RYA Job Opportunity: Director of Sport Development

RYA House © RYA

Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week)
Location: Hamble, Southampton
Attractive salary and benefits package on offer including pension scheme, free life insurance, annual leave package of 28 days plus public holidays

The RYA is the national governing body for all forms of boating including dinghy and yacht racing; motor and sail cruising; RIBs and sports boats; and windsurfing and personal watercraft, inland cruising and narrowboats. Our aim is to be the most successful boating nation and to inspire future champions, engaging with all forms of the sport and making it accessible to all.

We are looking for an experienced leader with a passion for boating to spearhead the RYA's Sport Development team. Our programmes introduce new participants from all sectors of the community to the sport, as well as helping to maintain regular participation.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, and as a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director of Sport Development is responsible for developing and implementing strategy in this area. Sport development activity is delivered in close collaboration with many internal and external partners including other RYA departments, RYA recognised Training Centres, Clubs, and Sailability groups alongside Sport England and a range of other key stakeholders. More broadly, the team leads on national promotional activity including shows, events, digital and other media campaigns.

The successful applicant will have experience of strategy development and implementation together with a proven track record of working with a variety of partners and stakeholder groups. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential to ensure the accurate and effective representation of the RYA's views to wide ranging audiences. Numerical and analytical aptitude should be demonstrable as should the ability to successfully lead, motivate and support a dynamic team.

Based in Hamble, near Southampton, the role will involve some UK travel and attendance at meetings and events outside normal office hours for which time off in lieu is allowed.

To Apply

Please visit our website, www.rya.org.uk/go/jobs, to view the full job description and to download an application form. Completed application forms should be returned, along with an equality monitoring form, to Please note that we do not accept CVs in lieu of a fully completed application form.

Closing date for applications: Mid-day on Monday 19 October 2020
Candidates to be available for interview on: Tuesday 3 November 2020

The RYA is committed to equality of opportunity. We would encourage applications from women, candidates with disabilities and ethnic minority groups who are currently under-represented at this level of post.