About

• The University

• At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.
• We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here.
• Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page.

• The Role and the Department
• The Department and role purpose The Student Enrichment Directorate is striving to play a pivotal role in developing, delivering and transforming a Wider Student Experience that is as impactful as anything in the world. We remain steadfast in our core commitment to accelerating the growth of far-reaching and market leading programmes across performance, participation and community outreach and engagement, whilst fostering a culture that safeguards academic excellence. We are guided by the belief that an investment in the Wider Student Experience is ultimately an investment in the quality of graduates that the University produces and are motivated by the opportunity to engage and inspire the next generation of talent. In doing so, we feel confident that we are making a positive contribution to the development of rounded, global citizens.
• Sport
• Durham University is one of Europe’s leading sport universities and has been ranked in the top three for BUCS performance since 2013. In 2019 the University completed the construction of a £32m Sports & Wellbeing Park, adding to a prior investment, on the same site, of £8m in 2012 making it the sporting facility in the north of England. As a result of the amazing work that has been carried out across our performance, participation and community networks the University was awarded the Times and Sunday Times Sports University of the Year for 2023.
• Durham University Boat Club (DUBC) is one of the UK’s most successful university rowing programmes, combining elite-level competition with a strong development pathway for student athletes. The club fields competitive crews at BUCS, Henley Royal Regatta, and international level. Our coaching philosophy prioritises athlete development, technical excellence, and a culture of performance, teamwork, and wellbeing.
• Typical Role Requirements
• The Development Rowing Coach will play a central role in supporting the day-to-day running of the rowing programme, focusing on the development of new and emerging athletes. Working closely with the Head and Lead Coaches, the postholder will lead the Learn to Row and Development Squad programmes, manage the Junior High-Performance Programme, and contribute to the progression of athletes into senior performance squads.
• This role is ideal for an ambitious and motivated coach who is passionate about athlete development and wants to contribute to one of the UK’s top university rowing environments.
• Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University

• • You’ll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days.
• • No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• • You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.
• • Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• • We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• • We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community.
• • Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• • If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.
• • We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.
• Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

• Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive.

• We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.
• What you need to demonstrate when you apply

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we’re looking for

• Qualifications/Experience
• 1. Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.
• 2. Experience of working in a high- level rowing programme or having relevant qualifications for the role.
• 3. Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.
• Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
• 4. Good spoken and written communication skills.
• 5. Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including (Microsoft Office and performance analysis tools.)
• 6. Knowledge relevant to the role ideally supported by relevant courses or certifications. (e.g. British Rowing Level 2 Coach (or equivalent) qualification)
• 7. Proven ability to coach, motivate, and inspire athletes of varying abilities.
• 8. Committed to continuing professional development.
• 9. Ability to provide support for sport development projects
• 10. Knowledge of health and safety issues (such as risk assessments, athlete welfare, inclusivity, and safe sport practices.)
• 11. Ability to solve problems and resolve straightforward issues yourself and as part of a team.
• Desirable Criteria
• • Understanding of the UK rowing and university sport landscape, including British Rowing and BUCS structures.
• • Experience in athlete talent identification and progression pathways.
• • RYA Powerboat Level 2 or equivalent boat handling qualification.
• • UKAD Clean Coach Award (or willingness to obtain).
• • Trailer towing licence.
• • Full UK drivers licence.
• • Experience supporting junior or youth development programmes.
• • Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel for competition
• How to apply

• To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).

• While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.

• Submitting your application

• We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails

What you are required to submit

• • A CV
• • A covering letter which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification

• Contact details

• If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, William Fletcher would be happy to speak to you. William.Fletcher@Durham.ac.uk

• Here are the kind of activities that you’ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you’ll be expected to operate.
• Service Delivery
• · Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University’s values.
• · Provide an excellent and timely service to our (students, your colleagues and external stake holders who you may come across as part of your role).
• · Use your experience and problem-solving skills to investigate and resolve issues relevant to your role such as Rigging, Session based Problem solving illness & injury management and provide information and updates to help your team find solutions.
• · Collect, organise and record data and information accurately and provide reports as required.
• · Create and provide standard technical data and specifications to your colleagues such as equipment audits & risk assessments.
• · Carry out some tasks that may require specialist skills. (E.g. Trailer Driving)
• · Follow and provide guidance on health and safety requirements which are relevant to your role.
• · Promote positive wellbeing arrangements which benefit you and your team.
• Teamwork
• · Help your colleagues to organise, plan and prepare for Camps, BUCS & Other rowing specific areas.
• · Resolve queries and respond to requests for information and advice. Bring any complex issues to the attention of more experienced team members.
• · Help your team provide safe, Training spaces across the University.
• · Help to carry out and complete risk assessments and safety records. Follow established procedures when responding to potentially harmful situations.
• · Help to plan and organise a schedule of (maintenance, of relevant equipment) to meet compliance and regulatory standards.
• Communication/Liaison
• · Seek feedback from (students, staff and anyone else that you come across as part of your role) on their requirements from your service to ensure that their reasonable expectations are being met.
• · Record information (e.g. bookings for activities/events) and respond to queries which you receive.
• · Liaise with staff in other areas to ensure that services are being delivered in an efficient and collaborative way.
• · Liaise with external (suppliers, contractors, specialists and service providers).
• · Any other reasonable duties.
• Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
• When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.