At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the sport experience at the University of Glasgow.
- Company: Join a prestigious university committed to student wellbeing and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of leave, flexible working, and a free gym membership.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community that values equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student life and promote active wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in sport or related sectors with strategic vision.
The predicted salary is between 61165 - 68817 £ per year.
The University of Glasgow is seeking an outstanding strategic leader to join Student & Academic Services as their Director of Sport. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape the sport and physical activity offering at our institution, enhancing the overall student experience. Reporting to the Executive Director of Student and Academic Services, you will provide leadership and direction for UofG Sport, developing and delivering a long-term vision that supports the University's ambitions for student experience, community engagement and active wellbeing.
Working closely with the Glasgow University Sports Association (GUSA), you will lead the development of strategic partnerships with sporting organisations, governing bodies, local authorities, community groups and commercial partners, securing opportunities and resources that strengthen the University's sport provision. Acting as the senior representative for UofG Sport, you will build UofG's profile and influence across the wider sporting sector, securing opportunities and resources that expand access, participation, performance pathways, and student outcomes.
We are looking for an accomplished senior leader with significant experience within sport, active wellbeing, leisure, higher education or a related sector. You will have a proven track record of developing strategic vision, leading organisational change and building high-performing, values-led teams. Equally important will be your ability to cultivate strong partnerships, influence stakeholders at all levels and identify opportunities for sustainable growth and impact. Join us and play a leading role in creating an active, inclusive and thriving university community.
Job Purpose
Provide strategic leadership and direction for UofG Sport, ensuring the delivery of a safe, inclusive, financially sustainable and high-quality sport and physical activity offer that enhances the student experience and contributes to the University's strategic ambitions for wellbeing, belonging, student success and community engagement. The postholder will lead the development of a sustainable long-term model for sport at the University through the cultivation of strategic partnerships with facility partners, governing bodies, clubs, community organisations and commercial partners. They will act as the University's senior representative for sport, securing opportunities and resources that expand access, participation, performance pathways and student outcomes.
The Director will provide visible leadership across UofG Sport, driving cultural development, operational excellence, innovation and partnership working whilst ensuring effective governance, financial stewardship and continuous service improvement. In delivering this role, the Director will need to work closely with the Glasgow University Sports Association (GUSA) and its student representatives.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of the University Sport delivery plan, ensuring alignment with University and GUSA priorities and contributing to student experience, wellbeing, inclusion, engagement and student success.
- Provide strategic leadership for UofG Sport, defining a clear vision, driving innovation and service transformation, and ensuring the effective delivery of strategic objectives and measurable outcomes.
- Act as the University's lead adviser on sport and physical activity, contributing as a senior leader within Student and Academic Services and providing expert advice on sport, active lifestyles and external partnerships.
- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with national, regional and local sporting organisations, governing bodies, local authorities, leisure trusts, community organisations and facility partners to enhance opportunities for students and support institutional priorities.
- Represent the University externally on sport-related matters, acting as the senior institutional contact with key sector bodies, strategic partners and stakeholders.
- Drive the growth and integration of recreational, competitive and performance sport, ensuring provision meets the diverse needs and aspirations of the student community.
- Develop and sustain a strong strategic partnership with GUSA and student representatives, supporting effective governance, shared priorities and positive student outcomes.
- Lead the strategic planning and development of sports facilities and services, identifying future needs and opportunities to enhance the University's sporting infrastructure and provision.
- Ensure effective financial stewardship of UofG Sport, including budget management, resource allocation, income generation and the delivery of financially sustainable services and activities.
- Provide visible and inspirational leadership to staff, fostering a culture of inclusion, accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement and professional development.
- Ensure effective governance, risk management and regulatory compliance, maintaining high standards of health and safety, safeguarding, equality, performance monitoring and organisational assurance.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Knowledge / Qualifications
- Essential: A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9,10 or 11 (Ordinary/Honours Degree, Post Graduate Qualification) or able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills and strategic leadership capability gained through substantial professional experience within the sport or related sectors.
- A2 Evidence of significant continuing professional and leadership development.
- A3 Comprehensive knowledge of sport development, sports operations and strategic organisational leadership.
- A4 Extensive knowledge of the UK sporting landscape, including governing bodies, funding structures and partnership frameworks.
- A5 Understanding of the role of sport in supporting student wellbeing, belonging, retention and student success.
- A6 Knowledge of complex partnership governance, commercial arrangements and stakeholder management.
Desirable:
- B1 Knowledge of the Higher Education sector and student sport environment.
Skills
- Essential: C1 Exceptional strategic leadership skills with the ability to create and communicate a compelling vision.
- C2 Outstanding relationship-building, influencing and partnership-development skills.
- C3 Strong negotiation skills with experience of securing complex partnership agreements and collaborative arrangements.
- C4 Excellent stakeholder management skills, capable of operating effectively with senior institutional leaders and external partners.
- C5 Strong commercial awareness and ability to identify sustainable growth opportunities.
- C6 Excellent financial planning, budget management and resource allocation skills.
- C7 Ability to lead organisational change and cultural development.
- C8 Excellent communication, presentation and advocacy skills.
- C9 Strong analytical skills, using evidence and insight to inform strategic decisions.
- C10 Ability to operate effectively within complex organisational and political environments.
Experience
- Essential: E1 Significant senior leadership experience within sport, active wellbeing, leisure, physical activity, higher education, or a related sector, with accountability for strategic planning, service delivery, people leadership and organisational performance.
- E2 Demonstrable experience of developing and delivering a strategic vision that has enhanced participation, engagement, performance, customer experience, or organisational outcomes.
- E3 Experience of leading multidisciplinary teams and creating a high-performance, inclusive and values-led culture.
- E4 Proven track record of managing substantial operational budgets, resources and facilities, with responsibility for financial sustainability and continuous improvement.
- E5 Experience of building productive partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including governing bodies, community organisations, commercial partners and senior institutional leaders.
- E6 Experience of leading organisational change, service transformation or strategic growth within a complex environment.
Desirable
- F1 Experience of capital development projects, facility planning or major infrastructure partnerships.
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 9, 61,165 - 68,817 per annum. This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open ended (permanent). All applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK or be eligible to obtain permission to work in the UK. This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting the relevant Home Office requirements, including any applicable tradeable points criteria.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
- A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
- An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension, benefits and discount packages.
- A flexible approach to working.
- A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University. We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too.
Director of Sport in Glasgow employer: University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. As a part-time Diary & Administrative Support Specialist, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, opportunities for skill development, and the chance to contribute to a vibrant academic community in a historic city known for its rich cultural heritage.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Sport in Glasgow
✨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 University of Glasgow. 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 University of Glasgow. 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 Director of Sport in Glasgow
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 University of Glasgow 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 University of Glasgow
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with University of Glasgow, 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.
