Chief Operating Officer / Deputy CEO

FOUNDATION OF LIGHT

34,000 - 46,500 per year

Vacant

Full-time

Job Title
Job Holder
Responsible to:
Responsible for:

Hours:
Salary Band:

Main Duties:

JOB DESCRIPTION

Head of Football in the Community
Vacant
Chief Operating Officer / Deputy CEO
Football Programmes Coordinator
Post 16 Football and Education Coordinator
Matchday Experiences and International Coordinator
35
£34,000 - £46,500

1. Lead the Department
2. Translate Strategy to Operational Delivery
3. Manage Service Level Budgets and Outcomes
4. Ensure Compliance within the Team

1. Lead the Department

Provide leadership and operational direction for the Football in the Community department,
using football as a tool to inspire participation, development and community connection.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Translate the Foundation’s strategic goals into detailed operational plans across all

FITC programmes.

• Lead, manage, and support a team delivering targeted programmes to promote

FITC, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence

• Align delivery with national and regional strategies for football.
• Represent FITC regionally and nationally, positioning our football model as sector-

leading.

• Act as a key representative of the Foundation with community partners, funders,

local authorities, and specialist football agencies.

• Develop and manage relationships with our key stakeholders including Premier

League, EFL, LAs, the FA, Schools, the Club and international partners.

• Develop cooperative, collaborative and codesign partnerships with other statutory

and voluntary agencies who have remit for work in this area.

• Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion and safeguarding across the department

and all programme activity.

• Link to other Foundation delivery departments and their operational plans.
• Champion the power of sport to drive positive social change, embedding this belief

•

in programme design and delivery.
Identify opportunities for innovation, growth and continuous improvement across
the FITC portfolio.

2. Translate Strategy to Operational Delivery

Transform strategic priorities into accessible, inclusive football programmes that engage
communities, promote wellbeing, and develop talent at all levels.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Deliver the FITC strategy, including the qualification framework, delivery and

development plans

• Ensure high-quality initiatives including grassroots coaching, school sport, disability

football, girls’ and women’s football, and walking football.

• Ensure all programmes are tailored to the needs of diverse communities.
• Line manage staff across the department, including setting objectives, supporting

development, and conducting performance reviews.

• Design and deliver accessible, person-centred programmes that create safe and

supportive environments.

• Deal with issues arising during sessions and ensure a consistent approach to

standards around boundaries and behaviours

• Work alongside colleagues to ensure funded projects are delivered to high quality

in-line with the organisational, donor and project outcomes

• Undertake participant/customer surveys
• Develop progression pathways and destinations; recording outcomes etc

3. Manage Service Level Budgets and Outcomes

Manage financial and performance aspects of the department to ensure efficient delivery,
effective resource use, and strong social impact.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Lead the team in tracking key outcomes using digital monitoring systems,

scorecards, and data dashboards.

• Use data to inform decisions and continuously improve outcomes for service users.
• Manage departmental budgets in line with financial policies and funding agreements,

ensuring effective allocation and monitoring of resources.

• Monitor expenditure across programmes to ensure delivery within budget and on

schedule.

• Ensure value for money while delivering high-quality, high-impact services
• Lead or contribute to funding applications and grant reporting, ensuring that all

commitments and outcomes are met. (including HAF)

• Manage funding from grants, contracts, and partnerships to sustain and grow

delivery.

• Ensure effective management of schools and participant third party agreements and

payment mechanisms.

• Analyse and report on performance data to inform strategic decisions and

demonstrate impact to stakeholders

• Collect case studies and help tell our stories, showcasing best practice across all

channels

• Use community insights, feedback, and data to inform programme development and

•

continuous improvement.
Implement robust monitoring, evaluation and learning processes to track progress
and outcomes using the impact strategy.

4. Ensure Compliance within the Team

Ensure all Football in the Community activities are delivered to the highest standards of
safeguarding, safety, governance, and operational integrity.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Lead safeguarding, risk assessment, and incident reporting processes across the

FITC department.

• Ensure all staff maintain current and relevant training, qualifications, and

•

certifications.
Implement and oversee quality assurance systems, including delivery audits,
observations, peer reviews, and feedback analysis.

• Ensure compliance with FA guidance, GDPR, health and safety, and data

governance standards.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on delivery, attendance, impact, and case

management.

• Conduct regular audits of programme delivery, working environments, and data

systems.

• Support internal audits, external inspections, and evaluations, and respond

effectively to recommendations.

• Ensure performance monitoring systems (e.g. scorecards, traffic lights, KPIs) are

current and accurate.

• Submit timely and accurate reports and returns to funders, commissioners, and

contract providers.

• Work closely with other Delivery Heads to oversee internal and external assessment

and verification processes.

