Director of Athlete Welfare and Development

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive health, dental, and view

Pension fund contribution

Professional development and training

Wellness programs

Generous annual leave entitlement

Travel opportunities for conferences

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane, Limpopo, seeks a Director of Athlete Welfare and Development to oversee holistic wellbeing, mental health, education, and career planning for athletes. You will design programs and coordinate with coaches, medical staff, schools, and families to build a nurturing support network.

Required: a Master’s degree in a related field and at least six years in athlete welfare, with strong interpersonal and confidentiality skills.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent.
• Minimum six years in athlete welfare, pastoral care, or similar roles.
• Strong knowledge of mental health, safeguarding, and career development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies for athlete welfare, mental health, and personal development.
• Provide individual guidance on well-being, education, career planning, and life skills.
• Oversee safeguarding policies to ensure a safe environment.
• Collaborate with medical staff to coordinate health care for athletes.
• Liaise with schools to support academic pursuits and progression.
• Develop career transition programs for athletes nearing retirement.
• Organize workshops on nutrition, financial literacy, and stress management.
• Serve as confidential point of contact for athletes facing challenges.
• Build relationships with athletes, coaches, parents, and external agencies.
• Monitor program effectiveness and recommend improvements.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Active listening

Conflict resolution

Crisis management

Relationship building

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Confidentiality

Education

Master’s degree in a related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the Leisure & Sports sector, is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Director of Athlete Welfare and Development to join their team in Polokwane, Limpopo . This vital role focuses on ensuring the holistic well-being and long-term development of athletes, encompassing their physical, mental, social, and educational needs. The successful candidate will develop and implement comprehensive support programs, provide guidance and resources, and foster a positive and nurturing environment for athletes. This position requires a strong understanding of sports psychology, athlete support services, safeguarding, and career transition planning. You will work collaboratively with coaches, medical staff, educational institutions, and families to provide a comprehensive support network. We are looking for a proactive leader with exceptional interpersonal skills and a genuine commitment to athlete success beyond their sporting careers. This role is crucial in shaping a supportive ecosystem that empowers athletes to thrive both on and off the field of play.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies and programs focused on athlete welfare, mental health, and personal development.
• Provide individual support and guidance to athletes on matters related to well-being, education, career planning, and life skills.
• Oversee safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all athletes.
• Collaborate with medical staff to ensure athletes receive appropriate physical and mental health care.
• Liaise with educational institutions to support athletes in their academic pursuits.
• Develop and facilitate career transition programs for athletes approaching the end of their sporting careers.
• Organize workshops and educational sessions on topics such as nutrition, financial literacy, and stress management.
• Act as a confidential point of contact for athletes facing personal challenges.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with athletes, coaches, parents, and external support agencies.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of welfare and development programs, making recommendations for improvement.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Sports Psychology, Social Work, Counselling, Sports Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in athlete welfare, pastoral care, student support, or a similar role, preferably within a sports context.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing support programs for individuals or groups.
• Strong knowledge of mental health issues, safeguarding practices, and career development principles.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.
• Ability to build rapport and trust with athletes from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency in conflict resolution and crisis management.
• Experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Discretion and a high level of confidentiality are essential.
• A genuine passion for supporting the holistic development of athletes.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and benefits commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Pension fund contribution.
• Opportunities for professional development and further training.
• A supportive and rewarding work environment focused on athlete well-being.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Travel opportunities for conferences and athlete support.
• Employee wellness programs.
• The chance to make a profound difference in athletes' lives.