Sports Development Officer Duties & Responsibilities

The role and function of a Sports Development Officer includes the following duties and responsibilities:

• Coordinating, delivering and promoting relevant activities, classes and events, often within a specific community or to targeted groups;
• Identifying sport, recreation and health initiatives and overseeing strategic planning and implementation;
• Employing, training, supporting, developing and managing coaches and volunteer staff;
• Checking venues and managing facilities;
• Liaising with clubs to develop best practice in coaching, youth development and issues such as safeguarding to manage clubs effectively;
• Working in partnership with school initiatives such as active schools, to encourage participation in sport and organise parental involvement;
• Raising public awareness of health and fitness issues and promoting participation in sport, particularly amongst underrepresented groups;
• Evaluating and monitoring activities and projects using performance indicators;
• Maintaining records and producing written reports;
• Attending local, regional and national meetings, seminars and conferences;
• Working with national governing bodies (NGBs) for specific sports in relation to clubs and events;
• Developing a range of partnerships with organisations and initiatives focused on health education, criminal justice and community regeneration;
• Managing resources and a budget and identifying potential opportunities for external funding;
• Maintaining links with state, regional and national sporting representatives and organisations;
• Working within specific guidelines, e.g. equal opportunities, health and safety, child protection;
• Offering coaching and supervision when appropriate.

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Sports Development Officer duties and responsibilities. Job functions for specific Sports Development Officer roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.