Job Description
The Saracens Sport Foundation is a registered charity which exists to enhance the lives of children and young people through sport. It achieves this through the delivery of high quality and innovative programmes that promote the benefits of sport, physical activity and healthy lifestyles. The Sport Foundation delivers its work in partnership with key local statutory agencies including County Sports Partnerships, Health and Wellbeing Boards, Youth Offending Teams, Schools, and the local community.

The Saracens Sport Foundation has developed one of the most effective Sports Community Development Programmes across the country, most recently being nominated for the Beyond Sport Awards 2015. As part of our ongoing development we have an exciting opportunity to develop a successful sport for social change programme in our community.

Saracens Sport Foundation is looking for a passionate and inspiring individual who has:
• A proven ability to empathise and engage challenging young people and develop a controlled environment for their development.
• Use outreach sport as a positive activity to engage hard to reach/NEET young people.
• Create a structured programme of accredited qualifications, work based learning and vocational training, with the end outcome of increasing life chances through employability and education.
• A passion for rugby and sport with strong organisational, communication and administrative skills. Those with a background in education or youth work will be considered.
• Ability to build relationships with both challenging young people to provide positive progressions for our beneficiaries.
• An in-depth understanding on the specific needs and challenges for young people in Barnet.

The position will be based in Barnet at Allianz Park and will involve engagement in surrounding Boroughs. Due to the nature of the job some evening and weekend work will be required.

Key Responsibilities
• To develop and manage, in conjunction with the Senior Sports Development Manager, a suitable programme to engage young people in accredited learning and work opportunities with rugby at its core
• To work in partnership with a dedicated training provider to provide young people with access to functional skills, foundation learning courses and overall management of the relationship.
• To work with safer neighbourhood teams, youth groups, schools and other local agencies to encourage links between them to recruit and support ongoing participation and achievement by young people.
• To identify and direct young people onto relevant education, training, volunteering opportunities and onto work placements and apprenticeships as a part of their positive progression.
• To organise, set up, lead and coordinate outreach rugby and sport sessions at identified venues, coordinating competitions and other events as appropriate. All activities should be appropriate to the needs of the target audience and be line with the Hitz strategic aims.
• To be responsible for high quality delivery of community and social inclusion sessions as agreed in the programme
• To keep accurate monitoring records for all sessions and contribute to the gathering and analysis of evaluation information for activities and individuals within those activities.
• To liaise with local funding agencies to ensure growth and sustainability of the programme.
• To maximise opportunities to raise awareness amongst the target audiences and the surrounding areas of rugby activities and encourage their participation.
• To oversee any appropriate budgets ensuring spend is within budget and raising any overspend issues with the Senior Sports Development Manager at an early stage.
• To produce update reports for Senior Sports Development Manager, funding agencies and related partners as required.
• To identify and follow up potential opportunities to develop activities in line with the strategic development of the Hitz programme and the wider Inclusion strategy.

Person Specification
Essential
• NGB Level 1/2 Coaching qualification
• Current Criminal Records Bureau Check
• Background in youth work, education, teaching and/or coaching
• Experience working with a diverse range of age groups, demographics and abilities within a variety of environments
• Experience of working with a wide variety of partners and stakeholders
• Good understanding of the barriers to participation and achievement in the local area
• Understanding of developing a programme strategy and completing funding applications
• A passion for sport and an understanding of wider issues related to sport, health and education
• An enthusiastic and committed individual who will ‘go the extra mile’ to deliver results
• Good organisation and time management skills
• Excellent communication and motivation skills
• Valid driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle
• Willingness to work flexible hours
• An ability to inspire others

Desirable
• Level 2 Rugby Football Union coaching award
• Detailed knowledge of current coaching and training processes and how to adapt and target participants according to ability
• Degree qualified –strong academic record
• Experience of working in an educational setting with knowledge of assessment and monitoring and evaluation
• Sporting Background

Start Date: w/c 15th August
How to apply
Please send a CV and a cover letter to owaindavies@saracens.net. Please note, only shortlisted candidates may be contacted.