Job purpose
• To support delivery of The FA Grassroots Football Strategy, The FA Women and Girls Football Strategy, The FA Disability Football Gameplan and the Oxfordshire FA Business Strategy.
• To strategically coordinate the male, female and disability football pathways across Oxfordshire FA and the local area.
• To contribute to the effective implementation of The FA’s Safeguarding 365 Standard for County FAs.
• To support the adoption of FA technology systems across grassroots football.
• To comply with FA rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidance that are in place from time to time.

Job responsibilities
• Work collaboratively through local strategic networks within the community to support the growth and retention of both team-based and sessional-based playing opportunities for male, female and disabled players.
• Map casual and team-based opportunities in clubs, community organisations and leagues targeting gaps in football provision across key programmes, age groups and formats.
• Utilise and deploy all aspects of national FA support to help drive access, equal opportunities and improve player choice.
• Lead on the growth and development of existing and new leagues and competitions for teams across all ages and formats of the game.
• Retain and grow the number of affiliated teams working with the Thriving Community Club and Facilities Officer to create player pathway opportunities within England Football Accredited clubs.
• Retain and grow the number of casual opportunities to play using FA participation programmes such as Comets, Wildcats, Squad and Just Play ensuring participation numbers are captured through Clubspark.
• Embed research, insight and effective measurement into planning, decision-making and delivery across the game to meet the needs of players.
• Support the planning, implementation and piloting of new FA initiatives.
• Facilitate the movement of players transitioning from youth to adult football and school to community provision.
• Support with the identification of talent in the female pathway, and the development and operations of Emerging Talent Centres within the county.
• Work with the Oxfordshire FA Football Development team to deliver a comprehensive workforce plan that supports football and promotes opportunities across coaches, volunteers and young leaders.
• Work with the Oxfordshire FA Football Development, Marcomms and wider team to raise the profile of grassroots football and communicate the range of football opportunities across each pathway.
• Identify sources of funding that will be of benefit to grassroots football and provide appropriate advice and support to applicants.
• Ensure that football is inclusive, diverse and reflective of local communities, and consult with the Inclusion Advisory Board (IAG) on key priorities and developments.
All role profiles are to include the following:
• Execute tasks as required to meet Oxfordshire FA’s changing priorities.
• Contribute to ensuring that safeguarding and equality are embedded throughout Oxfordshire FA and grassroots football.
• Collaborate with the Designated Safeguarding Officer in all matters involving under-18s and adults at risk within club development programmes.

Person specification
• Educated to at least A level or equivalent.
• A qualification in sports development is desirable.

Essential Skills
• Ability to work strategically with partner organisations across different sectors to plan and deliver football programmes.
• Project management skills and experience – to plan, set and achieve objectives to deadlines.
• Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent time management and prioritisation skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision- making skills.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills.
• Exceptional customer service.
• Budget management skills.
• Report-writing skills.
• Ability to use data to monitor and evaluate programmes.
• Influencing skills to champion change. Desirable
• Practised at developing networks and relationships with a variety of stakeholders in order to support the delivery of strategic priorities
• Skilled in creating, delivering and maintaining pathways which support the growth, transition and retention of players
• Capability to create multiple reports, budgets and plans.
• Passionate about working in football and championing football for all.
• Practical experience of sports / football development.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of inclusion, equality, anti-discrimination and safeguarding.
• Knowledge of The FA coaching qualifications and coach development framework.
• Knowledge of the structure and partner organisations within football, nationally and within the County FA locality.
• Knowledge of The FA’s Grassroots Football Strategy.
• Knowledge of The FA’s Women and Girls Football Strategy
• Knowledge of The FA’s Disability Football Gameplan
• Experience of project management.
• Experience of utilising mapping programmes to support strategic and logistical planning.
• Knowledge and understanding of working with volunteers. Enhanced DBS Check required
Clean, full driving licence

The job holder will be expected to understand and work in accordance with the strategic priorities described below.
Strategic priority Objectives
IMPROVE PLAYING CHOICE AND OPPORTUNTIES
• Evolve the youth game.
• Improve team based football for adult male players.
• Create more opportunities to play safe, inclusive casual football.
• Support the disability game to grow and thrive.
DELOVEP EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS TO PLAY • Sustain and grow more playing opportunities in schools.
• Create more team based playing opportunities.
• Extend and enhance casual opportunities to play.
• Deliver safe and inclusive environments for women and girls to thrive.
BUILD MORE AND IMPROVE EXISTING FACILITIES • Transform grass pitch quality.
• Build more 3G pitches.
• Create inclusive and accessible facilities.
• Improve environmental sustainability.
TACKLE POOR BEHAVIOUR • Apply tougher sanctions.
• Promote positive behaviour.
• Drive collective responsibility across the game to raise standards.
DEVELOP A VALUED NETWORK OF VOLUNTEERS, COACHES AND REFEREES • Grow the number of people running the game.
• Improve the diversity of those running the game.
• Support those running the game to learn and develop.
• Celebrate and reward those running the game.
SUPPORT THRIVING COMMUNITY CLUBS • Ensure clubs grow opportunities and provide a quality experience through England Football Accreditation.
• Help clubs to become more sustainable.
• Support the current and future generation of club leaders.
• Equip clubs to add value to their local communities.
CONNECT AND SERVE PARTICIPANTS • Make it easier to find information and opportunities to play, volunteer and learn.
• Improve our customer service and communications.
• Develop our digital tools to make running the game easier.
• Explore digital opportunities to enhance the football experience.
PROGRESS THE GAME’S GOVERNANCE • Promote the highest levels of governance across the grassroots network.
• Evolve local Football Associations focused on developing football For All.
• Support the grassroots game to be financially robust.
• Support the game to be safe and well-run.