RYA NI are the national governing body for Sailing, Windsurfing, and Powerboating at all levels across Northern Ireland.
At RYA Northern Ireland, we are almost three years into delivering our ambitious Navigating the Future strategy, with some fantastic milestones already achieved. We have grown participation among Women and Girls and people with disabilities, launched the NI Sailing Team, and increased our income by 67%.
Guided by our values, we are committed to creating an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive culture—one where everyone involved in sailing and boating feels welcome, empowered, and inspired. Working closely with our
community and trusted partners, we are building a sport that celebrates diversity and captures the sense of adventure and enjoyment that makes life on the water so special.
We are now looking for passionate, motivated people to join our team and help shape the future of sailing and boating in Northern Ireland.
Development Manager - Maternity Cover
Contract: 12 Months Fixed Term, Maternity Cover
Salary: £32,000 (FTE) per annum
Full-time (35 hours per week) or part-time (minimum 27.5 hours per week): Monday to Friday (with flexible working arrangements available)
Location: Newtownards, BT23 4YH
What's it like to work at RYA NI?
You will join a team of eight who are passionate, caring, and proud of the contribution they make, supported and inspired by the volunteers, clubs, and organisations delivering sailing and boating in communities across Northern Ireland.
As a team, we are brave and ambitious, always open to testing new approaches and finding practical solutions. We value being visible and connected, regularly engaging with clubs and events to understand both the inspirational stories and the challenges facing the sport. This insight helps shape our work and ensures what we do truly makes a difference.
Job specific responsibillites:
Strategic Leadership
Lead the delivery of RYA NI’s Development and Participation plans, translating strategy into clear priorities, programmes and measurable outcomes.
Identify emerging opportunities and challenges and provide development insight to the CEO and wider team.
Club and Affiliate Development
Lead RYA NI’s support for affiliated clubs, and classes
Help clubs identify needs and develop sustainable plans covering participation, membership, governance, volunteering, funding, facilities, inclusion and succession.
Encourage collaboration and sharing of good practice across the club network
Participation and Pathway Development
Lead programmes that grow, diversify and retain participation in sailing, & boating
Develop clear pathways from initial engagement to sustained recreational, club or competitive participation.
Work with clubs and partners to identify gaps and develop innovative, inclusive opportunities
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Embed inclusion across RYA NI’s development and participation work.
Support clubs and centres to become more welcoming and accessible.
Develop partnerships and targeted initiatives to reduce barriers and engage underrepresented groups.
Partnerships and Stakeholder Management
Build strong relationships with clubs, centres, Sport NI, local authorities, education providers, community organisations, funders, class associations, RYA and other key partners.
Represent RYA NI at relevant meetings, networks, consultations and working groups.
Manage funded programmes against agreed outcomes, budgets and timescales.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Impact
Use participation data, club insight and feedback to assess performance and improve delivery.
Report impact and outcomes to the CEO, Board, funders and partners.
Team Leadership
Coordinate programmes to maximise impact and effective use of resources.
Promote a collaborative, accountable and continuously improving team culture.
Communications and Engagement
Ensure clubs understand and can access RYA NI support, programmes and opportunities.
Develop effective ways of listening to clubs, participants and volunteers.
Support workshops, forums, roadshows and networking opportunities and ensure feedback informs future planning.
Skills, experiences or behaviours
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of club, community or organisational development, working effectively with staff, volunteers and stakeholders.
- Proven experience of planning, managing and evaluating projects or programmes, with the ability to monitor performance and demonstrate impact.
- Experience of managing budgets and resources effectively
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications.
- Data management and entry skills.
- A natural organiser, who is self-motivated, with the ability to work on own initiative.
- Approachable and supportive, to enable collaborative working with volunteers and other team members.
- Ability to travel independently and regularly throughout.
Desirable
- An understanding of RYA Initiatives including WOW, OnBoard & Sailability
- Experience running sailing events/programmes.
- Experience of developing participation pathways
The RYA offers a range of benefits which include:
•36 days holiday including public holidays (pro rata for part-time employees)
•Birthday Day Off
•10% RYA contribution to a personal pension scheme
•Free life insurance
•Discounts platform for retail, entertainment, holidays & gym membership
•Two paid volunteering days per year
•Social events
•RYA membership
The RYA is committed to equality of opportunity.
As an equal opportunity and disability confident employer, we celebrate and welcome diversity in all its forms and believe that a diverse workforce boosts innovation, productivity and creativity. We are dedicated to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion and strive to be an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves.
Interested?
Please review the full job description and submit your application by clicking on 'Apply for this job'.
Closing date for applications: 9am Monday 2 November 2026
We reserve the right to close applications early should sufficient applications be received.
Development Manager - Maternity Cover in Newtownards employer: Royal Yachting Association
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is an exceptional employer located in Hamble, Southampton, offering a unique opportunity to lead membership initiatives for a prominent sporting governing body. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and generous benefits including 36 days of holiday and a personal pension scheme, the RYA fosters an inclusive environment where passionate individuals can thrive and make a meaningful impact on over 100,000 members. Join a team dedicated to promoting active participation in boating and creating welcoming communities.
Contact Details:
Royal Yachting Association Recruitment Team
