Scottish Handball Association

Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Scottish Handball Association (SHA)

Salary: £30k (20 hours per week)

There has never been a better time to be part of the Scottish Handball Association (SHA). Over recent years the SHA achieved significant success in growing our grassroots membership and community participation, while also establishing performance pathways to provide more and more athletes with an opportunity to compete internationally and winning new investment and corporate sponsorship to help continue to grow our sport in an inclusive, sustainable manner. All of which resulted in us winning recognition as Sports Governing Body of the year at the Scottish Sports Awards 2022.

The SHA currently employs a staff of 4.5 FTE, who are dedicated to developing all aspects of the game here in Scotland, with a particular focus on driving increased participation in schools, and amongst Women and Girls. As we approach the mid-point of our 2021-25 strategy cycle, we are seeking a strategically-adept, dynamic, relationship-driven and outcome-focused CEO to build upon our impressive recent progress, and to help define and deliver on a vision which will take our sport on to new levels of achievement going forward.

This exciting leadership role will provide the right candidate with a fantastic opportunity to lead a highly motivated team, working alongside an engaged Board of Directors, and in partnership with national and international agencies, as well as key stakeholders in the European and International Handball Federations. This role would suit an experienced professional who has had some exposure to leadership roles in the sports sector, and also commercial experience of running a small business; but equally we are interested to receive applications from ambitious young leaders who can demonstrate that they possess the skills and potential to step up to a CEO role in a growing and ambitious Sports Governing Body. In either case, knowledge of (and ideally an existing network within and across) private and public sector organisations, as well as the sports governance landscape – especially the Scottish, British and European Handball environments – will be a distinct advantage.

To apply please send a completed resume (including two references) and covering letter to SHA Chair: iain.mckinven@scottishhandball.com. Applications should also detail what notice period candidates would need to provide.

Informal enquires should also be directed to Iain McKinven, SHA Chair

Closing date for applications: Friday 30 Dec 2022

Interviews will be held in Edinburgh on: Wednesday 11 Jan 2023

Role Description (Dec 2022)

Position: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Responsible to: Chair of the Scottish Handball Association (SHA)
Contract Type: Part Time Permanent (20 hours)
Location: Scotland
Salary: £30,000

Overview:

Over the last four years, the Scottish Handball Association (SHA) has experienced an exciting phase of growth and development. The SHA currently employs a staff of 4.5 FTE, who are dedicated to developing all aspects of the game here in Scotland, with a particular focus on driving increased participation in schools, and amongst Women and Girls. As we approach the mid-point of our 2021-25 strategy cycle, we are seeking a strategically-adept, dynamic, relationship-driven and outcome-focused CEO to build upon our impressive recent progress, and to help define and deliver on a vision which will take our sport on to new levels of achievement going forward.

The CEO will be responsible to the Chair and Board of Directors – as well as highly-visible and accountable to our wider membership and key sponsors/stakeholders - and is charged with delivering the organisation’s strategic objectives. The CEO is expected to work closely with the wider Scottish, UK, European and International Handball communities to increase participation and improve athlete performance in an inclusive, sustainable manner. These aims will be underpinned by a commitment to outstanding governance, leadership, an effective marketing strategy and social media capability which helps to grow the sport further in Scotland.

This role would suit an experienced professional who has had some exposure to leadership roles in the sports sector, and also commercial experience of running a small business; but equally we are interested to receive applications from ambitious young leaders who can demonstrate that they possess the skills and potential to step up to a CEO role in a growing and ambitious Sports Governing Body. In either case, knowledge of (and ideally an existing network within and across) private and public sector organisations, as well as the sports governance landscape – especially the Scottish, British and European Handball environments – will be a distinct advantage.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic and Operational Delivery

Work with the Board to monitor and develop the strategic plan and be accountable for performance against it
Establish annual targets, aligned to the strategic goals
Deliver annual operational plans and budgets aligned to the achievement of annual targets
Maintain policies and procedures to ensure that the organisation remains compliant with all relevant legislation and best practice, especially with reference to Safeguarding and the promotion of Equality and Diversity
Work with the Finance Director and Operations Manager to ensure that the organisation manages its finances in accordance with company policy and principles of good governance
Develop an asset base that provides the opportunity to attract commercial income and sponsorship to diversify the company’s income streams
Lead the delivery of the organisation’s sales & marketing plan, and ongoing development of social media presence/capability
Oversee a step change in the organisation’s ability to proactively manage relationships and communications with its stakeholders

Leadership

Ensure that the SHA maintains its reputation as a modern, forward thinking and high-achieving governing body.
Work with the Board and relevant committees to ensure that the organisation upholds the highest standards of governance, in accordance with current best practice
Work with the Board to provide effective leadership to the wider SHA membership and supporters
Recruit and continuously develop staff, establishing an optimal structure and developing a performance culture and clarity of purpose, responsibility and accountability
Establish a collaborative approach to the achievement of strategic and annual goals

Partnerships

Develop and maintain effective partnerships to maximise the impact of SHA with the following non-exhaustive list of organisations:

sportscotland
Scottish Government
Local Authorities/Schools/Leisure Trusts/Facilities Providers
British Handball Association (BHA)
England Handball
Scottish Student Sport (SSS)
Further Education and Higher Education institutions in Scotland
European Handball Federation (EHF)
International Handball Federation (IHF)
Commercial organisations

Person Specification

Applicants for the position of CEO of SHA should meet the following personal specifications.

Key skills and experience required:

Experience in a senior leadership role within a sport-related organisation
Hands-on management, team leadership and colleague development experience
Strong strategic and operational planning skills, and the ability to prioritise work by using resources effectively and efficiently
An ability to build trust and work in partnership with a Board and to harness their knowledge and experience;
Excellent communication skills with evidence of an ability to communicate with a variety of diverse stakeholders, including the media when required
Commercial acumen and sound Financial Management skills acquired through experience of running a successful small business on a sustainable basis;
A track record of producing innovative solutions to business challenges
An understanding of, and interest in Scottish and British Handball
A sound working knowledge of the relationship between sport and the public and private sectors;
Ability to build and maintain strong, transparent relationships with key stakeholders;
Ability to support, challenge and manage a relationship with other Directors, Committee Members and Staff; and
An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of a Company Directo

Behavioural competencies and qualities required:

Outstanding personal and professional integrity;
Strong and clear commitment to facilitating continuous personal and professional development for self and others
A willingness to take direction and advice from the Chair and Board, whilst also feeling confident enough to challenge and listen to alternative views;
Strategic perspective, vision and ability to work positively within a team;
Drive and commitment and the ability to demonstrate this to others;
Strong interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills and the ability to develop effective, sustainable partnerships;
Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership;
A commitment to the sport and the organisation;
Strong intellectual and analytical abilities;
Innovative thinker and ability to focus on the issues timeously;
Dynamic, enthusiastic and energetic;
Resilience and ability to make things happen;
Excellent Relationship and Stakeholder Management skills;
A willingness to be available to all staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basi

Qualifications/skills required:

Undergraduate degree or equivalent
Highly computer literate
Excellent presentation skills
Clean driving license