The FA are excited to be searching for a National Development Officer (Pathways) on a 12 month fixed-term contract.
The post holder will support delivery of Moving Forwards, The FA's gameplan to support the growth of Walking Football with a particular focus on growing and diversifying the game through a valued and connected network that promotes high quality opportunities for all.
You will also support football opportunities within the game, particularly within historically underrepresented communities. Alongside this you will support delivery of the equal opportunities for women and girls implementation plan and build strong relationships with the delivery network and within County FA's.
What will you be doing?
* Supporting the delivery of the Walking Football Gameplan, focusing on the key strategic priorities of connected networks, high quality opportunities for all and boosting awareness and appeal.
* Support the development of national competition structures for walking football including The FA Walking Football Cup.
* Provide proactive support to key delivery networks to help raise standards and increase high quality playing opportunities for both men and women.
* Support the delivery of the "equal opportunities" implementation plan focusing on the community and club pillars by coordinating the operations and logistics of tactics and pilot interventions.
* Grow women's community football, namely Just Play, small-sided football, and walking football, by supporting interventions that drive growth.
* Support the Women's Community Officers in Priority Places and the sharing of learnings with the network.
* Support the defining of technology requirements within FA systems and value propositions.
* Support the development and roll out of the Equal Game programme by leading the coordination of workshops and ambassadors via the County FA network, and any associated funding streams.
* Support the creation and delivery of interventions which maximise major competitions to inspire participation amongst females in club and community settings.
* Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of health, safety and well-being can be maintained.
* As part of The FA's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.
What are we looking for?
Essential for the role:
* Interest and passion for football for both male and female players.
* Knowledge of education, recreational, club, league, and competition landscapes for football.
* Knowledge of the different football formats (walking football, veterans, recreational)
* Proven track record of shaping and delivering sports participation programmes.
* Commitment to sports equality and knowledge of barriers facing under-represented groups.
* Track record of project management involving multiple stakeholders.
* Excellent communication skills including the ability to demonstrate effective negotiation skills.
* Budget/Resource Management.
* Excellent planning, administration and report-writing skills.
* Advanced skills in Microsoft Office.
Beneficial to have:
* Proven track record of shaping and delivering football participation programmes targeting 50+ adults, 35+ adults and in recreational settings.
* Understanding of the political and functional workings of County Football Associations.
* Knowledge of FA strategies.
* An understanding of the challenges associated with running female football clubs and leagues.
What's in it for you?
We are committed to ensuring everyone can flourish in their roles, to achieve this we have unique office spaces under the arch of the iconic Wembley National Stadium, which is the home of English Football. We are also delighted to offer a world-class, Elite Performance Centre, St. George's Park in Staffordshire which is an exceptional setting to develop and inspire high-performing England teams and leaders.
We pride ourselves in offering a competitive salary as well as great opportunities to develop and grow in your role. But that is not all; we also have a range of exciting benefits, some of which can be found below:
* Access to event day tickets at Wembley Stadium, alongside a host of regular internal events throughout the season, encouraging you to connect and learn with your colleagues and look after your mental health and wellbeing.
* Free, nutritious lunches, at Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park.
* Free private medical cover.
* A contributory pension scheme.
* An additional 'Thank You' days leave, volunteering days as well as 25 days annual leave ( based on a full-time, permanent contract. )
* A hybrid working model which offers greater flexibility.
For more information on what it is like to work at The FA, please visit our FA Careers page,
We are a diverse workplace, aspiring to represent football across the country. The Football Association actively promotes inclusion and diversity, encouraging you to be the best version of yourself at work.
We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application.
As part of The FA's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.