[Hiring] Chair @British Rowing

Role Description

The JIRR has a proud history of developing event organisers and sports administrators. We are looking for an exceptional individual to drive and develop the event using this as a first step into running major events.

The Chair will lead the JIRR Organising Committee (OC) and provide strategic oversight of Junior Inter-Regional Regatta, evolving and developing the event to serve junior rowing. JIRR brings together young athletes selected to represent regional teams and provides an important early experience of national competition and regional representation that is a first step on the British Rowing pathway.

The role requires a close working relationship with the British Rowing Events staff member(s) who have a key role in delivering all British Rowing Events.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the OC
• Represent the JIRR on relevant British Rowing committees
• Provide support and development for members of the OC in completing their roles
• Set the event’s strategic direction and annual priorities in consultation with key stakeholders
• Ensure a positive competitor, spectator and volunteer experience
• Ensure the regatta is safe, inclusive, well governed and athlete-centred
• Support the Event Manager in planning across all aspects of the competition including safeguarding, welfare, volunteers, officials, communication, finance and risk
• Maintain effective relationships with British Rowing, regional councils, the Junior Rowing Committee, team managers, officials, venue partners, suppliers and other key stakeholders
• Chair regular OC meetings and monitor actions and deadlines, holding committee members to account
• Support the recruitment, development and succession of OC members and volunteers
• Ensure the event complies with British Rowing Regulations, Rules of Racing, RowSafe and safeguarding requirements and any other applicable British Rowing requirements
• Lead the post-event review and ensure lessons are applied to future regattas

Qualifications

• Confidence in chairing meetings
• Experience of effectively leading and motivating a committee, team, project, event or volunteer group
• Excellent communication, organisation and decision-making skills
• The ability to build relationships across different organisations and regions
• A commitment to junior rowing, safeguarding, inclusion and athlete welfare
• The confidence to manage risks and make decisions under pressure
• An inclusive and collaborative leadership style
• Experience in rowing, sporting events, governance, public service or volunteer-led organisations would be advantageous
• No specific formal qualification is required

Requirements

• The role will involve approximately six virtual committee meetings each year
• Regular communication between meetings
• Attendance during the regatta period (including the day before the regatta)
• Participation in event planning and review
• The role is voluntary
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with British Rowing policy
• Accommodation provided during the event where required

To Apply

Please send a letter of application, describing briefly why you think you are qualified for the role, together with an up-to-date sport CV. Applications should be done through personio. The closing date for applications is 12 noon Sunday 6th December 2026.