Athlete Support Officer (Maternity Cover) in Swansea
Swansea University Swansea About the role
The pivotal role supports the delivery of a high-performance environment by focusing on performance lifestyle, athlete wellbeing, and sports scholarships. Under the guidance of the Senior Athlete Support Officer, you will act as a Dual Career Coordinator, delivering tailored one-to-one mentoring, workshops, and clean sport education to help student-athletes balance their academic and sporting ambitions. You will collaborate closely with internal academic teams, coaches, and external partners such as TASS, Sport Wales, and National Governing Bodies to enhance recruitment and elevate the university's performance sport profile.
The Athlete Support Officer at Swansea University is a full-time, fixed-term position dedicated to enhancing the university’s high-performance sports environment. This role focuses on delivering comprehensive performance lifestyle services, promoting athlete well-being, and serving as the Dual Career Coordinator. Working under the leadership of the Senior Athlete Support Officer, the successful candidate will provide essential one-to-one mentoring, pastoral care, and tailored workshops to help student-athletes balance their rigorous academic commitments with elite sporting ambitions. Additionally, the role involves managing sports scholarship programs, assisting with the recruitment and retention of national and international athletes, and delivering crucial clean sport education to safeguard athlete integrity.
Collaboration is central to this position. The officer will act as a key liaison across multi-disciplinary teams, connecting student-athletes with coaches, academic departments, admissions, and external stakeholders such as TASS, Sport Wales, professional clubs, and National Governing Bodies (NGBs).
Responsibilities
- Provide tailored one-to-one mentoring, workshops, and clean sport education to student-athletes.
- Collaborate with internal academic teams, coaches, admissions, and external partners to enhance recruitment and performance sport visibility.
- Manage sports scholarship programs and assist with recruitment and retention of national and international athletes.
- Offer pastoral care and support to help balance academic commitments with elite sport.
- Ensure alignment with university values of collaboration, professional pride, and personalised care.
Qualifications
- Sport-related qualification required.
- Level 3 Certificate in Talented Athlete Lifestyle Support or willingness to achieve it.
- Proven experience supporting athletes in higher education or coaching pathways.
- Strong understanding of talent development systems.
Welsh Language Skills
The Welsh language level required is Level 1 – A little. The role holder should be able to pronounce Welsh words, answer the phone in Welsh (greeting), and use basic everyday Welsh phrases. Level 1 can be achieved via a 1-hour course.
The University is bilingual. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English. Welsh speakers have the right to an interview in Welsh. Applicants for roles where Welsh skills are essential are expected to present their application in Welsh and will be interviewed in Welsh if shortlisted.
Additional Information
Applications should be submitted as a CV and cover letter. A satisfactory DBS certificate must be provided before a start date can be confirmed. Salary: £29,959 to £33,482 per annum.
Your tasks
Support student-athletes with mentoring, workshops, and clean sport education.
Your profile
Sport-related qualification and experience supporting athletes required.
What's also included
Competitive salary, opportunity to shape athlete success, and collaborative environment.
Tech stack & ways of working
Athlete Support Officer (Maternity Cover) in Swansea employer: Swansea University
Swansea University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With its stunning waterfront campus and commitment to research-led education, the university provides enriching career opportunities in a collaborative environment, making it an ideal place for those passionate about ecology and making a positive impact on the planet.
View Swansea University profile
Your perspectives
Make a real impact on student-athletes' academic and sporting journeys.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
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 Swansea 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 Swansea University. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
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 Swansea 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 Swansea University
Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Swansea 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.
Locations
- Swansea
