Applications are invited for the voluntary post of Director of Engagement within the Army Rugby Union (ARU).

The Director of Engagement is a senior, strategic role responsible for leading and coordinating engagement activity across the ARU. The role enhances the profile, reputation, and values of Army Rugby through effective engagement with senior Army and ARU personnel, military units, regional engagement teams, civilian partners, veterans, and the wider rugby community.

The successful applicant will play a key role in ensuring ARU engagement activity supports both ARU objectives and wider Army priorities.

The intended start date for the appointment is 18 May 2026. The role is for an initial period of three years, subject to renewal by the ARU Management Board.

Applicants should submit a rugby CV and short covering email outlining relevant experience and motivation for the role to Kimberley Fowke, the ARU Chief Operating Officer (COO) via EMAIL

• Closing date for applications:Midday Friday 13^thFebruary 2026
• CV sift:By Friday 27^thFebruary 2026
• Interviews:Date to be confirmed
• Interview panel:To be confirmed

All applicants will be contacted following the CV sift. Candidates selected for interview will be notified directly. Following interview, the successful candidate will be informed once all unsuccessful candidates have been contacted.

QUALIFICATION, RANK AND EXPERIENCE CRITERIA

There are no mandatory rank requirements for this post. However, applicants should be able to demonstrate:

• Strong organisational and planning skills, including coordination of senior personnel and complex schedules
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively across multiple levels within the Army, ARU, and external organisations
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, communications, project coordination, or event management (desirable)
• An understanding of the Army, Army Sport, and rugby environment (advantageous)
• The ability to operate professionally with senior officers, ARU officials, and external partners

Applicants must be serving within the British Army (Regular or Reserve) with at least three years’ service remaining from May 2026.

COMMITMENT

This is a prestigious voluntary appointment supporting the strategic profile and influence of Army Rugby.

The role requires a regular and sustained time commitment throughout the year, including:

• Coordination of attendance at key ARU fixtures and events
• Engagement with regional and Army recruitment and engagement teams
• Attendance at meetings and official functions
• Ongoing liaison with ARU leadership, media, and communications teams

Some weekend and evening availability will be required, depending on the fixture calendar.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Engagement reports to the ARU Chair and provides regular updates to the ARU Management Board.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing an ARU engagement strategy aligned with organisational values, objectives, and Army priorities
• Coordinating the diaries and attendance of senior Army and ARU personnel at key fixtures, matches, and events
• Identifying and leading engagement initiatives in collaboration with regional and Army recruitment and engagement teams
• Building partnerships that enhance the reach, reputation, and influence of the ARU
• Working closely with the Media & Communications team to ensure accurate, timely, and effective messaging
• Maintaining oversight of upcoming fixtures and events to identify engagement opportunities
• Representing the ARU at official functions, matches, meetings, and community events
• Providing written and verbal updates to the ARU Chair and Management Board on engagement activity, outcomes, risks, and opportunities
• Ensuring all engagement activity aligns with ARU policy, ethos, values, and strategic objectives

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This is a voluntary appointment. Further details regarding time commitment, transition arrangements, and handover support will be provided to the successful applicant.

The ARU Management Board reserves the right to amend the Terms of Reference associated with this role as required.