Community Sports Development Officer in Rotherham

ROLE: Community Development Officer

SCHOOL: Wickersley Partnership Trust (Central Team)
SALARY: WPT Band 6 £33,119 - £35,570

CONTRACT: 18 months fixed term contract
HOURS: 37 hours per week, Full Time

About the role

The Community Development Officer will play a key role within the Rotherham Schools Development Team, leading on inter and intra school programmes and projects while helping to deliver high-quality physical activity opportunities for children and young people across the borough. Working closely with the Community Development Manager and wider partners, the post holder will contribute to the Moving Rotherham vision by increasing activity levels, reducing inequalities, and creating positive experiences for all young people. This post is initially offered on an 18-month basis due to external funding arrangements; however, based on performance and future funding availability, the contract may be extended.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about community engagement, school-based physical activity, and supporting inclusive programmes that make a tangible difference locally.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on inter and intra school programmes and projects – Plan, coordinate, and deliver engaging inter-school competitions, festivals, and intra-school physical activity initiatives across participating schools.

• Support school and community partnerships – Assist in maintaining strong relationships with schools, clubs, community organisations, and local partners.

• Help build sustainable exit routes – Work with local sports clubs and activity providers to connect young people to opportunities beyond the school day.

• Gather and respond to pupil voice – Support the collection of insight from children and young people to shape provision and ensure activities reflect their needs and motivations.

• Assist with programme planning and delivery – Contribute to the co-design and delivery of inclusive, accessible, community-focused programmes.

• Identify and reduce barriers to participation – Work with partners to address issues such as cost, confidence, access, and awareness.

• Support externally funded projects – Assist with delivery, monitoring, and reporting for programmes aligned to Sport England outcomes and borough priorities.

• Help create pathways into lifelong activity – Work with schools, families, and community partners to encourage sustained participation.

• Contribute to monitoring and evaluation – Collect data, capture stories of impact, and support reporting to demonstrate outcomes and inform future investment.

• Provide operational and administrative support – Assist with coordination, communication, logistics, and day-to-day programme delivery.

• Support the delivery of the Creative Active Schools Framework – Assist schools in adopting CASF principles by helping to gather insight, coordinate activities, and promote creative approaches to increasing movement. Contribute to system change work by supporting schools to embed the framework into everyday practice and whole-school culture.

About You (Person Specification)

You will bring enthusiasm, reliability, and a commitment to improving opportunities for children and young people. Ideally, you will have:

• Experience in school or community sport, youth work, physical activity development, or similar settings

• An understanding of how physical activity supports wellbeing

• Experience engaging with schools, clubs, or community groups

• Confidence gathering and using pupil voice

• Awareness of participation barriers and a commitment to reducing inequalities

• Good communication and organisational skills

• A proactive, solution-focused approach

• Ability to work flexibly and manage multiple tasks

• Motivation to make a difference locally

We are committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

In return, we offer a supportive working environment with a strong emphasis on collaboration, professional development, and work-life balance. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements may be available depending on the needs of the role. Travel across the borough will be required, so access to transport is essential.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary

• Generous Local Government (support staff) and Teacher Pension Schemes

• Health and Wellbeing, including a Westfield Health subscription

• Professional Growth and Development

Closing Date: Noon, Wednesday 28th October 2026***

Interviews taking place Thursday 5th November 2026***

We may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and this vacancy may be withdrawn without notice.

In line with our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students, the appointment will be subject to an enhanced criminal record check and satisfactory references. Further information about the Disclosure Scheme can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service

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