Club & Community Development Officer

Sport Northern Ireland; Northern Ireland; Hybrid; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits a passionate individual to become a Club & Community Development Officer in Northern Ireland. This role focuses on enhancing squash participation through innovative programs and community engagement. You will work closely with local clubs, councils, and partners to implement initiatives that promote inclusivity and growth in the sport. With a flexible part-time contract and the chance to make a significant impact in the squash community, this position is perfect for someone eager to drive change and foster a love for the game. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to empowering communities through sport!

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Remote working options

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven ability to develop and deliver sports programs and initiatives.
• Squash coaching qualification or equivalent experience required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver sports development initiatives to increase squash participation.
• Develop positive relationships with clubs and local councils to promote squash.

Skills

Sports program development

Squash coaching

Communication skills

Teamwork

Social media understanding

Education

Squash coaching qualification

Relevant experience in sports development

Tools

Email communication

Social media platforms

Job description

Home / News / Job Opportunity: Club & Community Development Officer Northern Ireland

Job Opportunity: Club & Community Development Officer Northern Ireland

Squash Ireland is recruiting for a Club & Community Development Officer to work within Northern Ireland. This presents an exciting opportunity for someone with the experience, energy, and passion required to grow the game of squash.

The successful candidate will coordinate and deliver a range of sports development and participation initiatives aligned with the cornerstones of the Sport NI ‘Power of Sport’ Plan, aimed at putting in place the structures and programmes required to increase squash participation in a sustainable manner.

The Club & Community Development Officer will report to the Squash Ireland CEO and work closely with the Strategic Development Officer for Northern Ireland to develop and action a work plan. It will be essential for the successful candidate to develop positive working relationships with the Ulster Squash Provincial Committee, local clubs, coaches, volunteers, and partners such as Sport Northern Ireland, local councils, and university sports development teams to promote inclusive and welcoming squash programmes and initiatives.

The position is initially offered on a fixed-term contract to 31 March 2025, with the possibility of an extension subject to successful delivery of the funded programme and continued receipt of Sport NI funding.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing support to existing clubs to grow in an inclusive and sustainable manner
• Initiating the establishment of new clubs
• Assisting clubs in establishing and expanding junior sections and programmes
• Developing new squash programmes aimed at encouraging underrepresented groups, regardless of their backgrounds and abilities, to play squash
• Development of structured school programmes to encourage more young people to play squash
• Working with local council and university sports development teams to support local clubs in accessing local council grants, sports forums, and other resources
• Working with local councils to develop and run holiday mixed racquet camps for young people
• Working with local councils and other leisure providers to embed squash coaching within their sports activities classes
• Supporting clubs in forming local partnerships with other youth organisations to increase junior participation
• Assisting with the introduction of innovative new national programmes, including HIIT Squash, One Wall Squash, and Squash 57
• Supporting the delivery of an Intervarsity Championship at Queen’s University in 2025
• Increasing participation in local and provincial leagues within Northern Ireland
• Increasing our reach beyond traditional strongholds and into more rural areas
• Assisting in the delivery of the Coach Education Programme within Northern Ireland
• Identifying facilities in need of development and refurbishment
• Supporting clubs in ensuring compliance with policies and procedures

Experience & Competencies

• Proven ability to develop and deliver sports programs, events, and initiatives.
• Squash coaching qualification or equivalent experience.
• Highly motivated with the ability to work as part of a team or independently.
• Excellent communication skills. An understanding of social media channels is desirable.
• A full driving license.

Further Information

• Fixed-Term Contract to 31 March 2025 (with an extension subject to continued receipt of Sport NI funding)
• Part-time, up to 3 days per week, and flexible based on the candidate
• Flexible and remote working is available reflecting the Northern Ireland-based nature of the role
• Salary is dependent on experience

The appointment will be made subject to satisfactory:

• Access NI Checks
• Reference Checking Procedures

How to Apply?

Applications must be sent by email with the subject line: [ATTN: Club & Community Development Officer Northern Ireland]. When applying by email, please include a letter of introduction detailing your skills and experience relevant to the role and your Curriculum Vitae outlining your skills and work experience. Please send these materials no later than the 18th of October 2024, to Squash Ireland CEO Scott Graham at [e-mail]. Interviews to take place on 21/22 October.

Squash Ireland is an equal opportunity employer, celebrating diversity and championing inclusivity. If you require any reasonable accommodations to assist you in participating in the employee selection process, please simply let us know.