Sport Co-ordinator (Performance Sport)

The University of Manchester is seeking to appoint a Sport Coordinator to support the development of our University of Manchester sport scholarship and strategic sport programmes.

The role holder will be responsible for supporting the Performance Sport and broader UoM Sport strategic objectives that aim to deliver high quality sport and physical activity experiences for everyone at every level. Specifically, the Sport Coordinator will coordinate an annual cycle of sport scholarship support, formalise internal and external partnerships with sporting excellence alumni and support the Performance Sport Officer in the development of strategically targeted sports programmes and talent acquisition.

Overall Purpose of the Job:

• To support the Performance Sport Officer in the delivery of the Performance Sport programmes and services.
• Co-ordinate the delivery of our high-performance programmes, specifically supporting the dual career scholarship athletes to achieve their potential and to develop an environment in Manchester that provides elite sporting experiences in a number of identified strategic sports.
• To be the main link with our alumni sporting excellence club (XXI Club), coordinating the partnership group to deliver an agreed action plan that meets strategic objectives.
• To supervise the relevant contracted sport coaches, under the guidance of the Performance Sport Officer.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties:

• To ensure the provision of information, advice and guidance to the athletes and teams involved in high performance programmes to help them achieve against agreed individual and team objectives.
• To coordinate and deliver our UoM Sport Scholarship scheme, working closely with the relevant multi-disciplinary teams, academic contacts and external coaches to provide the holistic and bespoke support needed for those individuals to succeed.
• To support the delivery of our Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS), ensuring we meet the requirements to support our status as a TASS Dual Career Accredited Site.
• To support and develop a high-performance offer in agreed identified strategic sports in partnership with internal and external partners, that enables an elite sporting experience to be provided for in Manchester and increases performance standards in those sports.
• To work closely with the XXI alumni club to coordinate and deliver the shared action plan that delivers against both partners identified objectives.
• To coordinate the delivery of key sport events that will raise the profile and showcase the success of our athletes, teams and workforce to internal and external stakeholders.
• To support the contracting and development of the coaching programme for the identified strategic sport coaches, linking with identified colleagues to evolve our coach education programme.
• To link with clubs, coaches, local partners and internal recruitment team to deliver activities that support the promotion of our offer to, and the recruitment of, talented athletes in identified strategic sports.
• To assist the Performance Sport Officer in identifying and developing internal and external partnerships and funding opportunities.
• To support the marketing and communications for UoM Sport, ensuring the effective promotion of sport, health & fitness and wellbeing opportunities within the University and, as appropriate, outside of the institution.
• To work closely with other members of UoM Sport Programmes Team to link on projects, develop ideas and work collaboratively to enhance the offer for our communities.
• To contribute to the annual budget setting process for performance sport and to monitor expenditure against allocated funds.
• To analyse data and produce regular reports, as agreed with the Performance Sport Officer, covering financial forecasts & statements, performance progress and an annual report aligned to key objectives in the University Sport strategy.
• To ensure the delivery of excellent customer service.
• To ensure that confidentiality of information is maintained in line with data protection requirements and University Policy.
• To ensure compliance with all University Health and Safety requirements, specifically co-ordinating the safe practices of coaches and supporting those of the clubs.
• To undertake such other duties (for the office or more widely in support of enhancing the student experience) as directed by the Performance Sport Officer commensurate with the level of responsibility for the role, which may also include requests for occasional evening and weekend work.

Person Specification Experience, Skills and Competencies:

• Substantial experience of developing and coordinating performance orientated sports programmes in the UK, specifically focussed on talent identification, recruitment and development.
• In depth knowledge of HE Sport and inter varsity competition, including working experience of the full range of the performance orientated sporting pathway and considerations required to support dual career athletes.
• Experience of collaborating with partnering organisations and service providers to support athlete performance and development (e.g. UKSI, professional clubs).
• Experience in supervising and motivating staff and/or background in training and development of staff.
• Demonstrative experience of analysing and utilising data to inform decision making in a Sporting environment.
• A working knowledge of Health and Safety management issues through appropriate training and practice within all aspects of sport and leisure activity.
• Knowledge of financial/budgetary management and control to suit the level of the post.
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral) demonstrating an ability to deal with a wide range of stakeholders with varying levels of understanding.
• Excellent organisational skills, able to plan and prioritise a variety of work activities in a busy environment and meet strict deadlines.
• A flexible team player with the ability to support colleagues.
• Demonstrate an ability to be creative and solve problems, with experience of contributing to the development and improvement of systems and procedures.
• Strong numeracy skills, demonstrating accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent computer skills, with experience of using Office 365 applications.
• Demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the student experience, excellent customer service and to the University’s values and behaviours.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Degree in a relevant health or sport-related discipline and/or professional qualification.
• Up to date knowledge of professional and elite sport environments.
• Health and safety qualification.
• First aid qualification.
• Experience in supporting student athletes and/or a Level 3 Certificate in Athlete Personal Development and Lifestyle qualification (formerly TALS qualification).
• UKAD Clean Sport