Sports Programme Development Officer

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible remote work

Professional development

Home office setup support

Health and wellness benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Sports Development Manager to drive remote-first sports initiatives across South Africa. You will shape strategies, forge partnerships, and oversee programs that promote health, wellness, and athletic excellence from anywhere in the country.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in sports management, strong leadership, and experience with virtual collaboration tools. Join a dynamic team delivering impactful community programs with flexible remote work options.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in sports management or development.
• Experience in strategic planning, program design, and budget management within Leisure & Sports.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills for remote teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive sports development strategies aligned with goals and community needs.
• Identify and secure funding through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships.
• Oversee planning, execution, and evaluation of sports programs and events with high delivery standards.
• Mentor a distributed team of coordinators and staff, fostering collaboration and high performance.
• Build relationships with federations, government bodies, and community stakeholders to extend reach and impact.
• Analyze program data and report KPIs, utilization, and impact for planning and success.

Skills

Strategic planning

Sports management

Budget management

Remote leadership

Virtual collaboration

Project management

Funding/grants

Education

Sports Management degree

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced and visionary Senior Sports Development Manager to lead their remote‑first initiatives within the Leisure & Sports sector. This pivotal role will focus on expanding participation in sports and recreational activities across diverse communities. You will be instrumental in shaping strategies, fostering partnerships, and overseeing programs that promote health, wellness, and athletic excellence. The ideal candidate is a passionate advocate for sports development, possesses strong leadership acumen, and thrives in a collaborative, virtual environment. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact from anywhere in the country, driving positive change within the South African sporting landscape and contributing to the growth and sustainability of our client’s mission.

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and visionary Senior Sports Development Manager to lead their remote‑first initiatives within the Leisure & Sports sector. This pivotal role will focus on expanding participation in sports and recreational activities across diverse communities. You will be instrumental in shaping strategies, fostering partnerships, and overseeing programs that promote health, wellness, and athletic excellence. The ideal candidate is a passionate advocate for sports development, possesses strong leadership acumen, and thrives in a collaborative, virtual environment. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact from anywhere in the country, driving positive change within the South African sporting landscape and contributing to the growth and sustainability of our client’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive sports development strategies aligned with organizational goals and community needs.
• Identify and secure funding opportunities through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships to support program expansion.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of various sports programs and events, ensuring high standards of delivery and participant engagement.
• Manage and mentor a distributed team of program coordinators and support staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and high performance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with national and local sports federations, government bodies, and community stakeholders to enhance program reach and impact.
• Analyze program data and generate reports on key performance indicators, utilization, and community impact to inform future planning and demonstrate success.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in sports management or development, with a proven track record of success.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, program design, and budget management within the Leisure & Sports industry.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate remote teams and diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and virtual collaboration tools.
• A strong understanding of the South African sports landscape and funding environments.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Sports Management, Public Health, or a related field is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary commensurate with experience.
• Flexible remote work arrangements, allowing for work‑life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.
• Contribution towards home office setup and connectivity.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• A dynamic and supportive virtual work environment focused on impact and innovation.

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