3 years sports administration experience (paid or voluntary)
- Experience of planning and organising sports fixtures and administering competition entries.
- Understanding of BUCS and SSS Sport structures. (desirable)
- Experience working with students. (desirable)
- Administering sports competitions in higher education setting. (desirable)
- Experience working with and using BUCS Play, Playwaze. (desirable)
- Experience working with and using a leisure management system. (desirable)
- Track record of working with partners and organisations. (desirable)
- Specialist or advanced knowledge of IT packages/systems (inc. Office 365 products).(desirable)
Skills & Attributes
- Ability to take a constructive and co-operative approach to solving problems.
- Innate ability to pay attention to detail and ensure high standards.
- Ability to analyse and interpret data and take appropriate action as a result.
- Ability to work under pressure to meet targets and deadlines.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative, without close supervision.
Dimensions
EUSU operates to an annual budget of c £1.2 million. Our people team is made up of 8 FTE University employees, as well as a Sabbatical Student President (whom is elected annually by the student community), several elected student committees and several hundred volunteers, extending to freelance service providers.
The Sports Coordinator – Competitions will work closely with a number of roles across the EUSU and will mentor student leaders. The Sports Coordinator will be based at Pleasance, with the post holder being required to work flexibly to meet service needs.
This role may require occasional travel.
Additional Information
The University of Edinburgh aims to be a global leader in Sport & Active Wellbeing by 2030, focusing on fostering a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and innovation.
Through collaborative partnerships spanning various departments and stakeholders, the University\’s sporting achievements are multifaceted, emphasising participation, competitive success, and personal development as key to our success.
Sport at Edinburgh is spear-headed by 3 aligned and uniquely ambitious departments consisting of Sport & Exercise, EU Sports Union and Moray House School of Education & Sport.
Together we welcome more than 1M user visits across our expansive sporting estate, of 5 primary locations.
We aim to showcase the possibility of combining world class degrees, in world class sporting environments, whether you’re competing at the highest level or simply staying active with new friends.
The University of Edinburgh offers something for everyone. Sport membership for 24-25 stands at an impressive 16,800 members, with EU Sports Union enjoying a record-breaking Sports Club member base in excess of 8,500 across our 70 student led sports clubs and 170 intramural teams.
Our ambition(s) for 2025-29 are equally motivated and determined, as we look to realise a sizable investment into our sporting estate and programmes.
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Sports Coordinator - Competitions employer: British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs)
Contact Detail:
British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sports Coordinator - Competitions
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the sports community. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy to reach out on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience in sports administration or event management, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Share specific examples of how you’ve successfully managed competitions or worked with teams to demonstrate your value.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to organisations you’re interested in, like the Edinburgh University Sports Union. Express your enthusiasm and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities – it shows initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on trends in sports management and competition organisation. Consider taking short courses or attending workshops. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you great talking points when you meet potential employers.
We think you need these skills to ace Sports Coordinator - Competitions
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Sports Coordinator role. Highlight your relevant experience in sports administration and any specific knowledge of BUCS and SSS structures. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in sports management before. We love a solutions-based approach, so share any experiences where you’ve successfully navigated tricky situations or conflicts.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining us at StudySmarter and being part of our exciting journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs)
✨Know Your Sport Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the competitive sport programme at Edinburgh University Sports Union. Familiarise yourself with BUCS and SSS structures, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their success. Showing your passion for sports and understanding of the role will definitely impress.
✨Plan for the Unexpected
Given the dynamic nature of sports coordination, prepare examples of how you've handled unexpected challenges in the past. Think about times when you had to adapt quickly or solve problems on the fly. This will demonstrate your flexibility and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for this role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience in planning and organising sports fixtures. Highlight any tools or systems you’ve used to manage schedules and budgets effectively. The interviewers will want to see that you can juggle multiple tasks while maintaining high standards.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role involves liaising with various stakeholders, so come prepared with examples of how you've successfully worked with different teams or organisations. Discuss your communication style and how you build relationships, as this will be key to managing the diverse needs of clubs and institutions.