Description
Role summary Sport & Fitness is responsible for operating the extensive sport and fitness provision for the University. It caters for the whole sports continuum from elite athlete to beginner; it engages with over 18,000 students a year, 50+ student sports clubs, over 100 sports scholars and offers an extensive participation and intra mural programme. It stages big events for a number of British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS), national governing bodies and external groups and has recently hosted the Commonwealth Games for Hockey and Squash competition, as well as swimming and athletics training venues.
The Head of Netball is responsible for delivering and developing the University’s netball programme, working with the next generation of emerging talent to succeed across our BUCS teams. They will have overall responsibility for the netball programme, including coaching philosophy, culture, brand, development and performance of the club, including the appointment and development of coaching staff. From the point of recruitment, to maintaining the performance environment for our athletes, the post-holder will ensure that a high-quality student experience is maintained, steering a culture consistent with our values. They will do this by working with a team of experienced coaches and a multi-disciplinary practitioner team within a sector-leading dual-career environment.
Main duties
Plan and deliver training sessions for the University’s first and second teams, with support of an assistant coach.
Attend BUCS matches of the first team and other teams, where able and appropriate Lead regular multi-disciplinary team meetings with the Performance Support team to optimise the development of the players’ and teams’ performances.
Collaboratively plan and develop athlete performance plans to ensure they are wholly supported in their development via player 1:1s and coach liaison Lead Netball’s recruitment strategy, including player identification, managing communications, attending key events (e.g. NPL tournament) and hosting Netball recruitment days.
Responsible for the recruitment, development and management of netball coaches, including mentoring, individual CPD plans, reviews and job chats.
To develop effective links and relationships with England Netball, home nations NGBs and franchises to ensure player pathways are successfully maintained.
Work with the Club Development team to support the administration of netball activities including facility and fixture bookings and meeting all relevant rules and regulations e.g. officials; safety; and coordination of disciplinary cases Lead and advise the club committee in the management of the club (including the budget), ensuring all values of Sport are upheld Promotes equality and values diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture Supports the University’s sustainability agenda through resource efficient working.
Any other duties commensurate with the grade.
Person Specification
UKCC Level 2 or equivalent (or working towards)
Knowledge of student sport and/or performance sport with an empathy of working within a student environment
Good understanding of NGB networks, programmes and initiatives Knowledge/understanding of equity and diversity related to sporting provision
Proven highly effective organisational and planning skills
Effective problem solving and decision-making skills Excellent inter-personal and communication skills, including the ability to present information effectively and to influence a range of other individuals and groups
IT skills including competence in the use of word processing, desktop publishing and spreadsheet software
Flexible in approach, and being willing to work flexibly around the peaks and troughs of the academic year and sporting season Initiative to identify and develop new opportunities to benefit the athletes, programme and University Understanding of BUCS rules and regulations (both general and Netball specific)
Role context
Roles at this level will require a broad understanding and practical experience of an administrative or professional field which will be used to plan the running and development of services and/or lead shorter term projects or contribute to larger projects.
You will work with information which needs interpretation and analysis; you will use your judgement to identify the best solution to differing problems and issues, offering recommendations for managing more complex situations.
You are likely to be responsible for managing a team of staff, being accountable for recruiting and developing them and for managing performance.
You may also need to liaise and/or co-ordinate activities across several different sections within the department or possibly with wider department or external bodies as appropriate.
Core competencies/transferable skills Working at this level you will be able to develop and successfully demonstrate the core competencies/transferable skills outlined in each of the areas shown below.
As appropriate for the level, our Birmingham Professionals will take ownership for getting things done.
You will be expected to be flexible as required in supporting your department and wider University.
DBS required Pre-employment DBS
The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance prior to appointment.
Planning and organising
Plan the running and development of service(s), overseeing resources and inputting into resource planning as appropriate; Develop, agree and implement standards for delivery for own area; Manage a team of staff and review, develop and motivate them; Plan relevant training and development; Provide professional advice, guidance and support to others within and outside their immediate work area; Oversee resources and make recommendations about future resource requirements. Problem solving and decision making Review, develop and propose solutions for problems with (for example) staff, budgets, services and/or systems; Deal effectively with unexpected issues, such as changing priorities; Deal with sensitive people matters/issues; Provide specialist advice and recommendations to support the decision-making of others.
Organisational understanding
Understand their own and closely related working areas and how they contribute to the success of the University. Understands how the University operates; actively seeks to share this knowledge with others. Developing empathy with the academic endeavour. Relationships and communication Influence decision makers and win support for proposals; Develop excellent working relationships within and outside of own area and potentially with external stakeholders; Co-ordinate activities across several areas.
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874
Grade: 7 Part Time (22.5 working hours per week)
Fixed Term contract up to December 2025 (Maternity cover)
Closing date: 3rd November 2024
Travel may be required for this role Informal enquiries to Christopher Anthony, email: [email protected]
View our staff values and behaviours here : We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life.
We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations.
We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.
You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.
