Boating Information Officer

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:   Boating Information Officer (Department: External Affairs)

Salary: up to £30,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Full Time: 35 hours per week

Location:   Hamble/Hybrid

Do you have excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work under pressure without sacrificing accuracy?

Do you have brilliant organisational skills and a passion for developing knowledge and sharing information?

Do you have an interest in regulatory matters relevant to operating or owning recreational boats and a desire to protect access to blue spaces?

If the answer to these questions is yes, this is the perfect role for you!

The Royal Yachting Association is seeking a Boating Information Officer to join the External Affairs department to provide boating advice and support the RYA’s representation work to protect the freedom to enjoy the water responsibly in an increasingly regulated world. In this role you will be promoting safe, responsible and sustainable boating, and contributing to responses to consultations from regulators.

This role is within a team of three. To balance the skills and knowledge within the team, we would value applications from individuals with one or more of the following:

• a scientific mind and an interest in future technical developments in areas such as boat propulsion, safety equipment and consumer protection boat building regulations;
• experience working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and an interest in using those skills to maintain and improve the RYA’s Coastal Atlas of Recreational Boating, which helps us demonstrate where developments might impact recreational boating activity around the coast of the UK.

What you'll be doing:

• Responding to enquiries and ensuring the advice and guidance published on the RYA’s website is up to date and accurate.
• Monitoring trends in enquiries and identify opportunities for social media posts, website news articles and content for the RYA magazine.
• Contributing to the development of knowledge libraries on core topics.
• Supporting consultation activity ensuring consultations are logged, colleagues are consulted, preparing and sending consultation responses with appropriate approval.
• Supporting the interaction between the RYA volunteer network and the External Affairs Department.
• Assisting with the RYA’s representational activities.
• Providing services to the Department’s external meetings, including new member administration, organising meetings, and keeping minutes and other records as required.

Who we’re looking for:

• A team player who is also a self-starter and able to use their own initiative.
• The ability to manage your time and prioritise.
• Someone who has excellent communication skills (both written and verbal).

What do you need:

• At least one year of experience in a relevant role.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.
• Ability and willingness to learn the RYA’s IT, website and database systems (training will be given).
• To be flexible and adaptable (and able to attend occasional meetings and events outside normal office hours).

In return for work, you'll receive a range of benefits including:

• 36 days holiday including public holidays pro rata
• Your Birthday day off
• 10% RYA contribution to a Personal Pension Scheme
• Volunteering days
• Free charging point for electric vehicles whilst on your working days at the office
• Free life insurance
• Discounts platform for retail, entertainment, holidays & gym membership
• Social events
• RYA Membership

….just to name a few.

To Apply 

Please review the full job description and send a completed application form and an equality monitoring form to jobs@rya.org.uk

Job description | Application form | Equality monitoring form

Or alternatively, apply here: 

Apply now

Closing date for applications: 06 August 2025 

Interviews to be held: 20 August 2025*

*If you are unavailable for these interview dates (e.g. due to holiday), please still apply and advise your availability with your application.

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.