At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community sports initiatives and support local organisations across Northern Ireland.
- Company: Join Sported, a charity dedicated to empowering young people through sport.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Home-based role with a focus on strategic leadership and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Five years' experience in the voluntary or community sectors and strong partnership 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. You'll discover a strong benefits package, and will be enabled to expand your skills, build your professional network and gain valuable experience of the Northern Ireland charity sector.
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.
Northern Ireland National Manager (Fixed-Term Maternity Cover) in Lisburn employer: Sported
Sported is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on communities across Northern Ireland through sport and physical activity. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, including personal and volunteer days, Sported fosters a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and collaboration. Join us to lead strategic initiatives and partnerships while expanding your skills in the vibrant charity sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Northern Ireland National Manager (Fixed-Term Maternity Cover) in Lisburn
✨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 and showcase your passion for making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Sported and its impact in Northern Ireland. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You never know when an opportunity might arise, so have a concise summary of your experience and what you bring to the table ready to go at all times.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows your commitment to joining our team at Sported.
We think you need these skills to ace Northern Ireland National Manager (Fixed-Term Maternity Cover) in Lisburn
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 we're 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. We love seeing measurable outcomes!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for community work and how it drives you.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, it shows you're keen to be part of our team at Sported.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sported
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of 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 Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and partnership development experience. Think about specific instances where you've successfully managed teams or built relationships with stakeholders, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Funding Landscape
Brush up on your knowledge of the Northern Ireland funding landscape. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated funding opportunities in the past and how you plan to identify and develop proposals for future projects.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to Sported's mission. Consider asking about their current projects or challenges they face in the community sports sector.
