Head of Sports Development

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a visionary Head of Sports Development in Stellenbosch to design and oversee grassroots sports programs, talent identification, and athlete progression. You will manage a team, budgets, and crucial partnerships with schools and clubs while driving inclusive participation in Western Cape.

The role emphasizes leadership, data-driven evaluation, and staying abreast of sports science innovations to shape community sports outcomes.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Sports Science or Sports Management.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in sports development.
• Proven track record in strategic plan development and implementation.
• Experience managing budgets, teams and stakeholder relationships.
• Strong knowledge of sports science, talent development pathways and coaching methods.
• Excellent leadership, communication and presentation skills.
• Experience securing funding and managing grants is desirable.
• Demonstrated commitment to community development and travel participation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic plan for sports development aligned with organizational goals.
• Oversee design and delivery of talent identification and athlete development programs.
• Lead and mentor a team of sports development officers and coaches.
• Build partnerships with schools, clubs, and local government; manage relationships.
• Develop and manage budgets for development programs with fiscal accountability.
• Monitor program effectiveness and report outcomes using data-driven insights.
• Promote inclusive participation across age groups and abilities.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities and sponsorships.
• Stay updated on best practices in sports science and coaching globally.
• Represent the organization at forums and community events.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Team mentorship

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Sports Science/Management/Coaching

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading organization in the Leisure & Sports domain, is seeking an inspirational and strategic Head of Sports Development to spearhead initiatives in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This senior leadership position will be responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing programs aimed at fostering grassroots sports participation, talent identification, and athlete advancement within the region. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in sports development, a strong understanding of sports science principles, and a proven ability to manage budgets, teams, and complex projects. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sports in Stellenbosch, nurturing athletic talent and promoting healthy lifestyles. This is a significant opportunity for a visionary leader to make a lasting impact on the sports landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for sports development initiatives in alignment with organizational goals.
• Oversee the design and delivery of programs focused on talent identification, athlete nurturing, and long-term athlete development.
• Manage and mentor a team of sports development officers, coaches, and support staff.
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with schools, sports clubs, local government, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Develop and manage budgets for sports development programs, ensuring efficient resource allocation and financial accountability.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of development programs, using data to inform improvements and report on outcomes.
• Promote sports participation across all age groups and abilities, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, grants, and sponsorships to support development initiatives.
• Stay abreast of best practices and innovations in sports science, coaching, and sports development globally.
• Represent the organization at relevant forums, conferences, and community events.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Sports Science, Sports Management, Coaching, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in sports development, program management, or a similar leadership role within the sports sector.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic sports development plans.
• Proven experience in managing teams, budgets, and stakeholder relationships.
• In-depth knowledge of sports science, talent development pathways, and coaching methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience in securing funding and managing grants is highly desirable.
• A passion for sport and a commitment to community development.
• Ability to travel as required for regional and national meetings and events.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. You will have the opportunity to lead impactful sports development programs in the picturesque Stellenbosch region, working with a dedicated team and diverse community groups. Our client provides significant scope for professional growth and the chance to make a lasting difference in the lives of aspiring athletes and the broader sports community. Join an organization committed to excellence and fostering sporting talent.