Personal Development Manager – Twickenham – The Rugby Players Association

Job Description
The RPA is the representative body and collective voice of current and retired professional rugby players in England which was established in 1998 to look after the interests of all professional players, from Academy players to the superstars of the international game. The RPA offers members Player Welfare and Representation services as well as a comprehensive Personal Development Programme to help prepare them for life after rugby and in the transitional period post-retirement. The RPA has also acted as the exclusive commercial representative of the England Team since February 2004.

The RPA is experiencing an exciting period of growth and we are now looking to appoint a new Personal Development Manager (PDM) to work with Newcastle Falcons, Yorkshire Carnegie Academy and our Alumni (retired) members in the North of England

Purpose:
To manage the delivery of the Player Development Programme, reporting to a Senior Personal Development Manager, with particular focus on personal player development and preparation for career transition.
The role will also require the candidate to facilitate the ongoing welfare, education and transition support required by RPA Alumni members in the North of England post-retirement. Assessing the needs of retired players against the RPA’s charity Restart Rugby’s criteria to gauge possible financial and medical support will be required in conjunction with the assistance of the Restart Rugby Fundraising Manager.

Key Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of this role include but are not limited to:
• Manage the RPA Personal Development Programme (PDP) with Newcastle Falcons, Yorkshire Carnegie Academy and our Alumni (retired) members in the North of England
• Manage the delivery of the following strategies to players, achieving agreed performance benchmarks including but not limited to:
o Career and education planning
o Creation of players’ individual development plans
o Delivery of personal and professional development workshops
o Organisation of career networking and work placement opportunities
o Provision of expert player welfare support and coordination of rugby specific welfare programmes
o Supporting players’ transition to life after rugby

• Develop and maintain a network of local providers and contributors to the PDP e.g. colleges, universities, work placement providers, etc.
• Facilitate the integration of the PDP into the nominated club programmes
• Maintain a level of independence within the club and ensure all players are fully engaged in the PDP
• Maintain total levels of confidentiality with sensitive player information
• Work in conjunction with all other RPA Personal Development Managers to share information, contacts and models of best practice.
• Assist the RPA Rugby Director and Senior Personal Development Managers with the continuing development and implementation of the PDP.
• Deliver mandated programmes as set out by the RFU/PRL/RPA Personal Development Group.

Key Interfaces:
Rugby Director, Senior Personal Development Managers, Restart Rugby Fundraising Manager, Player Services Manager, Communications Manager, Club Officials and Management Staff

Skills & Experience required:
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a successful track record in some or all of the following areas:
• Experience of professional/elite sports environment and the welfare issues faced by professional athletes
• Experience of career planning and career change with adults
• Business experience, networks and contacts
• Experience of learning and development programmes
• Experience of outplacement and/or recruitment
• Confident presenting skills and an ability to train groups
• Experience of performance lifestyle or equivalent programmes within professional/elite sport
• Experience of coaching and mentoring with adults

Excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships with players, club officials and external businesses are essential. Being proactive and having a positive and flexible approach is required. A rugby background and interest is preferable but not essential.

How to apply
If this role is of interest, please send your CV with a covering letter specifying your preferred clubs to smunday@theRPA.co.uk

Alternatively, please post your details to the following address:
Stuart Munday
Finance & HR Director
The Rugby Players Association
Regal House
London Road
Twickenham
TW1 3QS

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