Sports Development Lead

About the Role:

• Hours: 35 per week
• Reporting to: Head of Student Opportunities & Wellbeing
• Direct reports: Sports Administrator 

Role Purpose

To develop, lead and manage the physical activity and sport pathway with the purpose of creating healthy and supportive communities. This position will be responsible for the creation and provision of diverse and inclusive opportunities for our students to participate regularly in activities relevant to their interests and needs. The role supports and empowers student-led sports clubs and develops opportunities for students to grow as leaders, volunteers and coaches.

Main Responsibilities and Activities:

• Lead the strategic development of the SU’s sport and physical activity pathway, from recreational to competitive sport.
• Increase participation across all levels and demographics, ensuring the programme is inclusive, student centred, and aligned with student needs.
• Develop annual plans and impact measures to evaluate and improve sport delivery.
• Lead on the support of student led sport and the growth of student clubs.
• Line-manage the Sports Administrator and coordinate student staff supporting sports activity.
• Support the development of strong, student-led sport committees through coaching, training and guidance.
• Build a community of student leaders, volunteers, and coaches, producing an environment of ownership, collaboration and learning.
• Contribute to Union-wide leadership development opportunities and volunteering pathways.
• Oversee the effective delivery of all aspects of the physical activity pathway (Free Sport, Campus Leagues, Club Sport – including BUCS).
• Provide guidance, resources and operational support to student-led sports clubs.
• Deliver high-quality events and campaigns to promote engagement with sport and physical activity, such as Varsity.
• Manage key logistics such as facilities, equipment, fixtures, travel, and compliance for sports activity.
• Work with the University and external bodies to coordinate shared initiatives and resources.
• Build strong relationships with student leaders, clubs, and participants to shape a responsive and student-led sport and physical activity offer.
• Work closely with University to develop placement and development opportunities.
• Represent the Union in relevant sport-related forums and networks at local and national level.
• Maintain positive relationships with national governing bodies (NGBs), BUCS and other partners.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience in planning, coordinating, and delivering a range of events, trips or social activities in an educational, community, or non-profit setting.
• Experience in managing student staff or volunteers, including training, supervision and motivation.
• Experience in evaluating programmes using feedback and data to drive improvement and inform future planning.
• Knowledge of programme management including budgeting, risk assessments, safeguarding, accessibility and health and safety requirements.

Skills and Abilities

• Able to demonstrate strong leadership and coaching skills, with the ability to motivate and develop others.
• A demonstratable understanding of how to build and sustain effective partnerships.
• Able to interpret and present complex information clearly to a range of audiences.
• Able to demonstrate ability to manage timelines, resources and competing priorities.
• Able to apply insight and data to drive improvements.

Values and Behaviours

• A demonstrable commitment to Salford SU’s values, mission and purpose.
• A strong commitment to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Comfortable working in a democratic, student-led environment and being an enthusiastic advocate for student voice and representation.

Please see the full job description for the role here: Sports Development Lead Job Description

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Tom, Head of Student Opportunities and Wellbeing on: T.Astle@salford.ac.uk 

To apply for this role, please complete the application form here: Sport Development Lead Application Form and send an email to su-hr@salford.ac.uk with the subject line "Sport Development Lead" with a copy of your CV. 

This role is set to close to applications on the 18 March 2026 at 9am