Daniel Bowden
Hilton ,South Derbyshire
Summary
A dedicated professional with expertise in leadership and team management, programme and event management, budget and resource management, stakeholder engagement, time management, and communication. Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff and student volunteers while delivering impactful student community initiatives and major events. Skilled in building strong relationships with university departments, partners, and external organisations. Committed to championing inclusive practices across student communities.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Student Communities Manager
Union of Students, University of Derby
2025.07 - 2026.03
- Line manage 3 full-time staff and 2 part-time Student Community Organisers, providing guidance to Sabbatical Officer responsible for student communities.
- Oversee student-led communities across six categories: Academic, Faith & Belief, Hobbies & Interests, Liberation & Equality, Nationalities & Culture, and Sports.
- Oversee staff member responsible for delivering BUCS programme across university sports clubs.
- Lead delivery of annual operational plan, ensuring objectives align with Union strategic priorities.
- Manage departmental budgets and allocate resources to support student group development and engagement initiatives.
- Drive increased student participation and membership across communities using data and insights to measure impact.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with university departments, partners, and key stakeholders.
- Lead planning and delivery of major annual events, including Freshers' Fair, Varsity, committee training programmes, and Union awards ceremonies.
- Ensure student leaders receive training, recognition, and accreditation for their voluntary roles.
- Boosted department efficiency by streamlining operational processes.
- Implemented and monitored health and safety protocols to ensure student safety
Student Activities Manager
Union of Students, University of Derby
2017.10 - 2025.07
- Managed staff supporting sports clubs, societies, and student-led services.
- Oversaw staff member responsible for delivering BUCS programme that also saw University win BUCS 'Most Improved Award' in 2018
- Delivered operational plans aligned with Union strategic objectives.
- Oversaw budgets, events, and student leadership development programmes.
- Planned and executed major student events, including committee training and Union Sports awards.
Sports Participation / Athletic Union Manager
Union of Students, University of Derby
2009.01 - 2017.10
- Managed Union Sports Department (2 staff, 1 Sabbatical Officer, 4 part-time officers).
- Oversaw staff member responsible for delivering BUCS programme that also saw University win BUCS 'Most Improved Award' in 2012
- Developed and implemented University Sports Strategy, catering to all levels from elite to recreational sport.
- Deployed sports club coaches and instructors and managed University NGB participation programmes.
- Promoted on-campus sport provision and Team Derby brand.
Student Activities Coordinator / Administrator
Students Union, University of Derby
2005.08 - 2009.01
- First point of contact for students engaging with sports clubs and societies.
- Organised BUCS weekly fixture programme, liaising with universities, booking transport and facilities, and ensuring H&S compliance.
- Administered 80+ sports club and society accounts, processing orders and invoices.
Loans Servicing Team
Egg Online Bank, Derby
2005.02 - 2005.08
Customer Services Assistant
Marks & Spencer Food, Sutton Coldfield
2004.08 - 2005.01
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sports Studies
University of Derby
Derby 2001.09 - 2004.06
A-Levels -
Arthur Terry School
Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham 1999.09 - 2001.06
GCSEs -
Arthur Terry School
Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham 1994.09 - 1999.07
Skills
- Leadership & Team Management: Lead, motivate, and develop staff and student volunteers
- Programme & Event Management: Deliver student community initiatives and major events
- Budget & Resource Management: Plan and oversee departmental and event budgets
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with university departments, partners, and external organisations
- Time Management & Communication: Produce reports, presentations, and publications effectively
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: Champion inclusive practices across student communities
Accomplishments
Union Employee of the Year 2014 & 2016
Professional Training
- Mental Health First Aid | Derbyshire County Council | 2025
- Mediation Training | Mediation UK | 2023
- Inclusive Leadership | ESF Smart & Inclusive Leadership Programme (SAIL) | 2023
- Mental Health Champion Course | Learn 2 Group | 2022
- Unconscious Bias Training | Equality & Diversity UK | 2019
- Equality & Diversity in Sport | University of Derby | 2017
- Diversity in Action | Energise People Development | 2016
- Leadership Course – Good to Great | Derbyshire Sport | 2015-16
- Train the Trainer | NUS | 2014
- Football Level 1 Coaching | Derbyshire FA | 2012
Timeline
Student Communities Manager
Union of Students, University of Derby
2025.07 - 2026.03
Student Activities Manager
Union of Students, University of Derby
2017.10 - 2025.07
Sports Participation / Athletic Union Manager
Union of Students, University of Derby
2009.01 - 2017.10
Student Activities Coordinator / Administrator
Students Union, University of Derby
2005.08 - 2009.01
Loans Servicing Team
Egg Online Bank, Derby
2005.02 - 2005.08
Customer Services Assistant
Marks & Spencer Food, Sutton Coldfield
2004.08 - 2005.01
Bachelor of Arts - Sports Studies
University of Derby
2001.09 - 2004.06
A-Levels -
Arthur Terry School
1999.09 - 2001.06
GCSEs -
Arthur Terry School
1994.09 - 1999.07