• Keep up-to-date monthly reports, quarterly ProV-ACT statistics, traffic light data, and

development plans.

• Ensure all relevant databases (including Views, Float, and Abler) are regularly

maintained with accurate information.

• Undertake staff observations and quality audits in line with the Quality Manual.

Other duties:

You will be required to undertake other duties from time to time as required.

Any potential permanent changes to your role will be discussed, and agreement reached
prior to being undertaken. You will be notified of any permanent change in writing. In
addition to your normal duties, you may be required to undertake additional or other duties
as necessary to meet the needs of the Foundation of Light.

Staff are required to work with volunteers in a way of mutual respect and commitment to
organisational goals and objectives. This includes staff who do not directly supervise
volunteers but may engage with them within the organisation.

Behaviour and professional expectations:

• Contribute actively as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, supporting cross-

organisational collaboration and cultural leadership

• Keep up to date with relevant and changes in government policies and strategies
• Maintain working practices in line with Foundation of Light Equality and Diversity,
Health and Safety and Safeguarding policies; self-awareness of own responsibility
in these areas

• Embed EDI and safeguarding in all aspects of work
• Assist in data collection and analysis providing accurate management information

systems for data led decisions

• Ensure regulatory and legislative requirements are met at all times
• Conduct should reflect the Staff Behaviour Policy (Code of Conduct); uphold

Foundation core values (as shown below) at all times

• Maintain the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Attend working groups and CPD session as required
• Build strong internal relationships and work in collaboration with colleagues to

achieve the end goal

• Ensure positive organisational messages and culture are maintained
• Contribute to good housekeeping across all Foundation sites and equipment
• Follow the laid down policies and procedures at all times
• Work within the established administrative and financial systems to ensure smooth

running and quality of projects

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement:
All individuals will be treated equally and fairly in the application of this procedure. All reasonable
requests to accommodate requirements in terms of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage
and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation
will be made.

Safeguarding Statement
We expect all staff, volunteers and partners to share our commitment to maintaining a culture of
vigilance, and believe that all staff, volunteers and partners have a responsibility to report any
concerns about the welfare of any child, young person or adult at risk.

Foundation of Light Values:
Innovative, Passionate, Excellence, Collaborative, Integrity, Agile.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

Requirement

Essential (E) or
Desirable (D)

How Assessed (CV,
Interview,
Observation)

Skills and Abilities:

Strong leadership and team management skills
with the ability to inspire, develop and support staff
and coaches.
Excellent planning, organisation and coordination
skills with attention to detail and effective time
management.
Ability to develop high-quality football and sports
programmes that are inclusive, engaging and
impactful.
Skilled
in building and maintaining strong
relationships with schools, clubs, governing
bodies, and community partners.
Confident communicator with the ability to adapt
style to suit different audiences, including young
people, parents and stakeholders.
Ability to monitor programme impact, evaluate
outcomes, and use data to drive improvement.
Sound understanding of safeguarding and the
ability to ensure high standards of practice across
delivery.

Personal Attributes:

to high

standards,

continuous

Passionate about the power of football to change
lives and drive community development.
Committed
improvement, and participant wellbeing.
Proactive, self-motivated, and solutions-focused
with a collaborative mindset.
Approachable and professional, with integrity and
a people-centred approach.
Flexible and resilient, with a willingness to work
evenings and weekends as required.
Strong team player who thrives in a dynamic,
community-focused organisation.

Knowledge and Understanding:

Strong knowledge of community football, sports
development and inclusive participation pathways.
Understanding
policies,
procedures and the duty of care in youth sport
environments.
Familiarity with national strategies related to sport,
health, and education, including the FA National
Game Strategy and Sport England priorities.

safeguarding

CV/APPLICATION

Awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion in
sport, and how to ensure accessible, welcoming
programmes.
Understanding of monitoring, evaluation and
learning
impact
measurement.

including social

frameworks,

Experience:

football

physical

Proven experience in a leadership or senior
delivery role within a football development, sport-
for-change or community sport setting.
Demonstrated success in designing and managing
grassroots
activity
programmes.
in developing and maintaining
Experience
partnerships with schools, local authorities, and
governing bodies (e.g. The FA, Premier League
Charitable Fund).
Experience of working with a wide range of
participants, including children, young people, and
underrepresented groups.
Experience of managing budgets, reporting on
KPIs, and supporting funding bids or compliance
reporting.
Experience in quality assurance and workforce
development for coaches and programme staff.

CV/APPLICATION

Qualifications (or recognised equivalent):

FA Level 3 (UEFA B) or working towards
Valid FA safeguarding and emergency aid
qualifications
Enhanced DBS clearance (or willingness to obtain)
Driving licence and access to transport

E
E

CV/APPLICATION
CV/APPLICATION