RPRA DEVELOPMENT OFFICER JOB ADVERT -

[willie reynolds]

RPRA DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
JOB ADVERT

Background

The participation in showing and racing pigeons is in decline. In 1989 the RPRA membership was estimated at 60,000 and in 2017 this
membership has dropped to a level of 21,000, a reduction of over 60% in less than 30 years.
If current trends continue it is likely that the membership numbers will continue to fall by 5% year on year. However, if we take into
consideration that a significant proportion of our membership are above retirement age and there are few new members coming into
the sport it is likely that the level of membership will reduce at a far greater rate in future years.
Taking the above into consideration the RPRA has taken the decision to run a pilot project over a period of 12 months to increase
participation by raising awareness of the sport. This includes the employment of a part time (2.5days per week) Development Officer,
working over a regional area (area dependent on the location of successful candidate).
If the project is proved successful then the term of the project will be extended, including the possibility of the post becoming a
permanent, full time position within the RPRA.

Development Officer
The Development Officer will be based from home. The aims and objectives of the role will be to promote the pigeon sport at
community, regional and national level through the employment of a part time development officer supported by professional public
relations activities, RPRA HQ and the Chief Executive.
Criteria for the post
• Full UK driving license and access to a car
• Actively involved in or has in-depth knowledge of the pigeon sport.
• Ability to communicate with a wide range of people – including different age groups.
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrates a passion for the pigeon sport
• A flexible, creative and proactive approach
• The ability to identify and take advantage of opportunities
• Able to think ‘outside the box’
• Ability to manage targets and evidence achievement against targets
• Self-motivation and be able to work from home
• Able to work flexible hours including evening and weekends when required.
Strategy
The project will be aligned to a number of strategic opportunities, taking advantage of existing government policy, projects that are
aligned to the education curriculum and avenues to local groups, events and funding such as:
Schools and Youth Groups- The Flying Back to Nature and Secret Messages projects have already proven successful.The Secret Messages
project uses a powerful marketing strategy where schools invite the project into their school. The project is promoted on the TES
(teaching resources) website and it can be booked by any school. During visits the development officer will also promote the School lofts
projects already funded by the RPRA with a view increasing the number of school lofts.
Government Policy – The issue of social isolation and its impact on the general health of an individual which in turn places further
pressures on public services and budgets is something that Government is currently looking for solutions. Government, both local and
national, are looking for opportunities to encourage people to be socially interactive and physically active - therefore improving their
health and wellbeing; what better way is there to achieve this than taking up pigeon racing and enjoying the social aspect of the sport
whilst keeping active? This type of policy can be used to secure funding and is an avenue to present to community groups and hopefully
gain support through government.
Links with other projects – One project that aims to tackle the above issue of social isolation is called ‘Men’s Sheds.’ This organisation
runs a project that simply provides sheds in a community based environment (for men) to tackle the issue of health and wellbeing. Surely
these sheds would be enhanced with a sputnik trap on the front of them? The Development Officer will be required to build
relationships with these projects, for mutual benefit.
Funding – One of the barriers to becoming a pigeon fancier is cost, especially for children. Therefore, the project would make links with
community based and national funders. Applications would come from local clubs to support the set-up costs for new starters but also
support and fund existing Club members. These applications would be developed and supported by the Development Officer and HQ.
Summary
Salary: £12,500, based on 2.5 days a week, 17.5hrs
Contract: Fixed Term – 12 months
Expenses: The job will require extensive travel. Travel costs and expenses will be reimbursed. Home-based costs such as broadband
connection will also be reimbursed.
Closing Date: Wednesday 28th March 2018
Interview Date: To be Confirmed
To apply please forward your CV along with a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet
the criteria for the position and any other relevant information to:
Ian Evans, Royal Pigeon Racing Association, Reddings House, The Reddings, Cheltenham GL51 6RN
or email to: ianevans@rpra.org