Sports development officer: Salary and conditions

• Range of typical starting salaries for an assistant sports development officer: £13,000 - £18,000.
• The typical starting salary for a sports development officer is around £18,000, rising to £29,000 with experience.
• A sports development manager can earn up to £40,000.
• Salaries vary between specialist areas, regions and types of employers. Set pay structures are in place for local authorities and education; however, small governing bodies or initiatives vary widely in their salaries.
• A willingness to work flexible and unsocial hours, including weekends and school holidays, is essential. Working hours can include evening meetings and occasional absences from home.
• Work can involve spending periods of time outdoors in all weathers, overseeing the smooth running of activities you have organised. However, some sports development officers spend much of their time based indoors carrying out administrative tasks.
• Jobs are available throughout the UK.
• The industry often operates using temporary contracts, which can lead to job insecurity.
• The workload can be heavy and stressful due to the need for accountability when managing a budget and writing bids to attract external funding.
• Dress is usually formal for meetings but informal the rest of the time.
• Local travel within a working day to visit venues, attend events and meet with community groups is common, and many posts include a car allowance.
• Absence from home overnight is occasional. Overseas work or travel is unlikely.
• Participation in sport and coaching is encouraged and often supported.

Salary data from SkillsActiveCareers. Figures are intended as a guide only.