Please note that this role may close earlier than advertised due to high levels of interest. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

The Role:

The RFU has recently launched Plan 2030: ‘More Than A Game’, which is our strategy to grow rugby across England for the next five years.

Our strategy contains four big goals that support and connect to one another - Play, Perform, Follow and Fund. In ‘Play’ we’re aiming to have an additional 50,000 registered players and have more people playing rugby for longer. One of the ways we are planning to unlock this growth is through a transformation in how the RFU delivers community rugby by creating seven Regional Growth Partnership Boards tasked with driving participation, building partnerships, and unlocking funding opportunities within their region.

The RFU is creating a new regional structure to help grow Rugby Union across England. Each region will focus on increasing playing opportunities, managing funding for growth projects, building strong relationships, and developing partnerships with key groups such as clubs, CBs, the professional game, and local organisations.

The Regional Partnerships Manager will work closely with, and act as a number two for, the Regional Chair and Board to shape how the region works with clubs, CBs, RFU staff, and wider partners. They will also manage the Regional Fundraising Manager, a critical role which is responsible for securing extra income to support rugby growth in the area.

This role will lead the creation and delivery of the regional plan, using local insight, RFU data, and input from community stakeholders - both within and beyond rugby - to help achieve the RFU’s aim of “more people playing, for longer.”

What the role will do:

• Lead the development of a clear regional growth plan based on local needs and opportunities.
• Build strong working relationships with clubs, CBs, education bodies, community groups, RFU colleagues, the professional game, and other regionally relevant groups.
• Support and guide the Regional Fundraising Manager to secure extra income that enables more rugby activity across the region.

Impact/Outcomes

• More people playing rugby through well planned and well supported programmes.
• Stronger partnerships that make it easier and more effective to deliver rugby opportunities locally.
• Increased funding and resources that allow the region to expand its reach and support long term growth.

Some key responsibilities include:

• Work with the Independent Chair and Regional Board to build strong relationships with key regional partners - such as councils, charities, businesses, and education providers - to create new opportunities for rugby growth.
• Act as a deputy to the Independent Chair when necessary.
• Engage with clubs, CBs, professional clubs (PWR, Prem and Champ), RFU staff, and wider partners to develop a Regional Plan that increases the number and diversity of people playing rugby.
• Work with RFU colleagues to allocate and manage funding so Regional Plan projects can be delivered effectively, using both RFU investment and external funding.
• Line manage the Regional Fundraising Manager and support them in securing extra income to help the region grow and become financially sustainable.
• Create a positive, inclusive, and results focused environment for the regional team and stakeholders.
• Manage reporting on regional activity - both operational and financial - and share progress against KPIs with the RFU, Regional Board, and other stakeholders.
• Use data, insight, and local knowledge to think creatively about how to promote rugby in the region, bringing a “start‑up” mindset.
• Build strong working relationships across the RFU to share learning and support consistent, effective practice.
• Acting as an ambassador for, and promoting the best interests of the RFU, including the promotion of our culture and core values – This Rose Means Everyone: Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other.
• Undertaking other duties as may be required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the post and the needs of the organisation.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

The skills and attributes outlined in this description are not exhaustive and we welcome candidates who can bring different relevant experiences to the role.

Essential:

• Proven experience creating and delivering strategic and operational plans that achieve clear targets.
• Strong understanding of grassroots/community sport and its benefits for local communities.
• Excellent partnership skills, with the ability to collaborate, challenge constructively, and influence at all levels.
• Experience bringing different stakeholder groups together to agree and deliver shared goals.
• Knowledge of fundraising or wider commercial experience.
• Good financial skills, including managing budgets, performance and risk.
• Experience leading a high‑performing team that delivers results quickly.
• Good judgement and a creative, problem‑solving mindset.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
• Confident communicator who can deliver clear written and verbal messages.
• Able to work independently, manage time well, and handle multiple priorities.
• Self‑aware and committed to ongoing personal and professional development.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Smartsheet.
• Committed to embodying the ethos our culture by using our three core values – Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other – to guide your day-to-day decisions, actions and interactions.
• Committed to actively contributing and building an inclusive culture in your role and day to day behaviours.

Desirable:

• Previous marketing and/or communications experience.
• Degree level education or higher desirable, but not essential.

Additional Information:

• We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If there is anything we could do to support you through your application or to provide the best environment for your interviews, including assistance or adjustment, please reach out to recruitment.
• During your application, we will ask questions about your identity. This information is considered highly confidential and will not be seen by hiring managers. You can find out more about why we ask these questions here.

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