Development Officer RYA NI (Mat Cover)
The Royal Yachting Association, based in Hamble, near Southampton, is the national governing body for all forms of recreational, competitive and professional boating. It represents dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sportsboats, windsurfing, inland cruising and personal watercraft.
Job Role: Development Officer RYA NI (Mat Cover)
Salary: £24 - £27k pro rata depending on experience
Hours: 17 hours per week (12 month fixed term contract)
Location: RYA Northern Ireland, Sketrick House, Jubilee Rd, Newtownards, BT23 4YH
Job Purpose:
We are seeking an organised and proactive Development Officer to support the development of Women on Water and Onboard (Youth sailing) programmes. This role will play a key part in growing Women and Girls and Youth participation in sailing and boating across Northern Ireland.
Working closely with the Development Manager, you will support clubs to develop or establish programmes that provide fun, inclusive and engaging experiences that support new or retain existing participants to take part in sailing and boating.
Job specific responsibilities:
- Work closely with clubs and schools to provide opportunities for young people to take part in sailing and boating.
- Support the delivery of the Women on Water Programme.
- Work alongside the wider RYA NI Team to identify priority activity in clubs, class associations and centres.
- Collaborate in wider work undertaken by RYA NI as appropriate.
- Establish and nurture local partnerships that align with our Navigating the Future strategic aims and foundations.
- Gather insight and data that enables us to better understand our audiences and their lived experiences.
- To carry out any other duties that, from time to time, may reasonably be undertaken in the pursuit of the overall objectives of the post.
This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of the areas of activity and will be amended in the light of the changing needs of the organisation. The nature of the role requires the postholder to work in the evenings or at weekends on occasions.
Essential:
- Strong organisational skills.
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to work with a wide range of people.
- Ability to prioritise workload and manage time effectively.
- Creative thinking.
- Experience of working with a wide range of partners.
- Experience in the running/organising of projects or programmes.
- Demonstrable experience of working with clubs and/or community organisations and/or volunteers.
- Ability to work both as part of a team and unsupervised.
Desirable:
- Experience of setting, monitoring and controlling budgets.
- Some knowledge/experience of sailing
How to apply:
To apply, please send your CV by: 0900 - Monday 9th March 2026.
Questions?
If you have any questions or would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact:
Lisa McCaffrey, Development Manager
The RYA is committed to equality of opportunity.
As an equal opportunity and disability confident employer, we celebrate and welcome diversity in all its forms and believe that a diverse workforce boosts innovation, productivity, and creativity.
We are dedicated to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion and strive to be an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves. We would particularly encourage applications from ethnically diverse candidates who are currently underrepresented at the RYA.
