ABOUT LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY

SPORTS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

Volunteer AcademyCoordinator

Job Ref: RF15309 REQ14204 April2014

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to redeployment, please note that this vacancy may be withdrawn at any stage of the recruitment process if a suitable redeployee is identified.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

These are exciting times for Loughborough Sport. The Universities new strategy propels sport to the top table, alongside Teaching, Research and Enterprise.

We have set ourselves an ambitious target of having 75% of our students playing sport and/or being physically active at least 3 times a week. This is a world leading ambition consistent with our global reputation in sport and all of its associated disciplines.

Whilst this target is challenging, it’s achievable. Loughborough has an historical head start because we attract many students who are already committed to sport and /or physical activity. This is reflected in only 23% of our student population not citing sport as significant to their choice of University.

We are not just about numbers. Equally important to us is the ability to offer every student the opportunity to enjoy life shaping experiences through sport; be that as a participant, a leader, a coach or as a committed volunteer. Whilst these might seem lofty aspirations we have plenty of evidence that for many of our students the experience of being involved in sport at Loughborough has been life shaping in extraordinarily diverse ways.

This is partly because we have a shared philosophy that at all times we seek to empower students to take responsibility for delivering large elements of the overall student sport experience. To achieve this we run academies in leadership, volunteering and coaching that ensure we nurture a high quality ‘workforce’ of student volunteers who are committed to delivering both student sport and community outreach programmes.

Whilst we want to develop the abilities of the many talented and able sportspeople at Loughborough we are equally determined to appeal to all types of students regardless of sporting prowess or ability. Many of our students want to play competitive sport at a level appropriate to their abilities and we want to broaden the scope of our current offer.

You will be expected to work as part of a wider Student Experience Team and at all times work closely with our Student Union and Loughborough College who are partners in the Loughborough Sport brand and with whom we enjoy excellent working relationships built on trust, respect, good communication and hard work.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:Volunteer AcademyCoordinator

GRADE:Administrative Services Grade 5 (AD5)

RESPONSIBLE TO:Volunteering and Employability Manager

RESPONSIBLE FOR:VolunteerAcademy Assistant Coordinator/Intern

Casual staff and volunteers, as appropriate

JOB PURPOSE: To develop, lead and manage the Loughborough Sport Volunteer Academy.

KEY TASKS:

  • Manage the Volunteer Academy to achieve its goals and targets.
  • Lead on the recruitment of volunteers, ensuring the skills and aspirations of students are aligned to the relevant specialisms within the Volunteer Academy.
  • Identify the training and development needs of student volunteers and the resources and professional support required to design and deliver a programme of professional and personal development workshops and modules.
  • Manage the deployment of student volunteers into opportunities that support and enhance the delivery of university sport and that are relevant to the ambitions and progression of student volunteers.
  • Oversee an effective performance measurement/monitoring system, ensuring successes are celebrated and widely shared and shortcomings effectively addressed.
  • As part of the Sport Volunteer and Employability Team, work closely with the Sport Experience Team and the wider SDCto ensure effective alignment of the Volunteer,Coach and Leadership Academies within the overall objectives of the University.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide line management support and mentoring to the Volunteer Academy Assistant Coordinator or the Volunteer Academy Intern position.
  • Be responsible for the devolved Volunteer Academy budget and all other resources related to the Academies work.
  • Work with regional and local sport partners to identify potential resources and funding streams that enhance the student sport experience and support the development of opportunities to achieve SDC targets.
  • Oversee an effective performance measurement /monitoring system, ensuring successes are celebrated and widely shared and shortcomings effectively addressed.
  • Ensure student volunteer recruitment is integrated within all other elements of the Fresher’s sport experience and is effectively delivered.
  • Develop and implement a marketing and recruitment plan to increase the quantity of engaged volunteers. This will include areas such as social media content, written articles, e-newsletters and other communication and marketing activities.
  • Ensure the content of the Volunteer Academy website pages and social media outputs is inspiring, accurate and informative.
  • Develop proposals for Academy themes (eg Event Management, Marketing & Communications, Sports Development) based upon Loughborough Sport deployment requirements and the vocational interests and needs of students.
  • Identify professional support forAcademy themes to ensure the provision of high quality training, professional development opportunities, mentoring and guidance for our Academy volunteers.
  • Ensure training and CPD programs are high quality, well structured and focus on meeting the development needs of Academy members both in volunteering, leadership and personal development.
  • Work with regional and national representatives of partner National Governing Bodies (NGBs) to identify and deliver training that will develop and improve student leadership and volunteering skills.
  • Prepare recommendations working closely with the Coach Academy Coordinator for the progression of students within the Academies.
  • Working with stakeholders and sports partners ensurea broad range of volunteering opportunities are available and that they enhance student sport programmes and outreach activity.
  • Ensure all activities are delivered safely and efficiently and that risk assessments are carried out as necessary.
  • Work with campus based national sport partners to identify volunteering opportunities external to the University that enhance student development and progression.
  • Ensure a broad range of volunteering placement opportunities are available and that they provide valuable development opportunities for our students.
  • Work with the Volunteering and Employability Manager to provide pathways into employment and long term volunteering for student volunteers and leaders.
  • Devise and maintain an effective system of gathering feedback from students in the Academy and from placement locations.
  • Ensure data is maintained to demonstrate the Academy’s impact.
  • Ensure accurate records of student volunteers and key contacts engaged in the Volunteer Academy are maintained.
  • Develop and implement effective methods for recording student volunteering activity.
  • Working with the Coach Academy Coordinator lead on devising and delivering a program of celebration and recognition events including an annual award ceremony/celebration.
  • To work in collaboration with the SET team and wider SDC to identify volunteeringrequirements which support core Loughborough Sport activities.
  • At all times work closely with, and ensure effective alignment of, the Volunteer and Coach Academies.
  • Input into the development of a leadership component to both the Volunteer and Coach Academies.
  • Work with relevant colleagues to ensure the Volunteer Academy has high quality printed materials, products and resources.
  • Develop effective dialogue, feedback and interaction with current and potential student volunteers to ensure the Academy stays relevant and well supported by students.
  • Develop programs that encourage ownership and commitment to the Volunteer Academy within students, staff and alumni.
  • To attend regular meetings with other key University personnel, external agencies and contribute appropriately
  • To develop strong working relationships with a number of external partners active in volunteer management including Loughborough Students’ Union, Youth Sport Trust, Leicestershire and Rutland CSP andVoluntary Action Leicestershire.
  • To carry out any other duties, commensurate with grade, that may be reasonably requested.

