At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community sports initiatives and support local organisations across Northern Ireland.
- Company: Sported, a charity dedicated to empowering young people through sport.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to positive social impact and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in voluntary or community sectors and strong partnership management skills.
The predicted salary is between 43700 - 43700 £ per year.
Home-based within Northern Ireland
About Us
Sported is a charity that delivers expertise, resources, and vital support to organisations that use sport and physical activity to make a positive impact on young people and on our communities. Our network of clubs and groups reached almost one million young people across the UK in 2023–24. Through free support, resources and funding, we help trusted local leaders lower the barriers facing the next generation, building stronger, fairer communities with the help of our team and a pool of volunteer consultants.
We are now looking for a Northern Ireland National Manager to join us on a full-time, fixed-term maternity cover contract until June 2027, at which point it will be reviewed.
The Benefits
- Salary of £43,700 per annum
- 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
- Two additional personal days per year for wellbeing
- Two paid Volunteer Days each year
- Up to five days’ paid study leave for self-funded training
- Flexible working arrangements
- A confidential counselling service
- Pension scheme
- Monthly virtual Diversity & Inclusion “Open Space”
- Cycle to Work scheme
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced voluntary, community or sport sector professional with strong partnership, leadership and regional delivery experience and a decent grasp of the NI funding landscape to join our purposeful organisation. Offering a unique blend of strategic leadership, partnership development and team management, this role provides the chance to broaden your experience whilst making a meaningful contribution to communities across Northern Ireland.
The Role
As Northern Ireland National Manager, you will lead our work across Northern Ireland, ensuring our member groups are engaged, supported and able to access the services, partnerships and volunteer expertise available to them. Working closely with key partners, including Sport Northern Ireland, the Rank Foundation and Ulster University, you will oversee regional delivery, strengthen strategic relationships and represent Sported in stakeholder environments across Northern Ireland.
You will also manage the Northern Ireland Field Team, co-ordinate regional planning and delivery, and work across our departments to ensure activity is aligned, effective and responsive to the needs of members. Additionally, you will:
- Review and co-ordinate the Annual Delivery Plan for Northern Ireland
- Lead the delivery of regional projects and associated KPIs
- Identify and develop funding opportunities and partnerships
- Support fundraising, communications and impact activity
- Manage regional resources, reporting and performance
- Contribute to national delivery strategy, policy and best practice
About You
To be considered as Northern Ireland National Manager, you will need:
- At least five years’ experience in the voluntary, community or sport sectors in the UK
- Experience of initiating and managing relationships and partnerships across different sectors
- Knowledge of the community sports sector in Northern Ireland
- Experience of line managing paid staff and volunteers
- Experience of negotiating the Northern Ireland funding and political landscape
- Experience of creating regional strategies and plans
- Experience of identifying and developing proposals for funding
- Experience of acting as an organisational representative within key stakeholder environments
- A proven track record of using data to create insights
- An understanding of the issues facing small community groups and the role sport can play in a social context
The closing date for applications is 15th June 2026 at 9am.
Other organisations may call this role Regional Manager, National Manager, Programme Manager, Community Sport Manager, Partnerships Manager, Regional Development Manager, or Voluntary Sector Manager.
Webrecruit and Sported are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
So, if you want to make a positive impact as Northern Ireland National Manager, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.
Northern Ireland National Manager (Fixed-Term Maternity Cover) employer: Get Grants Ltd
Sported is an exceptional employer that champions community engagement and social impact through sport, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing with generous leave policies and flexible working arrangements. As the Northern Ireland National Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead meaningful initiatives that directly benefit local communities, while also enjoying professional growth through training and development opportunities within a diverse and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Northern Ireland National Manager (Fixed-Term Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the voluntary and community sectors. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or collaborators. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Tailor your approach! When you find a role that excites you, make sure to highlight your relevant experience in conversations. Use specific examples from your past work that align with the job description to show you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to organisations you admire, like Sported, and express your interest in potential opportunities. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! We’ve got loads of resources and tips to help you ace your job search. Plus, applying through our site gives you a better chance of standing out. So, don’t hesitate—get involved!
We think you need these skills to ace Northern Ireland National Manager (Fixed-Term Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Northern Ireland National Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in the voluntary, community, or sport sectors, and show how your skills align with what Sported is looking for.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past roles, focus on the impact you've made. Use specific examples of how you've supported community organisations or led successful projects, especially those that resonate with Sported's mission.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see your passion for community work and sport, so don’t be afraid to share your motivations and what drives you to make a difference.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application goes straight to us, and we can review it promptly. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Get Grants Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in Sported’s mission and the role of the Northern Ireland National Manager. Familiarise yourself with the community sports sector in Northern Ireland and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Partnerships
Prepare examples of successful partnerships you've built in the past. Highlight your experience in managing relationships across different sectors, as this is crucial for the role. Be specific about how these partnerships have made a positive impact.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Think of instances where you’ve led teams or projects. Be ready to discuss your approach to line managing staff and volunteers, and how you’ve motivated them to achieve common goals. This will show you can handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Be Data Savvy
Since the role involves using data to create insights, come prepared with examples of how you’ve used data in previous roles. Discuss any strategies you’ve developed based on data analysis and how they benefited your organisation.
