Director of Sports Development

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement benefits

Bonuses

International travel opportunities

Generous annual leave

Hybrid work model

Wellness facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a visionary Director of Sports Development to lead initiatives that broaden participation and drive excellence across communities. You will shape strategic direction, build partnerships with schools, government agencies, and sports bodies, and steer programs that foster lifelong engagement in sport.

The role requires a Master’s degree in a related field, 10+ years in sports development with at least 5 in leadership, and a track record of designing and delivering

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Sports Management, Education, Public Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years in sports development, program management, or related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven success in developing and implementing strategic sports development plans.
• Strong understanding of athlete development pathways and coaching methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in budget management and fundraising/grant writing.
• Proficiency in program evaluation techniques and data analysis.
• Experience in community engagement and partnership building.
• Knowledge of the sports landscape in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for sports development initiatives, focusing on increasing participation and improving performance.
• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with schools, community groups, government agencies, and other sports organizations.
• Oversee the design and delivery of diverse sports programs and events for all age groups and skill levels.
• Manage the sports development budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and seeking funding opportunities.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of sports development officers and support staff.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of sports development programs, using data to inform future strategies and improvements.
• Promote inclusive sports participation, ensuring accessibility for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Represent the organization in relevant forums and conferences, advocating for the importance of sports development.
• Stay abreast of best practices and emerging trends in sports development globally and locally within Durban.
• Foster a positive and supportive environment for athletes, coaches, and volunteers.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Program management

Education

Master's degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading organization within the Leisure & Sports sector, is seeking a visionary and strategic Director of Sports Development to spearhead initiatives aimed at expanding participation and excellence in sports across various communities. Based in Durban , this role is critical for nurturing grassroots talent, developing strategic partnerships, and implementing programs that foster a lifelong love for sports and physical activity. You will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for sports development, managing key stakeholder relationships, and ensuring the effective delivery of programs that align with the organization's mission. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of sports development methodologies, community engagement, and strategic planning within the dynamic context of KwaZulu-Natal . This is a leadership opportunity to make a lasting impact on sports participation and achievement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for sports development initiatives, focusing on increasing participation and improving performance.
• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with schools, community groups, government agencies, and other sports organizations.
• Oversee the design and delivery of diverse sports programs and events for all age groups and skill levels.
• Manage the sports development budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and seeking funding opportunities.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of sports development officers and support staff.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of sports development programs, using data to inform future strategies and improvements.
• Promote inclusive sports participation, ensuring accessibility for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Represent the organization in relevant forums and conferences, advocating for the importance of sports development.
• Stay abreast of best practices and emerging trends in sports development globally and locally within Durban .
• Foster a positive and supportive environment for athletes, coaches, and volunteers.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Sports Management, Education, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in sports development, program management, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven success in developing and implementing strategic sports development plans.
• Strong understanding of athlete development pathways and coaching methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management and fundraising/grant writing.
• Proficiency in program evaluation techniques and data analysis.
• Experience in community engagement and partnership building.
• A passion for sports and a commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles through sport.
• Knowledge of the sports landscape in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal is essential.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly attractive salary package, comprehensive health coverage, and generous retirement benefits.
• Performance-based bonuses and opportunities for international travel for professional development are also included.
• Employees receive significant annual leave and access to subsidized sports and wellness facilities.
• The role adopts a hybrid working model, providing flexibility while maintaining collaborative team engagement within our vibrant Durban office.