Special Conditions

All staff have a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff are therefore required to adhere to the University’s Health, Safety and Environmental Policy & Procedures.

Successful completion of probation will be dependent on attendance at the University’s mandatory courses which include Respecting Diversity and, where appropriate, Recruitment and Selection.

It will be necessary, on occasions, to work outside normal working hours including some work in the evenings, weekends andon Bank Holidays and University Closure Days.

The postholdermay be required to provide a satisfactory disclosure statement (see for more details.

Points to Note

The purpose of this job description is to indicate the general level of duties and responsibility of the post. The detailed duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character or level of responsibility entailed.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job Title:Volunteer Academy Coordinator

Grade:Administrative Services Grade 5

Department:Sports Development Centre

Criteria / Essential / Desirable / Stage to be assessed
Experience / Experience of recruiting and managing volunteers
Experience of partnership working, developing and coordinating sport volunteering opportunities
Experience of working as part of a team.
Experience in the use of social media.
Previous experience of monitoring budgets and following financial procedures.
Relevant experience of working in an office environment. / Experience of working with employers to develop placement opportunities
Experience of organising events.
Experience of managing staff.
Experience of coaching.
Experience of working with the national sport partners.
Experience of the health and fitness/physical activity sector.
Experience in the use of marketing and social media to increase participation. / 1, 2, 3
1, 3
1, 3
1,3
1,3
1, 3
Skills and Abilities / Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to develop good working relationships with people at all levels.
Excellent organisational and time management skills.
Ability to work on own initiative.
Leadership skills.
Ability to inspire and motivate others.
IT skills necessary for analysis, report writing, presentations and general communication (Microsoft Office).
Ability to multi-task and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
Attention to detail. / Proactive use of social media.
Ability to collect analyse, and interpret data. / 1, 3
1, 2, 3
1, 2, 3
1, 3
1, 2, 3
3
1, 2, 3
1, 2, 3
1, 3
Training / Be committed to, and actively participate in, a programme of continuing professional development. / 1, 3
Education & Qualifications / Educated to degree level or equivalent related experience / A degree in a sport/leisure or business related subject. / 1, 3
Other / Knowledge of a broad range of sports and their requirements.
An understanding of the structure of sport in the UK.
Knowledge of the UK sporting landscape and the role of Sport England, national sports partners and NGBs.
Appreciation of barriers to participation and current participation trends.
Flexibility with a willingness to work outside normal working hours including some work in the evenings and at weekends.
Enthusiastic with a keen interest in sport.
To provide a satisfactory disclosure statement (see for more details.
A commitment to observe the University’s Equal Opportunities, H&S and IT Acceptable Use policies at all times. / Knowledge of local sports partners including CSPs and community sport delivery agencies.
An understanding of the working practices of University sport and the roles of the Athletic Union. / 1, 3
1, 3
1, 3
1, 3
1, 3
3
1, 3

Stages in assessment:

1. application form (at shortlisting), 2. selection test, 3. Interview

Conditions of Service

The appointment will be on a full time, open ended contract on Administrative Services Grade 5 (£22,927 - £27,318 per annum) at a starting salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The appointment will be subject to the University's normal Terms and Conditions of Employment for Operational and Administrative staff, details of which can be found at:

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquiries should be made to Tim Garfield by email at: or by telephone on 01509 226101.

Application

The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 25th April 2014.

Job Evaluation Panel 07.04.2014