The purpose of this role is to provide strong, dynamic and experienced leadership to develop and deliver the organisations key strategic pillars within its substantial community focused commitment to the game.

The post holder will lead a talented team of five, providing strategic leadership, managing stakeholder relationships, and ensuring players have a voice in the game while driving impactful community funding initiatives.
A key part of the PFA’s substantial commitment to the game, the post holder must ensure that the Union is at the leading edge of influence through its significant contribution which includes a £12.4 million annual offer to the Club Community Organisation network via our five-year Funding Agreement with the Premier League.

The PFA Community Department was originally established in 1986 when a pilot scheme was set-up in the Northwest predominantly to support players who were transitioning from the game. This commitment has continued over the past 38 Years where the Union was responsible for setting up and managing a hugely successful National Football in the Community Programme, from where many of the Club Community Organisation have evolved to today. The PFA’s support is as strong as ever with an annual community contribution of £12.4 million to the Football Network. The post holder will be responsible for ensuring that this contribution is rightly recognised and that it significantly benefits improved opportunities for our members to have a voice and make a significant difference.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop a strong and robust PFA Centric Strategic Community Plan to tie in with the new 2025/28 Club Community Organisation Funding Cycle within the game.
Manage a highly motivated team of operational staff to ensure that our delivery and support systems are of a high standard and appropriate to support our members and the vast community network of 164 Clubs.
Represent the PFA on key Stakeholder Boards and Working Groups which include the PLCF, EFL in the Community and the National League Trust to ensure that our funding is rightly recognised and utilised to benefit both the CCO Network and our membership.
Ensure that we continue to develop strong and mutually respectful relationships with key Stakeholders and Partners.
Collaborate and develop relationships and opportunities with both internal and external contacts to ensure that the PFA maximises its CSR brand, profile and reputation as a leading Union for good within the game.
Ensure that there is robust and strong accountability for our investment both from Stakeholders and the Club Community Organisation Network.
Develop a range of opportunities for our members to have a stronger voice within the game and support them to develop their own passions both whilst playing and when they transition from the game
Develop the PFA’s profile both at home and internationally to raise awareness of the significant difference our members are making along with collaborating with organisations that can help us deliver the message.
Support and develop opportunities for Players who want to make a substantial difference via worthy causes or the own Player Foundation.
Ensure areas such as Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Governance are adhered to throughout our funding commitment to the game.
Ensure that EDI runs strongly through all that we deliver and through the opportunities that we provide for others within the game.
Ensure strong financial management of the community budget and be financially shrewd and adept in relation to income distribution and income opportunities.
Develop an effective process of monitoring and reporting via the PFA requirements attached to our Player Engagement Agenda.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

Essential

Knowledge

Demonstrable experience within a similar Football, Sports or Community environment operating at a senior level within an organisation.
Experience of managing a team with strategic responsibilities for both budget and operational delivery.
Experience in successful organisational growth and achievement.
Experience of managing conflict and expectations to a desired outcome at senior level.
Experience of governance and/or the charity sector.
Budget management skills
Track record in leading and managing a successful team.
Understanding of how the Professional Game supports the national CSR Agenda.
Strong communication skills and demonstrable experience in working collaboratively with internal and external teams.
Understanding of the role of a Club Community Organisation and the importance attached to its status within the game.
Experience in collaborating to secure commercial opportunities to benefit others and the organisation.

Key Capabilities

Ability to work to high professional standards both internally and externally.
Highly skilled both Strategically and Operationally.
Be a leader and motivator with the ability to inspire and get the best from individuals and the team.
Be a leading driver of the PFA’s People Values of Passion, Fairness and Advocacy and empower staff to succeed and develop.
Self-Motivated with the ability to adapt and with a can-do attitude.
Dynamic, supportive and committed approach to leading the Department in line with its current Operating Plan.
High level of integrity and confidentiality.
Supportive team player who can develop internal relationships with all other PFA Departments.
Ability to influence and champion change.
Able to cope with pressurised and sensitive situations whilst maintaining a professional approach.
Approachable and low-ego personality.

Desirable

A passion for football and an understanding of the work of the PFA.
Additional spoken language skills.