At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead initiatives to boost sports participation and create inclusive programmes across Royal Parks.
- Company: Join The Royal Parks, a charity managing iconic parkland in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Work in beautiful park locations with strong career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities through sport while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in sport development and community engagement is essential.
The predicted salary is between 33666 - 36500 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Sport & Leisure Development Officer role at The Royal Parks. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
The Royal Parks (TRP) is a charity created in March 2017. We manage over 5,000 acres of diverse parkland, rare habitats and historic buildings and monuments in eight Royal Parks across London. These are Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Green Park, St James’s Park, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park and Bushy Park. We also manage other important public spaces, including Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower Gardens. Our eight Royal Parks and other public spaces are among the most visited attractions in the UK, with tens of millions of visits every year.
We are now looking for a Sport & Leisure Development Officer to join us on a full-time, permanent basis, working 36 hours per week.
The Benefits
- Salary of £33,666 - £36,500 per annum, depending on experience
- 26 days' annual leave plus public holidays, increasing to 29 days after three years’ service
- Pension scheme (3% employee contribution; up to 10% employer contribution)
- Private medical insurance and healthcare cash plan
- Employee assistance programme and access to mental health first aiders
- Learning and development opportunities
- Cycle to work scheme
- Offices in a beautiful park location
In this highly rewarding role, you will have the chance to make a real impact on the sports that take place across the Royal Parks, positively influencing the lives of Londoners and further developing your career in an engaging area.
The Role
As our Sport & Leisure Development Officer, you will lead initiatives that grow participation in sports activity across our organisation, with a strong focus on inclusion and access for underrepresented communities. Working closely with on-site tennis facility leads and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), you will design and deliver participation programmes, seeking to increase engagement and court usage, and maximise programme capacity. You’ll build strong partnerships with clubs, schools, local authorities, and community organisations, helping to remove barriers to participation and ensure sport within the parks is welcoming, affordable, and sustainable.
Responsibilities
- Shape diverse and inclusive sports programmes
- Create opportunities for underrepresented groups
- Monitor and evaluate participation data to guide decision-making and report on outcomes
- Represent us at meetings, forums and events
- Support coach-led sessions and wider health and wellbeing activities
- Assist with reporting, usage records, and business plan delivery
About You
- Experience in sport development, community engagement, or participation growth
- Experience of managing partnerships and stakeholder relationships
- A strong understanding of inclusion and barriers to participation in underserved communities
- Knowledge of the UK tennis landscape and/or experience working with or alongside the LTA
- Strong organisational skills with a data-informed, outcome-focused approach
- Confident communication skills and a genuine passion for social impact through sport
The Royal Parks is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.
Sport & Leisure Development Officer employer: The Royal Parks
The Royal Parks offers a unique opportunity for Landscape Architects to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of London's iconic green spaces. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the environment, this role provides not only job satisfaction but also a supportive community dedicated to conservation. Join us in shaping the future of our historic parks while enjoying the benefits of working within a charitable organisation that values its staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sport & Leisure Development Officer
✨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 The Royal Parks. 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 The Royal Parks. 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 Sport & Leisure Development Officer
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 The Royal Parks 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 The Royal Parks
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with The Royal Parks, 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.
