Regional Partnerships Manager

Working at the RFU means being part of the ‘bigger picture’ at England Rugby: to be rooted in our purpose, which is to enrich lives, introduce more people to rugby union & develop the sport for future generations. If our purpose resonates with you, and you recognise the value that sport can bring to people’s lives, we’d love to work with you.

An opportunity has arisen for 3 Regional Partnerships Managers to join our Game Development team on fixed term contracts.

Job Title :
Regional Partnerships Manager

Department :
Rugby Development

Reports to :
Head of Regional Partnerships

Direct report(s) :
Regional Fundraising Manager

Salary : c.£60,000 per annum

Job Level :
Guide

Location :
Homebased, covering a region (South East & London, South Central, Midlands West)

Travel Requirements :
Regular travel within region, and occasional travel to Allianz stadium, as required

Employment Type : 3-year Fixed Term Contract

Working Hours :
This is a full-time role, covering 35hrs per week on any five out of the seven days of the week (from Monday to Sunday inclusive)

• Please submit an anonymised CV (i.e. remove personal details). You do not need to submit a cover letter.
• Final date to receive applications:
  6th July at 12 noon
• Interviews to take place on 14th and 15th July

Please note that this role may close earlier than advertised due to high levels of interest. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

The RFU has recently launched Plan 2030: ‘More Than A Game’, which is our strategy to grow rugby across England for the next five years.

Our strategy contains four big goals that support and connect to one another - Play, Perform, Follow and Fund. In ‘Play’ we’re aiming to have an additional 50,000 registered players and have more people playing rugby for longer. One of the ways we are planning to unlock this growth is through a transformation in how the RFU delivers community rugby by creating seven Regional Growth Partnership Boards tasked with driving participation, building partnerships, and unlocking funding opportunities within their region.

The RFU is creating a new regional structure to help grow Rugby Union across England. Each region will focus on increasing playing opportunities, managing funding for growth projects, building strong relationships, and developing partnerships with key groups such as clubs, CBs, the professional game, and local organisations.

The Regional Partnerships Manager will work closely with, and act as a number two for, the Regional Chair and Board to shape how the region works with clubs, CBs, RFU staff, and wider partners. They will also manage the Regional Fundraising Manager, a critical role which is responsible for securing extra income to support rugby growth in the area.

This role will lead the creation and delivery of the regional plan, using local insight, RFU data, and input from community stakeholders - both within and beyond rugby - to help achieve the RFU’s aim of “more people playing, for longer.”

• Lead the development of a clear regional growth plan based on local needs and opportunities.
• Build strong working relationships with clubs, CBs, education bodies, community groups, RFU colleagues, the professional game, and other regionally relevant groups.
• Support and guide the Regional Fundraising Manager to secure extra income that enables more rugby activity across the region.

• More people playing rugby through well planned and well supported programmes.
• Stronger partnerships that make it easier and more effective to deliver rugby opportunities locally.
• Increased funding and resources that allow the region to expand its reach and support long term growth.

• Work with the Independent Chair and Regional Board to build strong relationships with key regional partners - such as councils, charities, businesses, and education providers - to create new opportunities for rugby growth.
• Act as a deputy to the Independent Chair when necessary.
• Engage with clubs, CBs, professional clubs (PWR, Prem and Champ), RFU staff, and wider partners to develop a Regional Plan that…