We have an exciting opportunity for a Football Development Officer (Women and Girls) to join our team as we look to promote even more opportunities for female players to get involved in football as part of our 2024-2028 Strategy.

Headline details

Job Title: Football Development Officer (Womens & Girls)
Location: Kent FA HQ, Invicta House, Cobdown Park, London Road. Aylesford. Kent. ME20 6DQ. The Kent FA also 
Salary: £22,000 - £26,000.
Hours per week: 35 hours per week (hybrid working, currently two days per week in Kent FA HQ). 
Closing Date: Sunday 23rd March 2025
Vacancy Type: Full Time position, 35 hours per week. Fixed Term contract until June 2028. 

About the role

The Kent FA is looking to recruit a dynamic and inspiring Football Development Officer (Women’s & Girls’) 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 candidate will support implementing and delivering the FA National Game Strategy and the Kent FA Play. Protect. Promote 2024-2028 Strategy, helping to deliver a sustainable plan for growth and quality across the female football pathway. 

The Football Development Officer (Women’s & Girls) will report directly to the Head of Football Development but will be line-managed by the Coach & Workforce Lead and will be an important member of the Football Development Team. 

Key accountabilities

• Guide and direct the work programme of the Women’s & Girls Football Development Assistant with the support of the Coach & Workforce Lead.
• Retain and grow the number of affiliated female football teams within FA-accredited clubs (England accredited) with a focus on developing complete female player pathways.
• Support with a programme of services to club and league volunteers, with an emphasis on gaining more FA-accredited clubs and leagues (England accredited) and supporting the Club Development Lead in the increase of Thriving Community Clubs in Kent.
• Manage and deliver on recruiting, developing and supporting female volunteers in Kent, through the Kent Female Volunteer Forum
• Consult with the Kent FA Women’s & Girls Working Group on key priorities and developments.
• Oversee and support the operations of Kent’s Emerging Talent Centre
• Strategically support the Women’s & Girls Football Development Assistant to recruit, manage and retain Wildcats and Squad Girls Centres and co-ordinate the workforce to support the retention of these centres.
• Support the Women’s & Girls Football Development Assistant in establishing and supporting Football School Partnerships and a high-quality introduction to football for girls within primary schools.
• Support clubs and leagues to grow and retain female teams, creating a female-friendly environment and an appropriate competition offer, in particular the Women’s pathway.
• Direct and guide Women’s & Girls Football Development Assistant to support clubs and leagues to grow and retain female teams, creating a female-friendly environment and an appropriate competition offer, in particular the Girl’s pathway.
• Contribute to ensuring that safeguarding and equality are embedded throughout the Kent FA and grassroots football.

What we are looking for

The successful candidate will be educated to degree level or have 2 years’ sports development experience in a professional or volunteer capacity. They will be able to think and work strategically, be self-motivated and have excellent leadership skills. 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.

Download the Full Job Description and Person Specification

About the application and selection process

Download and complete the Application Form and Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form and return them to Jobs@KentFA.com no later than midnight on Sunday 23rd March 2025.

Applications received after the deadline will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, e.g., proof of posting indicates undue delay through no fault of the applicant.

Please do not convert Application forms or Equality and Diversity Monitoring forms into PDF file format when submitting. 

Unfortunately, we cannot acknowledge receipt of applications or provide feedback to those who are not shortlisted for an interview. 

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted the week commencing 24th March 2025 communicating their interview date/time.

Interviews will be held 1st April 2025 for shortlisted candidates, with second interviews held on April 3rd, 2025, for selected candidates.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Jeff Davis, Head of Football Development, at Jeff.Davis@KentFA.com for an informal discussion.

About Kent FA

The Kent FA prides itself in being an innovative and forward-thinking organisation and these are exciting times as we embark on developing a new corporate strategy to reinforce the vision, and objectives moving forward for the next four years. The successful candidate for this role will be instrumental in helping the Kent FA to deliver this.

Safeguarding

Kent FA is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk. Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service [DBS] check through the FA DBS process. Possessing a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and the information provided.

Equality and Diversity

Kent FA promotes inclusion and diversity and welcomes applications from everyone. If you have any requirements concerning the recruitment or interview process, please include details on the application form.