Sports development officer

Sports development officer job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Typical job responsibilities include:

• organising, developing and delivering a varied range of sporting activities or programmes
• managing budgets
• producing promotional material and displays
• keeping statistical and financial records
• planning
• undertaking administrative tasks
• writing reports and press releases
• liaising and working with relevant organizations or agencies including youth services, schools, clubs, sports coaches and sports councils
• organising and undertaking market research
• monitoring and assessing progress.

The work can be demanding, with long hours and some evening, weekend and public holiday work.

Typical employers of sports development officers

• local health authorities
• sports councils
• educational institutions
• universities
• sports governing bodies.

Vacancies are advertised via the internet, by careers services, in local, regional and national newspapers and in relevant publications such as Leisure Management, Leisure Week, Opportunities and vacancy lists produced by sports bodies such as the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM).

Qualifications and training required

Degrees in sports science, travel, tourism, leisure, business studies, management or marketing are normally advantageous. Relevant work experience is essential, and can be gained via seasonal vacation employment, or by working as a volunteer or paid assistant in a leisure or sports centre. Coaching qualifications and experience can also be helpful.

Key skills for sports development officers

• excellent interpersonal skills
• communication skills
• organisational skills
• time management skills
• good team working skills
• adaptability
• enthusiasm
• energy
• confidence.

All candidates must have a good level of health and fitness.