At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead disability rugby programmes in schools and communities across Ulster.
- Company: Join Ulster Rugby, a champion of inclusivity and community spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for personal growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Empower individuals with disabilities through sport and foster community connections.
- Qualifications: Experience in coaching disabled participants and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 34024 - 41584 £ per year.
Role Purpose: To provide rugby development services for Disability groups in clubs, Primary schools, Secondary schools and Community groups throughout Ulster.
Location: The post holder will be based at Affidea Stadium but required to travel throughout the rest of the province.
Operational Manager: Participation Rugby Lead
Functional Manager: Head of Rugby Development
Key Relationships: Department for Communities, Disability Sport Northern Ireland (DSNI), Regional Rugby Staff, Club Officers & Members, School staff & pupils, Community organisations, other Ulster Rugby Officers.
Contract Type: 35 hours per week, specified purpose contract to provide maternity cover from date of commencement until 31st March 2027.
Renumeration: In the region of £27,000 - £29,000 gross per annum (plus £4,000 car allowance).
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver Programme KPI’s relating to enhanced participation in disability rugby.
- Deliver rugby participation programmes within community-based settings and encourage linkages back to rugby clubs throughout the Province.
- Support curriculum & extra-curricular based rugby modules in Schools.
- Work with disability clubs to support volunteers and assist them with on-field development.
- Assist with club development activities to grow the capacity of clubs to cater for disabled participation.
- Maintain accurate records of all activities undertaken.
- Under the guidance of the PRM, deliver blitzes, extravaganzas & competitions.
- Completion of regular reports in a timely, accurate & competent manner.
- Submission of these fully completed reports within agreed timescales.
- Maintain effective relationships with those detailed in Key Relationships.
- Portray a competent & professional image of the IRFU (Ulster Branch) at all times.
- Maintain accurate and up to date records on all aspects of work.
- Raise the profile of work carried out in terms of disability rugby using various promotional channels available through the IRFU (Ulster Branch) / Ulster Rugby.
- Fulfil all coaching & development obligations throughout the term of the contract.
The duties and responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive and the post holder may be required to undertake additional duties to meet the needs of the organisation.
Essential Criteria
- Experience: Demonstrable experience of coaching participants with a disability.
- Knowledge: Understanding & commitment to the IRFU Safeguarding policy.
- Skills & Abilities: Ability to interact positively with colleagues, club volunteers, school teachers & children, good communication skills, good organisation and time management skills, good administration skills with the ability to produce written reports to deadlines.
- Behaviours: Proven ability to work unsupervised, can appropriately use own initiative, self-motivated, good team player.
- Circumstances: Able to work flexible hours, including weekends & evenings, access to a form of transport that will permit the post holder to meet the requirements of the post in full, be prepared to undertake an Access NI check.
Desirable Criteria:
- Qualifications: IRFU (or equivalent) coaching qualification at stages 1, 2 or 3 of the IRFU coaching pathway, Disability Inclusion training.
- Experience: Previous experience in the delivery of sporting programmes to colleges, clubs & schools, previous experience delivering disability participation programmes, previous experience of organising, managing & evaluating events.
Application Process: To apply, please upload a copy of your CV and complete the short online application form. The closing date for completed application forms is no later than 9:00am on 1st September 2026. Applicants are strongly advised to read the guidance notes at the start of the application form prior to completion. CVs or emails expressing an interest in the position without completing the online application form will be disregarded.
Ulster Rugby is an equal opportunities employer and as such welcomes applications from all persons regardless of race, creed, gender, disability, family status or sexual orientation. If your role involves working with children and young people you may be subject to vetting through Access NI/Garda Vetting Bureau. Please note that we are committed to equal opportunities for all and will not preclude applicants with criminal convictions.
For more information please refer to the IRFU Vetting Policy.
Disability Rugby Officer (Maternity Cover) in Belfast employer: Irish Rugby
Ulster Rugby is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at Affidea Stadium in Belfast, where you can make a meaningful impact on the development of female rugby talent. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development through coaching courses and workshops, fostering a culture of teamwork and collaboration among passionate individuals dedicated to nurturing the next generation of athletes. Join us in our mission to create vibrant talent programmes while enjoying the benefits of working within a supportive and inclusive organisation that values diversity and equal opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Disability Rugby Officer (Maternity Cover) in Belfast
✨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.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Irish Rugby. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including Irish Rugby. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Disability Rugby Officer (Maternity Cover) in Belfast
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 Irish Rugby 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 Irish Rugby
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Irish Rugby, 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.
