Club and Community Development Officer (South East)

Organisation: Bowls Development Alliance
Salary: £25,000
Location: Home based with responsibility for delivering programmes in Essex
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 22 February 2026
Interview date: 2 March 2026
Job Description: The Organisation:

The Bowls Development Alliance (BDA) is a dedicated organisation leading the development of the sport of bowls in England. Working in partnership with Bowls England (BE), the English Indoor Bowling Association Ltd (EIBA), the British Crown Green Bowling Association (BCGBA), and the English Short Mat Bowling Association (ESMBA), the BDA’s core purpose is to "sustain, grow, and develop the sport in partnership with the Bowls family."
Bowls is a widely enjoyed sport with low barriers to entry, offering opportunities for participation throughout the year. It is accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities, from recreational players to elite competitors. Currently, there are approximately 300,000 club members across more than 5,400 clubs playing bowls in England.

The Role:

The BDA is seeking an enthusiastic, motivated, and highly organised individual to support the delivery of the County Development Programme (Essex) and the wider Club Offer. Our fundamental aim is to "place bowls at the heart of every community as an accessible sport for all."
In this role, you will play a crucial part in achieving the BDA’s targets as set out by Sport England. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact on the grassroots of the sport by supporting and developing clubs and communities across designated areas. You will work closely with key partners to enhance the long-term sustainability of bowls while promoting its benefits for physical, mental, and social well-being.

About You:

The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in sports development, including working with clubs at a grassroots level, along with a strong understanding of the sporting landscape. We are looking for a people-oriented individual who can effectively engage with and support clubs, communities, and volunteers.
How to apply: To apply for this exciting position, please email your CV along with a covering letter (maximum of 2 pages) outlining how you meet the job description and person specification, and why you are suited for the role, to HR@BowlsDevelopmentAlliance.com. For a full Job Description and Person Specification, please visit the BDA website https://bowlsdevelopmentalliance.com/2026/01/30/recruiting-club-and-community-development-officer-south-east-of-england/ For an informal discussion about the position, please contact David Bolt, Club Development Team Leader, on 07826 929558 or email DavidBolt@BowlsDevelopmentAlliance.com