University Tennis Centre Assistant


The following are the main accountabilities for the job. Other duties, commensurate with the grading of the job, may also be assigned from time to time.
• Increasing participation levels of students and staff at The University of Kent through the planning and delivery of tennis sessions, programmes and competitions suitable for a variety of playing abilities.
• Present Tennis to a variety of different customers within a range of sessions with an awareness of the principles and practice of all Tennis formats understanding their suitability for different age ranges, abilities and experience. This may include, but is not limited to Mini Tennis, Adult Tennis, Cardio Tennis and Tournament delivery.
• Support the Tennis Development Manager with Tennis engagement and outreach at local partner schools, colleges and other organisations with the delivery of Tennis roadshows, tournaments and Coach Education.
• Assist the Tennis Development Manager in scheduling a team of Tennis coaches who support the University Tennis programme through session delivery and individual coaching.
• To assist in the administration and organisation of all University Tennis Programmes including court and session bookings, website updates, equipment set up and breakdown and communication with customers.
• Accurately monitor the numbers for participation, competition and retention and feedback to Kent Sport and the LTA on a regular basis using agreed spreadsheet templates or information systems.
• Work in partnership with marketing to assist in the promotion and publicity of the tennis programme through agreed marketing, communication and social media channels whilst working closely with student club representatives.
• Support with the delivery of children’s sport and activity sessions and vacation camps.
• Understand and implement designated procedures to ensure all children are engaged in a fun, inclusive and safe environment.
Kent Sport is responsible for physical activity and wellbeing at the University of Kent. The department supports students, University staff and members of the public through facilities and services delivered on the Canterbury Campus. Kent Sport is actively seeking to recruit a University Tennis Centre Assistant to support the Tennis Development Manager in the day to day running of the Tennis programme at the University of Kent. The post holder will seek to increase the tennis provision on all fronts from recreational participation through to high performance and competitions for student, staff and community members, delivering a year round tennis programme to support of the goals of the LTA and Kent Sport developing opportunities for players of all levels.
The role offers variety through administrative tasks and practical activity delivery in the four court Kent Indoor Tennis & Events Arena (KITEA) as well as being part of the wider Kent Sport Team responsible for the delivery of a comprehensive and diverse programme of sport and physical activity sessions and one-off events engaging students, staff and the community in various forms of physical activity. Working under the leadership and mentorship of the Tennis Development Manager this role requires a creative team focused individual who can contribute efficiently and effectively to the delivery of an outstanding customer service that will contribute positively to the wider departmental strategy, to create and embed an Active Campus.
The post will be for a fixed 18 month term and consist of 20 hours per week organising and developing tennis opportunities for all members. The post is part-funded by the Lawn tennis Association as part of the University’s Tier 2 status as a LTA endorsed facility and programme.
The person specification details the necessary skills, qualifications, experience or other attributes needed to carry out
the job. Applications will be measured against the criteria published below.
Selection panels will be looking for clear evidence and examples in an application, or cover letter (where applicable),
which back-up any assertions made in relation to each criterion.
Essential Criteria:
• LTA Level 1 (or above) Tennis Coaching Qualification
• Practical experience of coaching and engaging different individuals in Tennis activity, drills, practice scenarios
and matches appropriate for different ability levels and experience
• Good understanding of coaching formats, principles and practice including both the tactical and technical
elements of tennis
• Experiencing of administrating, coordinating and planning tennis activities, events or leagues
• Excellent interpersonal skills including oral and written communication, demonstrating the ability to deal
confidently with a range of people at all levels
• A passion for working in a team environment and working towards a common objective offering a flexible
approach to support operational needs
• Knowledge and understanding of the barriers to participation in physical activity and experience of
overcoming these challenges
• Firm commitment to achieving the University’s vision and values, with a passion for a transformative student
experience and multidisciplinary, impactful research
• Commitment to deliver and promote equality, diversity and inclusivity across all sports development
activities and events
• Good IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office packages and social media platforms
Desirable Criteria:
• Experience of working with children and/or engaging children in physical activity and sport
• An understanding of the Higher Education environment in a sports provision context
• Passion for tennis and other sports recognising the physical and mental wellbeing impact of physical activity
and sport
• First Aid qualification
• Experience of using a Leisure Management online booking system
• Ability to liaise, communicate and negotiate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
How to apply
Visit the University of Kent Website here to apply:
https://jobs.kent.ac.uk/CS-361-25