Director Of Hockey

Package Description

The school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff. Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school. We value the contribution of all team members. 

Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work. Developing our talent is important to us. Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged.

In addition to salary and pension, our reward package includes:

• Free gym membership
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Benefits Programme including discounts to a number of major retailers, holiday, electric car and cycle to work schemes, as well as health and well-being option
• Fee discount
• A three course lunch is provided during term time 

Job Introduction

This is an exciting role for an ambitious and enthusiastic hockey coach to lead their own programme. We are recruiting a Director of Hockey to lead our hockey programme from August 2023, although there is a possibility of a start from 17th April 2023 should the successful candidate be available at that time.

Applications are welcome from either qualified PE teachers with GTCS registration (who would be asked to blend this role with their PE teaching) or high performing hockey coaches who may not be teacher qualified.

Main Responsibilities

• The Director of Hockey is responsible for continuing to raise the profile of hockey at the school. To oversee and develop hockey for pupils in all formats throughout the School; 
• To produce a hockey development plan that includes an inclusive and innovative strategy for the development of hockey 
• It is expected that the postholder plays a leading role in the development of the sport at both the Senior School and Junior School, which will include the oversight of a coaching and player development programme.  
• Work closely with the Director of Sport and the Head of Junior School PE & Games.  
• Hours of work will be 37.5 per week. The School has a programme of weekday and Saturday morning fixtures.
• The school supports taking pupils on national and international tours and has done so regularly in past years. It is expected that the Director of Hockey will organise and lead Hockey tours for our students in holiday time, as well as operating holiday coaching camps for the commercial arm of the School (AccessEA).
• The successful candidate will have a strong sporting background, with proven experience and expertise in the coaching and management of hockey. The school is committed to achieving success and this role requires an individual to have charisma, enthusiasm, and ambition.  

Additional Responsibilities 

• Adhere to, and ensure compliance with, the school's Child Protection policy at all times. If, while carrying out the duties of the post, the post-holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risk(s) to the safety or welfare of children in the school, these concerns must be reported to the school's Child Protection Officer or the Rector. 
• To co-ordinate fixtures and tournaments for all school teams and liaise with the Director of Sport so that all match related admin is completed (umpires, catering, SOCS, transport.) To liaise with the Director of Sport and the Head Groundsman regarding the preparation of pitches/facilities for practices and matches. 
• To co-ordinate match results and match reports in a format suitable for the School News sheet, website, End of Term assembly and magazine (The Chronicle). 
• To check and maintain hockey sports equipment. To manage your hockey budget and to order equipment and kit on official order forms as required. 
• To update the risk assessment protocols on an annual basis. 
• The ability to coach a third term’s sport in the summer would be an advantage – the School currently offers tennis, cricket, and athletics.  
• To liaise with the school's Admissions and Marketing Department to produce literature/material to raise the profile of Edinburgh Academy’s hockey programme. 
• To act as the central point of communication between the school and parents and outside agencies regarding hockey. 
• To attend INSET for continued professional development and recommend INSET training at the appropriate level for coaches under your charge.  
• To develop and monitor a development programme for Elite performers in hockey – those involved in National Programmes & Pathway programmes. To support high performing pupils involved with the national pathways on a one-to-one basis. To support pupils involved in the Scottish Hockey Brave Academy and develop pupils who have the potential to be selected. 
• To manage your hockey coaches on a day-to-day basis to promote and develop fitness and performance in our hockey players. To manage and organise the pre-season training programmes to ensure that players of all abilities are nurtured effectively and are fully prepared for the playing season  
• To liaise with our Athletic Development coach in the preparation of physical training programmes that support hockey. 

The Ideal Candidate

Skills and Experience – essential:

• Well-organised with exceptional time-management skills and the ability to prioritise a varied and demanding workload 
• Experience of coaching hockey to children aged 7 to 18 years.  
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills; ability to establish links with pupils, parents, and colleagues 
• Ability to differentiate and personalise the coaching experience for all our pupils.  

Skills and Experience – desirable: 

• Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline  
• Experience of coaching top-class hockey at a senior level 
• UKCC Level 2 qualification. Working towards Level 3 highly desirable.  
• Links with International hockey and/or Senior International level playing experience  
• Experience managing/supervising coaching staff