Head of Social Impact FTC

Organisation

Rugby Football League

Salary

Competitive

Location

Etihad Campus, Manchester M11 3FF

Contract type

Fixed Term (Full time)

Closing date

1 October 2026

Job Description

RFL Community Trust - Head of Social Impact (FTC)

The Rugby Football League (RFL) is the governing body for the Sport of Rugby League in the United Kingdom.

An exciting opportunity has arisen at the RFL Community Trust, a charitable vehicle dedicated to furthering Rugby League’s social impact goals. The successful candidate will have the responsibility to maximise Rugby League’s proven ability to deliver positive social outcomes and support people and communities through tackling the inequalities and barriers that exist within society.
RFL Community Trust Aims:
To increase the sport’s social value, support development of new partnerships, and provide a route towards helping sustain existing non-participation-based provisions by being an additional vehicle for our incredible sport to achieve social impact aims.
Working together with the National Governing Body and the Rugby League Charitable Foundations (CCOs), connected by OuRLeague Life – our sports social impact brand, the Trust works across multiple sectors to make significant social change through Rugby League.

The RFL are currently recruiting for RFL Community Trust - Head of Social Impact

The purpose of this role is
• Lead the delivery of an innovative and inclusive climate action programme that uses the power of Rugby League to inspire positive environmental change across local communities, in collaboration with RL Foundation and project partners.
• Further develop Rugby Leagues role as a national leader in social impact.
• Manage key relationships with leading national and regional partners in the relevant sectors.
• Support regional Rugby League network groups to take a collaborative working approach in their area.
• Manage OuRLeague Life staff team, overall budget and reporting framework
• Lead OuRLeague Life’s strategic direction
• Lead the co-ordination of key communications events and awareness raising activations.
• Work in accordance with the Trust’s policy’s ensuring all activities are delivered safely and professionally.
• Assume other duties as required by the Chairman and Board of Trustees

In order to be successful in the role you will need

• Strong project management skills including a minimum of five years experience
• A minimum of five years of experience working as a social impact manager or equivalent
• A minimum of five years of people management experience
• Excellent inter-personal skills with the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with public, private and third sector partners
• Know and understand local, regional and national strategies
• Knowledge of how data can be used to improve outcomes and inform workstreams
• Understand equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles and their application in the workplace

Qualifications Required:

• An appropriate degree
• A driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Hold current Enhanced DBS Certificate (or willing to acquire)
• Safeguarding and First Aid qualification (or willing to acquire)
• NVQ level 3 in English or equivalent
• NVQ level 3 in Maths or equivalent

About the climate action programme:
Thanks to National Lottery players, Rugby League has received over £1.5 million from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK, to help the Rugby League communities across the country to reduce the impact of human activity on the climate through 'Try for Tomorrow’.
This social impact programme will help tackle climate change through dedicated and action-filled educational sessions on food, energy, transport, waste, nature and water delivered in our community to 200 schools. It will also support 100 community clubs to become more sustainable by launching ‘Utility Benches’ that are multi-banks, acting as a catalyst for climate action!
The RFL recognises the enhanced creativity, performance, and legitimacy of an organisation that embraces and celebrates diversity and are actively striving to realise these benefits across the whole organisation. We recognise that to fully deliver on our mission and be true to our guiding principles, we must be representative of the communities which we serve.

We have committed to achieving gender parity and greater diversity across the organisation and strongly encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates from under-represented sections of the community, whether based on sex, gender, race, disability, sexuality, lower socio-economic groups, or other characteristics. We would be pleased to discuss our culture and commitments with any interested individuals.

The role is a Fixed Term Contract for 3 years with full-time hours

Remuneration: Competitive plus company benefits. This role is full time and based in Manchester, however due to the nature of the role, travel and flexibility with hours may be required. The RFL encourages a flexible and hybrid working environment.

How to apply

This is only a summary of the role as it currently exists and is not meant to be exhaustive. If you would like to be considered for the RFL Community Trust- Head of Social Impact or have any questions, please email People.Team@rfl.co.uk with a CV and cover note/email outlining why you wish to be considered. Accessible application methods are also accepted such as video clip submissions. Please email for further information on accessible formats. Applications close 1st October 2026.

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