Scottish Student Sport (SSS) seeks an outstanding individual to join the staff team as our new Head of Development.

Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer and the SSS development team, the successful candidate will manage and co-ordinate SSS’ sports development work, with particular emphasis on member engagement, promoting best practice and knowledge transfer, and developing key partnerships with internal and external groups.

The Head of Development will have delegated responsibility for specified areas of the SSS work and will be responsible for the management of SSS’ development staff (3) across Sport & Active Health, Learning & People and Inclusion & Culture.

The Role

Grade 6 + 15% (£37,929.30 – £43,935.75)
Full time 35 hrs per week
Open-ended role

The Head of Development is a key member of the SSS senior staff team, with Development aspects of the SSS Strategic Plan- working with members, volunteers and partners to build capacity and improve the quality of provision within student sport. The successful candidate will line manage SSS’ three development staff and report to the C.O.O.

The post requires a demonstrable track record in sports development and project management and proven, successful line management experience.

For the full job description, please click here.

About SSS

SSS is a members’ organisation for colleges and universities across Scotland, providing students with sport and active health opportunities. SSS is at the heart of a network of over 600 clubs and approximately 45,000 participants. We deliver organised sports competitions, provide a range of sports development services and champion the role of sport and active health at the heart of the student experience.

SSS is supported by sportscotland, SFC and BUCS. Learn more about our strategy here.

You’ll be working alongside a small but fantastic team making the student sporting experience in Scotland the best it can be. Meet the team here.

SSS works for all the universities and colleges in Scotland as an independent organisation, but is hosted by the University of Edinburgh.

Changing Landscape

SSS is currently looking at possible changes to its strategy and accompanying staff structure from Aug 2025, with the likelihood being a smaller staff team and some new ways of working.

Any new approach is likely to retain a number of development functions and ambitions, but may see a reduction and/ or realignment of the current staffing team.

Applicants should be aware of the potential for change, the details of which are likely to become clear during spring 2025.

In light of the complex context, applications for secondments into the Head of Development post of between 6-18 months are actively encouraged.

For an off the record conversation about the current context and possible implications for applicants, please contact COO Stew Fowlie (details at the bottom of this page).

Equality

Scottish Student Sport is committed to reducing barriers to sport and physical activity for students across Scotland. We welcome applications from all communities, including from trans people and people with variations in sex characteristics, from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse people, and from disabled people who are currently under-represented in our staff team.

Application Procedure

Applications are open via the University of Edinburgh’s job site, accessed here.

The closing date for applications is 22nd September 2024.

Interviews will take place at the SSS Office, Third Floor, 48 Pleasance, Edinburgh EH8 9TJ on 1^st October 2024 with candidates being notified of shortlisting by 25^th September. The post will ideally commence in November 2024.

For further information on the role, or SSS, please contact:
Stew Fowlie – COO
07903 891 497
stew@scottishstudentsport.com