Club Development Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United Kingdom.

📋 Description

• Serve as the main contact for clubs engaged in a designated development initiative, especially related to facility enhancements.

• Offer customized assistance to clubs from the beginning to the conclusion of their projects.

• Aid clubs in defining their project goals, desired outcomes, scope, and success criteria.

• Evaluate club readiness, capacity, and potential risks prior to and during project execution.

• Assist clubs in formulating clear project plans and timelines, outlining roles and responsibilities within the organization.

• Guide clubs in selecting suitable delivery methods (phased, pilot, partnership, etc.).

• Help clubs identify and access necessary resources (funding, volunteers, partnerships, expertise).

• Support the creation of funding applications, business cases, or investment proposals when necessary.

• Aid clubs in planning for affordability and long-term sustainability.

• Assist clubs in establishing proper governance and decision-making structures for their projects.

• Help identify and mitigate risks (financial, delivery, reputational, safeguarding, compliance).

• Advocate for best practices in safeguarding, equality, inclusion, and welfare throughout all projects.

• Support clubs in effectively engaging with partners such as local authorities, schools, community organizations, national or regional bodies, and funders and sponsors.

• Facilitate relationship-building and assist in overcoming obstacles when necessary.

• Monitor progress against established milestones and outcomes.

• Provide constructive feedback and support when projects deviate, stall, or face challenges.

• Assist clubs in adjusting plans in response to evolving circumstances.

• Help clubs integrate project outcomes into regular club operations.

• Aid clubs in planning for long-term sustainability beyond the project's duration.

• Support clubs in measuring and demonstrating the impact of their projects (participation, inclusion, governance, finances, quality, etc.).

• Maintain documentation for supported clubs, projects, progress, and outcomes.

• Generate reports for internal teams, partners, and funders.

• Capture insights and case studies to guide future practices and share successful examples.

• Stay updated on best practices in club development and volunteer-led football.

• Contribute to the development of guidance, toolkits, templates, and resources for clubs.

• Utilize insights from project delivery to inform strategic planning and service enhancements.

⛳️ Requirements

• Knowledge of community and voluntary sector football clubs.

• Skills in project planning and organization.

• Excellent communication and relationship management abilities.

• Capability to support, challenge, and empower volunteer-led football clubs.

• Problem-solving skills and risk awareness.

• Strong writing skills for plans, reports, and funding applications.

• Proven experience in managing or assisting football clubs in realizing capital development projects from initiation to completion.

• Demonstrable success in securing funding for significant capital projects in sports clubs.

• Comprehensive understanding of the community and voluntary sector as well as volunteer-led sports organizations.

🏝️ Benefits

• A collaborative and supportive culture and working environment.

• Competitive salary and bonus package.

• Vitality healthcare benefits.

• Standard pension plan and holiday entitlements.

• Opportunities for professional development.