At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with excellent career development prospects.
- 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.
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.
Sports Coordinator - Competitions employer: British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs)
Edinburgh University Sports Union is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and innovation in sports. With a focus on employee growth, the role of Sports Coordinator - Competitions provides opportunities to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and contribute to one of the largest multisport programmes in the UK, all while being based in the historic and dynamic city of Edinburgh. The supportive environment fosters collaboration and personal development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about sports and student engagement.
Contact Details:
British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sports Coordinator - Competitions
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
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✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
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We think you need these skills to ace Sports Coordinator - Competitions
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs) aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs)
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs), make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
