Watersports Development Manager - £42,000 per annum
Introduction
The Stranraer Water Sports Association (SWSA), a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SC049268), was formed in early 2016 with the aim of establishing a ‘not for profit’ water sports club that would encourage people of all ages and backgrounds within the local community to engage and participate in water sports within the natural asset of Loch Ryan.
SWSA is building a reputation as a successful and ambitious water sports centre, successfully delivering ambitious projects including hosting SkiffieWorlds, the world championship of St Ayles class coastal rowing, and developing an innovative youth instructor training programme. All the activities SWSA deliver have direct and indirect impacts on the community, providing opportunities for participation, skills development, and volunteering. These impacts all contribute to health and well-being, physical and social confidence and increased competence of our community, as well as being a driver for education, employability and lifelong learning.
SWSA is ambitious for our organisation and our community. We have completed a full Business Planning process and have secured funds to build the SWSA Community Water Sports Hub. The build is now underway and is expected to be complete in Spring 2026. Working in partnership with Dumfries and Galloway Council, the Hub will link strategically to the One Waterfront regeneration priority for the area.
To make the most of these exciting opportunities, the SWSA seek to employ an experienced Project Development Manager who will lead the ongoing strategic development of SWSA. The successful candidate will liaise with, and support, the volunteer Board of Trustees, and will be a key contact for partners and stakeholders through the capital build process. They will manage the ongoing development of activities by the organisation, including commercial revenue generation and identifying funding opportunities. The successful candidate will be a proven team player with good communication skills, as an important part of this role is collaboration with the Trustees, water sports instructor teams and the wider community.
While experience in the water sports sector may be helpful to the successful deliver of this role, it is anticipated that applicants with a proven track record in business development and project management in other sectors will have transferrable skills that will help them succeed in this role.
Role Description – Watersports Development Manager
This hugely exciting role full time role, working closely with the SWSA Board, Strategic Partners, SWSA Instructors and wider stakeholders, will include but will not be limited to:
- Managing the ongoing development of the SWSA Water Sports activities programme working closely with the SWSA Board of Trustees and strategic stakeholders to build capacity and resilience to maximise the impact of the new community owned Water Sports Hub.
- Develop and deliver detailed project plans to guide staff members and trustees on changing needs and requirements as the hub. develops, considering commercial opportunities and the tourism markets.
- Compile and submit regular project status reports relevant to trustees and other stakeholders.
- Develop and deliver excellent leadership, customer relations and communication activities to liaise effectively around the whole project.
- Line manage the SWSA Chief Instructor and Administrative Assistant, as well as offering support to local volunteers through development opportunities.
- Manage the marketing and promotion of the activities programme alongside the trustees and SWSA instructors, considering wider opportunities for future events and regatta opportunities.
- Coordinate the development and delivery of events in partnership with Instructors, Trustees, Volunteers and community.
- Research, prepare and submit funding applications associated to project delivery and sustainability, with support, as needed, from volunteer Trustees.
- Oversee financial monitoring of the activities, funding and project budgets.
- Oversee effective evaluation processes and monitoring project performance to ensure timely delivery of all projects, in partnership with SWSA Instructors, Volunteers, and users.
Person Specification
- Relevant qualification to degree level or sound educational background, knowledge and experience, ideally in the field community, business and / or economic development.
- Previous development management experience in community-based projects with good organisational skills.
- A proven track record of success in funding, including identifying funding opportunities, completing successful funding applications, and delivering funding monitoring processes and reporting.
- A comprehensive understanding and evidence of delivering robust and effective community engagement and involvement activities.
- Previous line management experience and involvement in volunteer recruitment and support would be essential.
- Excellent client facing and internal communication skills, team player, flexible and positive.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft office & social media forums.
Remuneration & Employment Conditions
- The appointment is initially for 2 years initially, but could be extended subject to funding and successful project objectives being met.
- Salary £42,000 dependent on qualifications and experience (Year 1).
How to Apply
Please apply by emailing a cover letter and CV to wendi@stranraerwatersports.com
Closing date for applications is 19th December 2025.
For further information please email wendi@stranraerwatersports.com