Athlete Consultant - Rugby

Organisation: Varsity Nine
Salary: £24,000-£28,000 + commission (£35K-£40K OTE)
Location: Hybrid (Milton Keynes office)
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 30 June 2025
Job Description: The Athlete Consultant will be at the heart of driving Varsity Nine's exciting athletics expansion strategy. This is a dynamic role that combines autonomy, opportunity, and incredible rewards—perfect for someone with an ambitious mindset who is ready to immerse themselves within a department designed to develop future Olympians and elite athletes via our US Sports Scholarship services.

We’re looking for passionate ex-student-athletes within rugby who feel their skills and experience align with this game-changing opportunity.

If you're ready to make an impact and be a part of something truly extraordinary, we want to hear from you!

RESPONSIBILITIES/OVERVIEW

Working alongside the Head of Athlete Recruitment you will:

- Help to build and implement strategies for elite athlete recruitment and placement of these athletes into into American universities;
- Identify strategic partnerships and opportunities to help establish and enhance the Varsity Nine brand in the marketplace;
- Use your subject knowledge to create ways of innovating our US Sports Scholarship service offering;
- Provide the marketing department with guidance on marketing materials and collateral required to promote our service offering.

RECRUITING ELITE ATHLETES

- Responsible for building and managing your own sales pipeline and opportunities through prospecting online via social media or other outlets;
- Responsible for delivering consultation meetings with prospective -athletes and parents to qualify and sign on to the agency;
- Delivering in-person or online presentations and webinars to prospective athletes educating them about the US pathway, our offering and the process of achieving a scholarship;
- Driving the department to achieve the overall recruitment team target;
- Attending recruitment fairs to speak with prospective athletes, schools and colleges about the pathway we offer;
- Discovering and attending sporting events to increase your network and prospective clientele;
- Responding to all inbound phone calls, social messages and emails from prospective customers in a timely manner, including responding to all athletes who may communicate via text or Whatsapp;
- Updating the necessary notes in the company CRM, log the calls and change the deal stages in relation to the outcome of the consultation;
- Building relationships with clubs and organisations to create a method of recruiting athletes.

PLACING ELITE ATHLETES

- Successfully place Varsity Nine clients by securing scholarship offers on their behalf;
- Liaise with clients and US coaches to secure best possible deals;
- Negotiate scholarship contracts and close agreements to maximise offer for the athlete;
- Manage a portfolio of assigned clients effectively;
- Work effectively within the placement timeframe;
- Build and maintain strong, long-lasting customer relationships;
- Handle inbound enquiries from US coaches / Athletic programme in a timely manner;
- Ensure clients have successfully created their athletes profile on website;
- Consistently offer excellent customer service and successfully place all clients for required class;
- Liaise with parents during process when needed

SUPPORTING DUTIES

- Create and maintain an onboarding US coach strategy;
- Continuous research to find US universities recruiting needs;
- Increase US coaches contact/network;
- Liaise with US coaches and US Admissions staff (including outbound calls and emails);
- Update database/CRM with notes/data on a weekly basis and ensure all relevant information is captured throughout the process;
- Maintain the speed and quality required for each CRM dashboard stage;
- Understand and retain information about the US route and the Varsity Nine process;
- Understand each clients requirements and needs, once they have been handed over from our Account Coordinator;
- Remain in constant contact with our Account Coordinator to be aware of any changes to clients needs and requirements;
- Maintain regular contact with the team of talent scouts who will be a source of athlete referrals;
- Be aware, and attend events and conferences that will support your network or subject knowledge growth;
- Ensure the VN process is followed with direction from your line manager;
- Be available to attend the necessary in person company wide events;
- Be available to work within a metric drive environment and have confidence to surpass targets

PACKAGE

- £24,000-£28,000 + commission (£35K-£40K OTE)
- Workplace pension scheme (NEST)
- 21 Days annual leave + public holiday + extended Christmas leave
- Opportunity to travel both nationally and internationally throughout the year
- Opportunity to develop alongside the growth of the company
How to apply: To apply, please submit your CV (and cover letter) to hello@varsitynine.com.