Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 41,500 students and about 4,600 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, is hiring a Project Manager for the Badminton Competence Centre at the School of Sport Sciences. The position is a temporary appointment (50% of full-time) for six months, with the possibility of extension. The starting date is as soon as possible or by agreement.
The Badminton Competence Centre (BKC) in Umeå is a collaborative initiative between Umeå University, Umeå Municipality, and the Swedish Badminton Association. Established in 2017, its mission is to support the development of Swedish badminton through knowledge and competence development, benefiting both elite and grassroots sports. The centre is led by a project manager who also serves as operations manager and coach.
The position is based at the School of Sport Sciences at Umeå University. The School of Sport Sciences coordinates and develops education, research, collaboration, and innovation within the field of sports science. It hosts five competence centres in partnership with Umeå Municipality and national sports federations: badminton, athletics, floorball, cross-country skiing, and orienteering/ski orienteering. The School of Sport Sciences also coordinates the university’s elite student-athlete programme under the concept of dual careers. Since 2015, Umeå University has been designated a Swedish National Sports University, and the vision of the School of Sport Sciences is: “Collaboration and expertise for a world-class School of Sport Sciences.”
Would you like to contribute to the development of Swedish badminton while helping elite athletes successfully combine their sporting ambitions with university studies? In this role, you will collaborate closely with athletes, coaches, clubs, the national federation, and the university.
Duties and Responsibilities
As Project Manager, Operations Manager, and Coach, you will be responsible for ensuring that the activities of the Badminton Competence Centre (BKC) are organised, implemented, monitored, and documented in accordance with established criteria. You will lead the daily training activities for BKC students and support their athletic development. You will also work to strengthen the appeal of BKC for elite badminton players who wish to combine high-performance sport with studies at Umeå University, in close collaboration with the Swedish Badminton Association.
The role includes leading and delivering training for BKC student-athletes, developing individual training plans in collaboration with strength and conditioning coaches, providing guidance and support to students, and facilitating access to the School of Sport Sciences’ performance support team. You will also function as a key point of contact between BKC, athletes’ personal coaches, and national team coaches when required.
In addition, you will be responsible for managing the operational budget and monitoring financial performance, coordinating the admissions process for student-athletes based on sporting merit in collaboration with the Swedish Badminton Association, and supporting the marketing and promotion of the programme. The position also involves reporting to the BKC Steering Committee, participating in steering committee meetings as an adjunct member, and contributing to the ongoing activities of the School of Sport Sciences, including staff meetings, planning days, and operational review and evaluation processes.
Qualifications
We are looking for candidates who hold a university degree at a minimum bachelor’s level in a field relevant to the position, such as sport sciences, education, coaching, or another equivalent qualification. You must have documented knowledge and expertise in badminton and experience of planning, leading, and evaluating long-term athlete development. In addition, you must have experience in translating individual development goals into daily training activities. Strong administrative skills and good computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office are also important skills.
As a person, you are proactive, communicative, and capable of working independently while building strong relationships with athletes, coaches, and collaborative partners. You can create a safe, challenging, and performance-oriented development environment in which athletes take responsibility for both their own and the group's development. You apply a reflective and evidence-based approach to coaching, are motivated to develop your coaching practice, and can translate relevant research and proven experience into practical application.
You hold a relevant coaching qualification through the Swedish Badminton Association, BWF, BEC, or possess equivalent documented competence. Advanced coaching qualifications, such as BWF Coach Level 2, Level 3, ADVANCE, or equivalent, are considered particularly advantageous. Additional merits include personal experience as an elite athlete, knowledge of elite sport in combination with academic studies (dual career pathways). Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.
Additional Information
This is a part-time temporary position (50%) for six months, with the possibility of extension. The position is based at the administrative office of the School of Sport Sciences, located at IKSU Sport in Umeå. The appointment will commence as soon as possible or as agreed.
For further information, please contact Pernilla Eriksson, Deputy Director Tel: +46 (0)90-786 55 29, Email: pernilla.eriksson@umu.se
More information about the School of Sport Sciences at Umeå University can be found at: www.umu.se/ih.
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
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