At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead initiatives to boost physical activity and tackle inequalities in the Tees Valley.
- Company: Join Tees Valley Sport, part of a national network dedicated to promoting active lifestyles.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days of paid leave, family-friendly perks, and discounts at over 350 retailers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community health while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in project management and stakeholder engagement is essential.
- Other info: This role offers sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Contractual hours – 37
Basis – Full time
Package – Fixed term until 1 April 2027, with anticipated funding to extend beyond the initial term
Job reference – T01843
Are you a dynamic leader passionate about creating the conditions for change and making physical activity and sport more accessible across the Tees Valley? We are seeking an experienced Development Director for Partnerships and Place to join our forward-thinking team at Tees Valley Sport, part of the national Active Partnership network.
The successful candidate will drive collaborative relationships with key stakeholders including Sport England, local authorities, health partners, and community organizations to implement our place-based, whole system approach to tackling inactivity and inequalities. You will have overall responsibility for our work on Sport England’s Place expansion investment within the Tees Valley, representing TVS at national conferences and forums, demonstrating the value of the investment, and leading a high-performing team.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in project management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic influence. A thorough understanding of whole system change and a strong grasp of Sport England’s “Uniting the Movement” strategy are essential.
We are looking for someone who is committed to:
- Catalyzing change
- Engagement with senior leaders
- Creating a positive working culture
- Leading high-performing teams
- Using insight and intelligence to inform strategic decision-making
- Being passionate about creating the conditions for people to be active
Informal enquiries are welcome. To discuss this opportunity further or for questions, please contact Robin Bedford, Executive Director (Tees Valley Sport), via email at r.a.bedford@tees.ac.uk.
Please note that the University may ask you to participate in selection activities as part of the recruitment process. If shortlisted, your interview will be in person on campus, scheduled for 30 May 2025.
This position qualifies for University sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route due to UKVI minimum salary thresholds.
Join our inspiring, supportive, and caring community at Team Teesside.
What we offer you:
- The University’s Annual Leave runs from 1 August to 31 July, including 259 hours (35 days) paid leave plus statutory bank holidays.
- Additional leave over Christmas and New Year during the holiday closure.
- Special leave for various circumstances.
- Support for personal development and recognition.
- Family-friendly benefits.
- An employee benefits platform with discounts at 350+ retailers and health and wellbeing resources.
More details about our benefits and the employee benefits brochure are available here.
For further information on this and other posts at Teesside University, please apply directly through our website, as we do not use third-party application collators.
Development Director – Partnerships and Place employer: Tees Valley Sport
Contact Detail:
Tees Valley Sport Recruiting Team
r.a.bedford@tees.ac.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Director – Partnerships and Place
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the sports and physical activity sector, especially those connected to Sport England and local authorities. Attend relevant conferences and forums to build relationships and gain insights into current trends and challenges.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Sport England’s 'Uniting the Movement' strategy. Understanding this framework will not only help you align your vision with theirs but also demonstrate your commitment to their goals during discussions and interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience in leading high-performing teams by preparing examples of past successes. Be ready to discuss how you’ve catalysed change and engaged with senior leaders to drive initiatives forward.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Tees Valley area and its specific challenges regarding inactivity and inequalities. Being knowledgeable about local issues will allow you to speak confidently about how you can make a positive impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Director – Partnerships and Place
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your relevant experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic influence in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the Development Director role. Emphasise your leadership abilities and any previous work related to physical activity and community engagement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for making physical activity accessible. Discuss how your vision aligns with Sport England’s 'Uniting the Movement' strategy and your approach to fostering collaborative relationships.
Proofread and Submit: Before submitting your application, proofread all documents for clarity and errors. Ensure that you follow the application instructions carefully and submit through the specified website.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tees Valley Sport
✨Understand the Role and Its Impact
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Development Director role and how it contributes to making physical activity more accessible. Familiarise yourself with Sport England’s 'Uniting the Movement' strategy, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your alignment with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past. Highlight your experience in building collaborative relationships, especially with local authorities and health partners, as this is key for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you've led high-performing teams. Share specific instances where you've catalysed change and created a positive working culture, as these are essential qualities for the position.
✨Prepare Insight-Driven Strategies
Think about how you can use insight and intelligence to inform strategic decision-making. Be prepared to discuss your approach to tackling inactivity and inequalities, and how you would implement a whole system change in the Tees Valley.