At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop Queen's Rugby performance programme, enhancing the sporting reputation.
- Company: Queen's University, committed to equality and diversity in sports.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, up to 8.4 weeks holiday, flexible working, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in high-performance rugby while shaping future athletes.
- Qualifications: Degree in Sport or related field, IRFU Performance Coach Award, and coaching experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
The Director of Rugby will manage and develop all aspects of the Queen's Rugby performance programme, delivering a high-quality, innovative and sustainable rugby environment that enhances the University's sporting reputation. The role will operate as part of the sports development team at Queen's and will lead out on the delivery of commercial, coaching, player development, performance services and stakeholder engagement.
The postholder will apply specialist expertise to design, implement and continuously improve a high-performance system, integrating coaching, athlete development, partnerships and commercial activity, while ensuring alignment with Queen's Sport, Ulster Rugby and wider University strategy.
Successful applicants will be expected to hold a degree (or substantial equivalent professional experience) in Sport, Coaching, Performance or related field. They will also have an IRFU Performance Coach Award and demonstrate evidence of continued professional development in high-performance sport.
Applicants should have significant experience in a high-performance rugby environment, including coaching at senior level and proven experience of leading and managing teams, coaches, and multidisciplinary support staff. The role will require experience of designing and delivering player development pathways and performance programmes alongside experience of building and managing partnerships with external stakeholders.
We anticipate that the successful candidate will have demonstrable experience in commercial activity including fundraising, sponsorship or income generation.
To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website.
What we offer: Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health.
Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.
If you are an international applicant and don't already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application.
Director of Rugby in Belfast employer: Queens University
Queen's University is an exceptional employer for the Director of Rugby role, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional development. With a commitment to equality and diversity, the University provides generous benefits including up to 8.4 weeks of holiday, flexible working options, and opportunities for career advancement within a supportive team environment. Located in a prestigious institution, this role allows you to make a significant impact on the sporting reputation while collaborating with esteemed partners like Ulster Rugby.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Rugby 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 Queens University. 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 Queens University. 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 Director of Rugby 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 Queens University 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 Queens University
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Queens University, 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.
