Assistant Director of Sport

Cumnor House Sussex invites applications for the role of Assistant Director of Sport. We are seeking a passionate and dedicated individual with excellent leadership and organisational skills to assist in delivering an inclusive, high-quality sports programme. The successful candidate will be an inspirational football and rugby coach, a skilled team player, and a role model who exemplifies sportsmanship, kindness, and respect both on and off the field.

This role requires a motivated and supportive leader who can work collaboratively with the Director of Sport and other staff to encourage broad participation and high achievement in sport, with a particular focus on rugby and football. The candidate will ensure that all pupils enjoy and benefit from individual and team activities, fostering a love for sport while developing their skills and confidence.

Key Responsibilities

Departmental Leadership:

• Work closely with the Director of Sport to develop and implement a forward-thinking strategic vision for Sport at the school.
•  Provide dynamic and motivational leadership across all aspects of Sport, with a particular focus on rugby and football, ensuring the highest standards of excellence and inclusivity for all pupils.
• Foster an inclusive, engaging, and aspirational sporting culture for all pupils.
• Lead by example, modelling high standards of professionalism, sportsmanship, and passion for sport.
• Maintain an open and transparent approach to leading the PE department and other staff involved in the PE and Games programme.

Management:

•  Assist the Director of Sport in managing staff, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and that all levels of sport receive expert coaching.
• Promote inclusivity, fairness, and good sportsmanship for pupils of all abilities.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the school’s sports strategy, maintaining alignment with the school ethos of “Aim High, Be Kind, Dare to Be Different.”
• Assist with team selections, games staffing, and match preparation in line with school policy.
• Mentor and support coaches in their development and ensure high standards of professionalism and performance.

Administration:

• Assist in maintaining and updating sports programmes, calendars, and fixtures.
• Support in coordinating logistics, including transport, catering, and facility use.
• Ensure accurate records of results, fixtures, and team performance, and communicate these to relevant stakeholders.

Promotion of Excellence:

• Inspire and motivate pupils to develop a lifelong love for sports, driving them to pursue personal and team excellence.
• Work with talented athletes, particularly in rugby and football, to develop their potential and support them in achieving their goals, including scholarship preparation.
• Build links with local clubs and schools to enhance training opportunities and promote competitive excellence.

Links and Marketing:

•  Represent Cumnor at external sports meetings and build relationships with senior schools and local sports organisations.
• Communicate effectively with parents, pupils, and staff regarding sports events and strategies.

Facilities and Health & Safety:

• Support the maintenance and use of sports facilities in collaboration with the Grounds teams.
• Ensure all activities comply with health and safety regulations and safeguarding policies.

Training and Development:

• Maintain coaching qualifications and ensure department staff have appropriate certifications, including First Aid.
• Maintain own sport, medical and safeguarding certificates, according to School policy.
•  Promote professional development for all sports staff through training and mentoring.

Desirable Qualities and Experience

• Proven ability to lead and inspire others toward shared goals.
• Strong coaching ability in the school’s core sports, including football and rugby.
• Significant personal experience in sports, either as a player or coach.
• Knowledge of sports programme development, including inclusivity and elite training.
• Excellent communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills.
• A degree in PE, Sports Science, or a related field (desirable).

Hours

Prep School Teachers are expected to work from 8am to 6pm during term time, which includes 3 days before and after the start and end of each term, and to be available for evenings (e.g. Parent Evenings) and some weekends (3 to 4 Saturday Activity mornings per term). There are also other whole-school events which may occur at the weekend or at other times out of the normal School day.

Holidays, Remuneration and Benefits

• Cumnor is in a position to offer an outstanding remuneration package, in line with experience and qualifications, and this will be discussed at interview.
• Substantial remission on fees for Staff children attending the School or Nursery
• Generous contributory pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bike to work scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Complimentary dining and refreshments available all day during term time
• Free use of swimming pool at specified times
• Occupational sick pay scheme from day one
• Death in service benefit
• Commitment to staff development

Application Process and Safeguarding

To apply, please complete our application form (which can be found on our website) and submit it with a covering letter by the 28th of February 2025 to hr@cumnor.co.uk

Interviews of selected applicants will be held the following week, and would involve a visit to the School. We reserve the right to make an appointment at any time prior to the closing date. If you would like to make enquiries, please call Karen German, Head of HR on 01825 790347.

Cumnor House Sussex is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. An offer of employment will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure, satisfactory safeguarding interview and pre-employment references, verification of ID, medical fitness and relevant qualifications, and other security checks including Overseas and Teachers Barred lists.