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- Tasks: Engage in delivering inclusive sport programmes and support community outreach.
- Company: Join the University of Southampton, a hub for thriving physical activity experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working options, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to enhance wellbeing and inclusivity in sports.
- Qualifications: Experience in sport development and a passion for active lifestyles required.
- Other info: This role promotes a culture of inclusion and respect within the university.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are on a mission to make the University of Southampton the destination of choice for students and staff to thrive through inclusive, sustainable, and empowering physical activity experiences.
At Southampton, we are proud to deliver high-quality sport and wellbeing opportunities for students, staff, and the wider community – enhancing the student experience and supporting the University\’s broader ambitions.
Find out more about sport and physical activity here.
The Role
We are seeking an enthusiastic and adaptable Sport Development Connector to help meet the growing demand for sport, physical activity, and wellbeing across our facilities and campuses. This role comes at an exciting time, following a significant rise in participation after the reopening of the Jubilee Sport & Recreation Centre.
You will support the delivery of inclusive and innovative recreational sport programmes – including Learn 2, social leagues, and our Active for Participation agenda – while building strong connections with local schools and community groups to advance our civic outreach goals. The role also includes providing operational support across our sporting and leisure facilities.
This is a varied and dynamic position combining delivery, engagement, and operational responsibilities, all contributing to the University\’s Active-for-All 2031 plan.
- Deliver informal and social sport programmes across our facilities and community locations.
- Support in-club and outreach activities.
- Build relationships with local schools and colleges to support recruitment and civic engagement.
- Gather feedback and evaluate programme success against key targets.
- Provide operational support, including facility checks, safety procedures, and in-club coordination.
Requirements:
- Experience in sport development, outreach, or recreational activity delivery.
- A passion for promoting inclusion, wellbeing, and active lifestyles.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage diverse groups.
- A proactive, flexible approach to working across facilities and initiatives.
As a university, we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect, and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work.
With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days, we are committed to supporting our staff and students and are open to a flexible working approach.
This role does not qualify for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. To explore alternative UK visa options, see gov.uk.
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Sport Development Connector employer: University of Southampton
Contact Detail:
University of Southampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sport Development Connector
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the University of Southampton's Active-for-All 2031 plan. Understanding their goals and initiatives will help you align your experience and ideas with their vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees or alumni from the University of Southampton who are involved in sport development. They can provide valuable insights into the role and the culture of the university, which can be beneficial during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully engaged diverse groups in sport or physical activity. Highlighting your past experiences will demonstrate your ability to fulfil the role's requirements effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in sport development and community engagement. Being knowledgeable about innovative programmes and practices will show your passion for promoting inclusion and wellbeing in your conversations.
We think you need these skills to ace Sport Development Connector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Sport Development Connector position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their mission of promoting inclusive and empowering physical activity.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in sport development, outreach, or recreational activity delivery. Use specific examples to demonstrate your passion for inclusion and wellbeing, as well as your ability to engage diverse groups.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are crucial for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to connect with various stakeholders. Consider including examples of successful collaborations with schools or community groups in your application.
Personalise Your Cover Letter: Craft a compelling cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your enthusiasm for the role and the University of Southampton's values. Mention specific programmes or initiatives they run that resonate with you and explain why you want to be part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Southampton
✨Show Your Passion for Sport and Wellbeing
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for promoting inclusive and active lifestyles. Share personal experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that demonstrate your commitment to sport development and wellbeing.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves engaging with diverse groups, be prepared to discuss how you've successfully communicated with various audiences in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to build relationships and foster engagement.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
This position requires a proactive and adaptable approach. Be ready to share instances where you've had to adjust your plans or strategies in response to changing circumstances, especially in a sporting or community context.
✨Prepare for Operational Questions
As operational support is part of the role, think about your experience with facility checks, safety procedures, and coordination. Be ready to discuss how you ensure safety and efficiency in a recreational setting.