Development Manager - Maternity Cover

RYA NI are the national governing body for Sailing, Windsurfing, and Powerboating at all levels across Northern Ireland.

At RYA Northern Ireland, we are almost three years into delivering our ambitious Navigating the Future strategy, with some fantastic milestones already achieved. We have grown participation among Women and Girls and people with disabilities, launched the NI Sailing Team, and increased our income by 67%.

Guided by our values, we are committed to creating an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive culture-one where everyone involved in sailing and boating feels welcome, empowered, and inspired. Working closely with our community and trusted partners, we are building a sport that celebrates diversity and captures the sense of adventure and enjoyment that makes life on the water so special.

We are now looking for passionate, motivated people to join our team and help shape the future of sailing and boating in Northern Ireland.

Contract:

12 Months Fixed Term, Maternity Cover

Salary: £32,000 (FTE) per annum

Full-time (35 hours per week) or part-time (minimum 27.5 hours per week):
Monday to Friday (with flexible working arrangements available)

Location:

Newtownards, BT23 4YH

What's it like to work at RYA NI?

You will join a team of eight who are passionate, caring, and proud of the contribution they make, supported and inspired by the volunteers, clubs, and organisations delivering sailing and boating in communities across Northern Ireland.

As a team, we are brave and ambitious, always open to testing new approaches and finding practical solutions. We value being visible and connected, regularly engaging with clubs and events to understand both the inspirational stories and the challenges facing the sport. This insight helps shape our work and ensures what we do truly makes a difference.

Lead the delivery of RYA NI's Development and Participation plans, translating strategy into clear priorities, programmes and measurable outcomes.

Identify emerging opportunities and challenges and provide development insight to the CEO and wider team.

Lead RYA NI's support for affiliated clubs, and classes

Help clubs identify needs and develop sustainable plans covering participation, membership, governance, volunteering, funding, facilities, inclusion and succession.

Encourage collaboration and sharing of good practice across the club network

Lead programmes that grow, diversify and retain participation in sailing, & boating

Develop clear pathways from initial engagement to sustained recreational, club or competitive participation.

Work with clubs and partners to identify gaps and develop innovative, inclusive opportunities

Embed inclusion across RYA NI's development and participation work.

Support clubs and centres to become more welcoming and accessible.

Develop partnerships and targeted initiatives to reduce barriers and engage underrepresented groups.

Build strong relationships with clubs, centres, Sport NI, local authorities, education providers, community organisations, funders, class associations, RYA and other key partners.

Represent RYA NI at relevant meetings, networks, consultations and working groups.

Manage funded programmes against agreed outcomes, budgets and timescales.

Support clubs to identify funding and strengthen their ability to secure investment.

Establish KPIs and oversee monitoring and evaluation of development programmes.

Use participation data, club insight and feedback to assess performance and improve delivery.

Report impact and outcomes to the CEO, Board, funders and partners.

Lead and develop the Development and Participation team, setting clear objectives and priorities.

Coordinate programmes to maximise impact and effective use of resources.

Promote a collaborative, accountable and continuously improving team culture.

Ensure clubs understand and can access RYA NI support, programmes and opportunities.

Develop effective ways of listening to clubs, participants and volunteers.

Support workshops, forums, roadshows and networking opportunities and ensure feedback informs future planning.

Ensure programmes meet relevant safeguarding, equality, governance and RYA…