Club Development Officer

The University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Birmingham is seeking a Club Development Officer to enhance student sports and manage 55 clubs. The role includes developing training programs, overseeing financial management, and fostering collaboration with governing bodies. Ideal candidates should possess GCSE-level education, in-depth knowledge of student sports, and strong mentoring skills. A commitment to equality and diversity in sports is essential. Benefits include generous holidays and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

40 days paid holiday

Volunteering day

Occupational sickness pay

Pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English (minimum Grade C/4) or equivalent Level 2 qualifications.
• In-depth understanding of BUCS rules and regulations.
• Motivational and mentoring skills with empathy for the student environment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and enhance student sport for all 55 student clubs.
• Develop and coordinate training programmes for committee members.
• Support financial management of clubs, forecasting, and monitoring income.

Skills

Understanding of BUCS rules

Knowledge of student sport

Problem-solving skills

IT skills (Word, Excel)

Mentoring skills

Education

GCSE Maths and English (minimum Grade C/4)

Job description

Location

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK

Employment details

Full time, Permanent, Grade 5

Salary

Starting salary 29,647 – 31,460 £, with potential progression to 35,388 £.

Our Offer to You

People are at the heart of what we do. The University of Birmingham is proud of its long history and attracts talented people from the city and beyond. We support staff development through the Birmingham Professional Programme, provide a generous benefits package—including 40 days paid holiday, one day paid volunteering, occupational sickness pay and a pension scheme—and offer varied flexible working arrangements.

Role Summary

The Club Development Officer (CDO) will deliver and enhance student sport by providing efficient support to all 55 student clubs, ensuring sustainable development of club infrastructure and improving the overall student experience.

Club Development and Partnership Working

• Develop and coordinate training programmes for committee members and team captains, including annual club committee training.
• Support financial management of clubs—forecasting, monitoring income and expenditure, and providing budget recommendations.
• Assist clubs in researching and applying for appropriate funding.
• Work closely with National Governing Bodies to implement appropriate programmes and initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Guild of Students Sports Officer and Guild Sports Societies for consistent club development and participation opportunities.
• Manage disciplinary issues raised with club members, consulting with the Club Development Manager and compiling reports.
• Represent the university at BUCS regional meetings, the BUCS Conference, and other events as required.
• Maintain effective communication between UBS and all relevant partners and stakeholders.
• Ensure club web pages contain up-to-date and relevant information.

Coach Development and Support

• Manage and support club coaches to ensure high-quality sport sessions.
• Facilitate effective communication between club committees, UBSport, and coaches.
• Conduct one‑to‑one PDRs and complete payroll administration where needed.

Club Development Financial Administration

• Process and maintain accurate records of club and coach expenditure via expense forms, invoice payments, purchase card transactions, and casual coach payments.
• Post club orders, including through the sportswear provider.
• Maintain accurate income records on club accounts.

Other Duties

• Be conversant with and work to UBSS Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy and Procedures.
• Assist the University in Open Days and participation events such as Sports Fair, Alumni Open Day, and other UBS Big Events.
• Participate in job chats and personal development reviews, agreeing objectives and targets and working to achieve them within agreed timescales.
• Provide general progress reports, project updates and proposals to the Club Development Manager as required.
• Undertake any reasonably required duties within the post holder's grading.
• Support equality and diversity, moderating own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• GCSE Maths and English (minimum Grade C/4) or equivalent Level 2 qualifications.
• In‑depth understanding of BUCS rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of student sport and the complexities of working in a student environment.
• Good understanding of National Governing Body competition structures and delivery methods.
• Understanding of equity and diversity in sporting provision.
• Motivational and mentoring skills with empathy for the student environment.
• Track record of working as part of a busy team and under tight deadlines.
• Commitment to the development of sport at all levels and understanding of the sports development process.
• Effective problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain an environment of winning and success.
• IT skills, including competence in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Positive attitude towards CPD.
• Extensive experience administering sports clubs within the described structures.
• Experience of leading others, preferably both paid staff and volunteers.
• Energy, commitment and enthusiasm to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Understanding of the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace.
• Ability to identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant policies and procedures.

DBS Required

The University is committed to safeguarding and promotes safe recruitment practice. Prior to appointment, all associated pre‑employment checks will be undertaken. Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance.

Enquiries

Informal enquiries to Amy Preston.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of University of Birmingham staff. Diversity is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of university life. The University is proud to hold Athena SWAN Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations, and we have an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre that continuously improves the university as a fair and inclusive place to work.

Use of AI in Applications

We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools may appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience, and such applications are unlikely to be progressed to interview.