We have an exciting opportunity to join the Kent FA team has Club Development Lead, who will support clubs across the county and help them progress through England Football Accreditation.

Headline details

Job Title: Club Development Lead
Salary: £28,000 - £32,000.
Hours per week: 35 hours per week. The Kent FA currently operates a hybrid working arrangement of 2 days per week in the office and 3 days at home.
Vacancy Type: Full-Time position, 35 hours per week. Fixed Term contract until 2028.
Location: Kent FA HQ, Invicta House, Cobdown Park, London Road, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 6DQ.

There has never been a better time to join the Kent FA to play a leading role in the strategic development of recruiting, retaining and developing match officials within Kent football.

The role

The Kent FA is looking to recruit a dynamic and inspiring Club Development Lead to join our team at a truly exciting time. We are looking for an individual who brings passion and enthusiasm to the team and who will work collaboratively with others, both internally and externally, from the organisation. The successful person will support our delivery of the Thriving Community Clubs section of the Kent County FA Strategy; the aim is to support the Club Development network across Kent, progressing clubs through the England Football accreditation.

The Club Development Lead will report directly to the Head of Football Development and be an important member of the Football Development Team.

This new role will be exciting and rewarding, with the incentive of being part of the Kent FA. To join our team and be successful, you must be able to meet our ‘core' business values. Equally, evidenced by both your application and the recruitment process, the panel must be convinced of your passion, inspiration, and professionalism.

Key responsibilities

Develop and manage positive relationships with two-star and three-star England Football Accredited clubs by engaging key club leaders.
Engage two-star and three-star England Football Accredited clubs with the Thriving Community Clubs Framework and support them with completing relevant assessments for each pillar on the Club Programme Platform.
Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including FA Club Consultants, the Football Foundation, casual workforce roles (e.g. Community Champions), and other strategic partners to support the development of Thriving Community Clubs.
To develop a pipeline of Kent clubs with the ability and desire to join the Thriving Community Clubs programme.
Collaborate with FA Club Consultants to identify needs based on framework insights and design appropriate interventions.
Understand the volunteer workforce requirements within Thriving Community Clubs and support clubs with the growth, diversity, retention and celebration of their workforce.

What we are looking for

The successful candidate will be educated to A Level or have two years of sports development experience. They will be able to think and work strategically, be self-motivated and have excellent organisational skills. In addition, they will be able to forge and build exceptional relationships with partner organisations and have a strong customer service ethos.

The successful candidate will have experience in staff management, be educated to a degree level, or have at least two years of industry experience. They will be able to think and work strategically, be self-motivated, have excellent leadership skills, and have a detailed knowledge of the club development landscape. In addition, they will be able to forge and build excellent relationships with partner organisations and have a strong customer service ethos.

What we can offer

A great start to your career in football with the local governing body of the grassroots game here in the heart of the County
Opportunities to progress your career across the County FA Network throughout England and at The FA
Access to high-quality training, networking and personal development opportunities
A varied and exciting working life where you'll learn about all aspects of grassroots football
Enhanced Holiday entitlement and additional days leave for your Birthday
Access to employee benefits, including Group income protection, Life Insurance, Private Medical insurance, an employee experience and engagement platform and employee assistance scheme.

Club Development Lead - Kent FA