At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community engagement projects using tennis to connect and empower local communities.
- Company: Join the National Tennis Association, a leader in making tennis accessible for all.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and free access to tennis facilities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to positive change in East London.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by promoting physical activity and community wellbeing through tennis.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement and strong relationship-building skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 32000 £ per year.
Location: East London (hybrid working with travel across the London Boroughs of Newham, Barking & Dagenham and Redbridge)
Salary: £32,000 per year
Contract: Full-time, 35 hours per week, 18-month fixed-term contract
Reporting to: Regional Development Manager
Important Information About This Role
This is a community engagement role, not a tennis coaching role. You do not need any tennis experience or qualifications to apply. We are looking for someone with skills in community engagement, partnership working, and programme development. Tennis will be used as a tool to support communities, and you will be supported by experienced coaches within the National Tennis Association.
Benefits & Opportunities
- Access to tennis equipment and kit to support delivery of community programmes
- Professional development opportunities, including support to gain tennis coaching qualifications and relevant training
- Free access to tennis courts and opportunities to participate in tennis sessions across our programmes
- Complimentary access to selected NTA coaching sessions and activities
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work–life balance
- Opportunities to be part of a national network of coaches, mentors and community leaders working to grow tennis participation
- Regular team gatherings and social events to build connections across the organisation
About the National Tennis Association (NTA)
At the National Tennis Association (NTA), we believe tennis can be a powerful enabler for positive change. Our mission is to make tennis accessible to everyone — regardless of age, background or ability — by delivering opportunities in parks, schools and communities across the UK. Across East London, NTA currently delivers park tennis programmes in Newham, Barking & Dagenham and Redbridge, creating accessible opportunities for local residents to play tennis within their communities.
Working with the LTA Tennis Foundation, we are now launching a new community engagement pilot designed to widen access to tennis among underrepresented communities and strengthen connections between our park programmes and the communities around them.
About the Role
We are seeking a community-focused individual to lead a new East London community engagement project designed to widen access to physical activity, using tennis as a tool to engage communities. Working across Newham, Barking & Dagenham and Redbridge, the role will focus on building strong partnerships with local organisations including youth centres, schools, housing associations, faith groups and voluntary organisations. The role will introduce activity in ways that feel relevant, inclusive and accessible to local communities — embedding delivery within trusted community settings rather than expecting people to access traditional sports venues.
You will work collaboratively with community partners to co-design activities, develop local volunteers and leaders, and create sustainable opportunities for people to engage with physical activity. This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape a community-led model of engagement, with learning from the project informing future work across East London and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
- Community Partnership Development
- Build strong relationships with community organisations across Newham, Barking & Dagenham and Redbridge
- Identify opportunities to introduce activity through youth programmes, community initiatives and local events
- Co-design inclusive activities with partners that reflect local needs and priorities
- Programme Development & Delivery
- Develop and coordinate community-based activity in accessible settings, including youth clubs, faith venues and community spaces
- Support delivery of introductory sessions, events and outreach activities
- Work with NTA coaches and local delivery partners to ensure high-quality experiences
- Workforce & Leadership Development
- Identify and support volunteers and community leaders interested in delivering activity
- Create opportunities for individuals to progress into volunteering, leadership or coaching roles
- Work with NTA coach mentors to support workforce development
- Monitoring & Learning
- Collect participation data, feedback and case studies to demonstrate project impact
- Work with NTA’s monitoring and evaluation partners to measure outcomes and share learning
- Contribute to developing best practice for community-led engagement
- Sustainability & Future Development
- Support community organisations to continue activity beyond the life of the project
- Identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships and support long-term community delivery
Skills & Experience
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience in community engagement, community development, youth work, sports development or similar roles
- Has strong relationship-building skills and experience working with community organisations, voluntary groups or local partners
- Has experience supporting communities to develop their own activities, programmes or initiatives
- Is able to work independently and support projects from concept through to delivery
- Understands the barriers that prevent people from participating in sport and physical activity — whether through professional experience or lived experience
- Has excellent communication and organisational skills
- Is passionate about using sport and physical activity as a tool to improve wellbeing and strengthen communities
Desirable
- Strong community networks or relationships across East London boroughs, particularly Newham, Barking & Dagenham or Redbridge
- Experience working with volunteers, community leaders or grassroots organisations
- Experience within sport, physical activity, youth programmes or community initiatives
Additional Information
- Some evening and weekend work will be required to attend community events
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are supported
- Travel across East London will be required
How to Apply
Please send a CV and covering letter outlining your interest, experience and suitability for the role to: recruitment@nationaltennis.org.uk
You are welcome to submit a short video (up to 3 minutes) in place of, or alongside, a written covering letter explaining why you are interested in the role and what you would bring to the position.
Application Deadline: 12th April 2026
Interview Process:
- Stage 1: Week commencing 20th April 2026 – Online interview
- Stage 2: Week commencing 27th April 2026 – In-person interview
Start Date: Summer 2026
If you require any reasonable adjustments or accessibility support during the recruitment process, please let us know when submitting your application so we can ensure the process is accessible and supportive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We particularly encourage applications from individuals who reflect the communities we work with across East London and from groups currently underrepresented in sport and physical activity.
Community Tennis Engagement Manager employer: National Tennis Association
The National Tennis Association (NTA) is an exceptional employer that prioritises community engagement and personal development, making it a rewarding place to work. With flexible hybrid working arrangements, access to professional development opportunities, and a strong focus on building partnerships within East London, employees can thrive in a supportive environment that values inclusivity and well-being. Join us to make a meaningful impact in local communities while enjoying the benefits of being part of a national network dedicated to growing tennis participation.
Contact Details:
National Tennis Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Tennis Engagement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Before your interview, spend some time researching the local organisations and initiatives in Newham, Barking & Dagenham, and Redbridge. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully engaged communities in the past. Use specific stories that highlight your relationship-building skills and your passion for using sport as a tool for positive change.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for tennis! Even if you don’t have coaching experience, express your excitement about using tennis to engage communities. Talk about how you see it as a way to bring people together and promote wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Tennis Engagement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for community engagement and how you can make a difference.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in community engagement or similar roles. We’re looking for skills that match our mission, so align your past experiences with what we do at the National Tennis Association.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your work in community development and how you plan to use tennis as a tool for engagement.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Tennis Association
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, do your homework on the communities in Newham, Barking & Dagenham, and Redbridge. Understand their unique needs and challenges. This will help you demonstrate your commitment to community engagement and show how you can tailor tennis activities to fit local priorities.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in building partnerships with local organisations. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with community groups or led initiatives that engaged diverse populations. This will highlight your ability to foster strong relationships, which is crucial for this role.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Accessibility
Since the role focuses on making tennis accessible, think about how you can promote inclusivity in your approach. Share ideas on how to co-design activities that resonate with underrepresented communities. This shows that you understand the barriers to participation and are proactive in addressing them.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about specific scenarios related to community engagement and programme development. Think through potential challenges you might face and how you would overcome them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and readiness to take initiative in real-world situations.
