Football Development Officer

British Universities and Colleges Sports; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports organization in the UK is seeking a Football Development Officer to coordinate programmes that align with strategic objectives. The role involves delivering leadership development for students and managing relationships with key partners. Candidates should have strong coordination skills and the ability to work collaboratively in the education sector, directly impacting grassroots football initiatives. The position involves occasional evening and weekend work, offering a dynamic environment within sports development.

Qualifications

• Experience in coordinating development programmes or events.
• Strong understanding of grassroots football and educational institutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate programmes supporting BUCS and FA strategic objectives.
• Develop student keys skills and professional networks through leadership programmes.
• Manage relationships with key partners to foster collaboration.

Skills

Coordination skills

Leadership development

Relationship management

Monitoring and evaluation

Education

Relevant higher education degree

Job description

Main Purpose(s)

The Football Development Officer will coordinate programmes and deliver events which directly support the delivery of the strategic objectives relating to the BUCS Strategy and The FA Grassroots Strategy ‘A Thriving Grassroots Game’ 2024-2028. The post holder will also be responsible for supporting the Senior Football Development Manager in reporting on the development of non-competitive football within Higher Education (HE) institutions. The role requires collaboration with The FA, member institutions and other key stakeholders relevant to the development of the grassroots game.

The focus of this role will be to deliver on the workforce and leadership targets within The FA and BUCS four-year strategic plan aimed at increasing the number of staff, volunteers, coaches, and match officials receiving CPD. This will be achieved through delivering development opportunities to BUCS Accredited universities, including but not limited to the Women’s Leadership Programme, Football Club Committee Leader events and University Football Coaching Hubs.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Coordinate the delivery of The FA University Women’s Leadership Programme to develop students key skills, and behaviours, and provide access to a professional network through an innovative learning and development programme.

Coordinate The FA University Women’s Leadership Alumni Programme through creation of innovative partnerships and projects that continue to develop dynamic behaviours, professional networks and employability skills of the leadership programme graduates.

Coordinate the delivery of innovative student leader development opportunities including leading on the delivery of the Football Club Committee leaders’ network and Football Coaching Hubs programme.

Support the Senior Football Development Manager with managing The FA relationship by undertaking effective monitoring and evaluating of all funded initiatives outlined in the contract. Including but not limited to:

• Coordinate monitoring and evaluation of all programme including The FA University Women’s Leadership Programme.
• Coordinate updates as and when required by The FA Relationship Manager.
• Provide the Senior Football Development Manager with relevant report information prior to all FA Quarterly Reviews and FA Education Partner Forum meetings.

Support and inform BUCS on the ongoing development and evolution of The FA and BUCS four-year strategic plan.

Work with the Football Development Team on budgeting, forecasting and reporting processes that align to accreditation and member services in line with The FA and BUCS financial processes requirements.

Support the Senior Football Development Manager to:

• Embed the Women and Girls accreditation standards across all BUCS Football Accredited Universities.
• Drive the development of women’s football participation within institutions to provide equality of access to opportunities and enhance the female playing pathway.

Support BUCS to secure further FA investment into the HE sector in line with The FA Education Strategy and The FA planning processes.

Other

Identify and develop mutually beneficial partnerships that support the development of football and BUCS led initiatives; manage relationships with selected key partners. Achieve this by identifying priority partners, opportunities for collaboration and agreeing ways to work inclusively together.

Coordinate frequent interaction between the FE/HE education team led by The FA and the wider BUCS Development Team.

To undertake other duties, activities and responsibilities as required in the delivery of BUCS business.

This role will involve weekend and evening work and overnight stays at BUCS events.

Professionally represent BUCS at all times.