Head of Projects & Participation

EFL (English Football League); Preston; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the EFL as the Head of Projects & Participation, driving impactful programmes and improving participation within communities. This role is crucial for enhancing the lives of those connected to EFL Football Clubs and ensuring sustainable community engagement through innovative projects.

Benefits

Flexibility in hybrid working

Opportunity to impact local communities

Supportive work culture focused on diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of the charity, sport, health, participation, cohesion & education sectors.
• Experience in project financial management.
• Ability to lead innovative programmes in community settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of impactful programmes addressing community needs.
• Support FCc’s in improving project outcomes.
• Manage bespoke projects and coordinate with partners.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Community Engagement

Stakeholder Management

Problem Solving

Education

Degree level education in a relevant subject

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Post Title:Head of Projects & Participation

Contract Type:Permanent

Workplace:UK Hybrid. Offices in Preston and London

Reporting to:Business Head of Community Programmes & Operations

The EFL is about two things; great football competition on the pitch and improving lives of people in communities off it. With more than 40 million people living within 10 miles of an EFL Club, the potential to connect with local people is as great as it has ever been

We are looking for a driven and dedicatedHead of Projects & Participationto head up our Projects & Participation Team within EFL in the Community. This is a crucial role that benefits millions through EFL Football Club charity support, helping to better the lives of people through the power of EFL Clubs.

JOB OUTLINE

The Head of Projects & Participation will lead the EFLitC’s approach to all projects and programmes, aiming to grow the involvement and improve the lives of the communities that the FCc’s serve. This role will support the network of FCc’s to improve its programmes to directly address inequalities, enhancing the quality of life and opportunities within EFL communities.

As well as managing and leading on all projects and programmes, the Head of Projects & Participation’s goal will be to improve participation in communities, working with our FCc’s through innovative and impactful projects and programmes. This role will be key to working with the FCc’s to facilitate participation and help contribute towards our commitment to Sport England to get more people more active and contribute to reducing societal inequalities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

FOOTBALL CLUB CHARITY SUPPORT

• Lead and develop impactful and innovative programmes that respond to the needs of EFL communities
• Support FCc’s to develop innovative programmes that respond to the challenges and issues faced in EFL communities related to health, community cohesion and education and employability
• Oversee the University of South Wales programme and its delivery, maintaining key relationships and improving the programme outcomes year-on-year
• Identify and share innovation and best practice across the network
• Leading on and consistently improving upon projects being managed and delivered
• Managing the delivery of bespoke projects and coordinating with Partnership Relationship Managers and Sports Development and Participation Officers to ensure the best possible use of resources throughout the Projects & Participation Team
• To keep the current project and programmes delivered relevant and in line with the needs of EFL FCc communities

LEADERSHIP & EXPERTISE

• Support the Partnership Relationship Managers to maintain and build on key relationships with partners and stakeholders
• Work with the Education and Employability Manager to lead and develop education and employability programme opportunities that align with the needs of FCc’s
• Work with the Business Head of Community Programmes and Operations and other ‘Heads of’ to deliver the Sport England vision and key goals associated with our System Partnership
• Support a culture across the organisation of co-design and co-production to create person-centred programmes
• Work with the Head of Income Generation to ensure sustainability of funding streams for key projects and programmes
• Work with the Head of Insight and Impact at the start of programmes and projects to identify key outcome measures and the required data collection
• To horizon-scan for new projects and programmes, working closely with theSupporting FCc’s team and the Head of Income Generation and Innovation

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING

• A great knowledge of the charity, sport, health, participation, cohesion & education and employability sector and how to appeal to communities to get involved in programmes
• Committed to understanding and listening to the needs of the FCc network
• An understanding of the practicalities of delivering projects and programmes in the charitable sector
• Understands the wider football landscape, the reach EFL Clubs have within their local communities and how to maximise that potential
• Ideally educated to Degree level or equivalent within a relevant subject

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Demonstrable competency as a leader within a charitable organisation
• Able to develop and deliver innovative projects with and to a large and diverse stakeholder base
• Demonstrable competency in project financial management across a wide-ranging portfolio
• Excellent leadership and people management skills
• Strong skill in the use of Microsoft software and packages including Excel
• Fantastic organisational and time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to influence decision makers at a senior level

ATTRIBUTES

• A strong relationship builder, who can gain the trust and buy-in of multiple people, from FCCs and partners to employees of the EFLitC
• An exceptional leader, who can empower those under their leadership to deliver the absolute best
• A natural problem solver who can plan projects from a proactive approach but can react to issues as and when presented
• Lead by example by contributing to promoting the Core Values of the EFLitC:

1. We are passionate about people
2. We listen to learn
3. We continually improve
4. We lead by example

INTRODUCTION TOEFL in the COMMUNITY (EFLitC)

The EFL is about two things; great football competition on the pitch and improving lives of people in communities off it. With more than 40 million people living within 10 miles of an EFL Club, the potential to connect with local people is as great as it has ever been.

EFL in the Community is the charitable arm of the EFL (English Football League).

EFL in the Community (formerly the EFL Trust) was established in 2008 to support the groundbreaking work of EFL Football Club charities.

This network of charities across England and Wales use the power of the Club badge to reach people who need help. They deliver a wide range of initiatives focused on improving health and wellbeing; raising aspirations and realising potential – building stronger, more cohesive EFL communities.

Football Club charities engaged over 1.1 million participants last season and generated a total of £1.24 billion worth of social value across the full range of community initiatives and programmes.

OUR VISION

A collective network of 72 distinct organisations each equipped and empowered to address their community’s diverse social challenges using the power of football to improve lives.

OUR MISSION

• We willenhance and amplify the capacity and capability of the EFL Club Community Organisations.
• We willsupport the network to develop greater social value and create stronger and healthier communities.
• We willcollaborate, lead and serve. We will be our network’s greatest supporter.

OUR TEAM AT THE EFL & EFLitC

The EFL & EFLitC offers a unique opportunity to work with some of the biggest sporting competitions, clubs, commercial partnerships and media in the market.

We look for the best people who approach their work with energy, excellence and commitment.

Our employees are crucial to our success and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are fundamental elements of building our team.

If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this in your application.

EFLitC reserves the right to close this advertisement early should we receive sufficient applications.