Club Developer

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.

We are looking for a Club Developer to support rugby clubs to operate sustainably and to be fit for the future. Through the provision of high quality personal, group and virtual support you will build strong relationships with a network of clubs and facilitate opportunities for those clubs to create effective club management structures, diversify and grow revenues, grow and develop the volunteer base and enhance their facilities.

Drawing on expert advice from across the game (including other clubs) and from specialist teams within the RFU and external organisations they will facilitate access to support for clubs and volunteers.

The individual will have a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, championing the RFU commitment to increasing participation in all aspects of our sport and bringing more diversity to rugby union.

This role is likely to evolve as the community game investment and prioritisation plan is implemented and the RFU starts delivering against the strategic objectives within the plan.

• Connect clubs seeking to develop and/or those experiencing specific challenge with other clubs who have strengths/experiences in those areas and support these partnerships to cement and operate.
• Utilise the specialist support available across the RFU to support clubs using technology and virtual connectivity.
• Support clubs in improving management and volunteer structures with a particular focus on improving diversity among club leaders and managers.
• Assist clubs in considering revenue diversification and facility improvement opportunities, signposting and connecting them with relevant experience and expertise.
• Support clubs in developing creative solutions to increase and diversify their playing membership, particularly amongst 14–18 year olds (male and female).
• Coordination and delivery of core projects to engage with new audiences, with a focus on the recruitment of women and girls into rugby clubs.
• Develop local clusters, bringing groups of clubs together to share knowledge and facilitate the development of creative solutions to common challenges or potential opportunities.
• Facilitate opportunities for clubs to build relationships with educational establishments, community organisations, local authorities and Active Partnerships to build membership and diversify revenue.
• Promote RFU assets, particularly AGPs and promote usage with other sports and community organisations.
• Stay up to date with current thinking and best practice, proposing recommendations on improvements we can make.
• Actively collaborate with colleagues to contribute to the development and delivery of the current strategic, business and operational plans.
• Act as an ambassador for, and promote the best interests of the RFU, including the promotion of our culture and core values – This Rose Means Everyone:
  Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other.
• Undertake other duties as may be required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the post and the needs of the organisation.

The skills and attributes outlined in this description are not exhaustive and we welcome candidates who can bring different relevant experiences to the role.

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to work on several projects at once, prioritising and communicating priorities.
• Comprehensive understanding of best practice and trends in sports development.
• Proactive self‑starter with the perseverance and ability to manage…