Programme Development Manager
Location: Based primarily at Folkestone Sports Centre with satellite offices at and regular travel across Romney Marsh, Folkestone and surrounding areas.
Help shape healthier, more active communities
The Sports Trust is an ambitious charity and leisure operator delivering sport, health and wellbeing opportunities across Folkestone and Hythe. We manage a diverse portfolio of facilities including Three Hills Sports Park, F51, Folkestone Sports Centre and Folkestone Sea Sports, whilst working alongside partners to tackle health inequalities and increase participation in physical activity.
We are seeking a passionate and driven Programme Development Manager to lead the growth and development of our community programmes and consultation projects.
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of physical activity provision across Romney Marsh and the wider district, ensuring that local services are informed by evidence, community voice and meaningful partnerships.
About the role
You will play a leading role in developing, growing and evidencing programmes such as Little Athletes, Active 50s and other initiatives designed to improve health and wellbeing outcomes.
Working closely with local residents, schools, health partners, community organisations and funding bodies, you will:
- Lead consultation and engagement activity across Romney Marsh and neighbouring communities.
- Identify barriers preventing people from being active and develop solutions to address them.
- Build strong partnerships with organisations including Active Kent & Medway, schools, health providers, community groups and local authorities.
- Collect, analyse and interpret participation and demographic data to inform future service design.
- Measure and report on programme impact, social value and return on investment.
- Support the development of funding bids and ensure compliance with grant monitoring requirements.
- Explore opportunities to grow existing programmes and develop new services in response to identified community need.
- Work collaboratively with operational teams across The Sports Trust's sites to maximise participation opportunities.
- Enrol and manage a number of sub-contractors or internal coaches to deliver the programmes.
About you
We are looking for someone who combines strong programme management skills with a genuine passion for community development.
You will have experience of:
- Developing and delivering community, sport, health or wellbeing programmes
- Building effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and partners
- Collecting, analysing and presenting data to demonstrate impact
- Producing reports for funders, commissioners or senior leaders
- Leading consultation and engagement activities with diverse communities
- Identifying opportunities to improve services and increase participation
Ideally, you will also have experience working within the sport, leisure, charity, education or public health sectors and an understanding of funding environments and place-based approaches.
Additional requirements
- Full UK driving licence.
- Access to a vehicle suitable for business travel.
- Ability to obtain and maintain motor insurance that permits business use.
- Willingness to travel extensively across the district.
Why join us?
At The Sports Trust, you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the health and wellbeing of local communities. You'll be joining an organisation that is committed to innovation, partnership working and creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to lead more active lives.
Whether it's helping a young child discover a love of sport, supporting older adults to stay connected and independent, or shaping future investment into underserved communities, your work will have a lasting impact.
Pay: £38,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Work Location: On the road
