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- Tasks: Lead legal and governance risk management for The FA, supporting football's growth.
- Company: The FA is the governing body of football in England, promoting the game at all levels.
- Benefits: Join a mission-driven organization with a focus on positive change through football.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-performing team influencing football's future and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Must be an established General Counsel with strong stakeholder management skills.
- Other info: Applications are open to everyone; we value diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Football Association (The FA) is the not-for-profit governing body of football in England. It is responsible for promoting and developing every level of the game, from grassroots through to the professional game, and generates significant revenue to support investment into English football each year.
The FA oversees England international teams across men’s, women’s, youth and disability football, as well as running the National League System and FA Competitions including the Emirates FA Cup, and Women’s Adobe FA Cup, and the world-class facilities of Wembley Stadium and St. George’s Park, all with a purpose to inspire positive change through football.
THE ROLE
- Proactively manage the legal and governance risk for The FA, playing a critical role in helping the organisation deliver on its purpose.
- As a member of the Executive, establish trusted partnerships with senior colleagues in contributing to the successful leadership, development and direction of The FA.
- Develop and retain effective relationships with all key stakeholders and external governance bodies, acting in pursuit of the best interests of The FA and the game.
- Lead a proactive, high-performing and collaborative team that works in close partnership with stakeholders across the organisation.
THE PERSON
- An established General Counsel, able to operate as a trusted adviser at the highest levels, and in this role specifically with the Chair, CEO and Board.
- Have excellent judgement and will bring a broad perspective to complex issues. Possesses the emotional intelligence and stakeholder management skills to influence and shape decisions in the Board, Council and Executive environments.
- Have a well-developed understanding of risk, the foresight to identify emerging risks and the pragmatism to mitigate those risks effectively.
- Preferably will have worked at a senior level in regulated industries and understands the complexity this brings to football and the management of all our stakeholders.
Applications for the role of General Counsel at The FA will be managed by Hedley May.
To apply, please email your CV to by Friday 31st January.
We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application.
As part of The FA’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.
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General Counsel employer: The Football Association
Contact Detail:
The Football Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific legal challenges and governance issues faced by sports organizations, particularly in football. Understanding the unique regulatory environment will help you demonstrate your expertise during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the sports law field and attend relevant industry events. Building relationships with key stakeholders can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the General Counsel position.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience in managing legal risks and stakeholder relationships in your conversations. Highlighting your ability to navigate complex issues will resonate well with the expectations of The FA.
✨Tip Number 4
Research The FA's current initiatives and challenges. Being knowledgeable about their goals and how you can contribute as General Counsel will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace General Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the General Counsel position at The FA. Familiarize yourself with their mission and how your skills align with their goals.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in legal counsel, governance, and stakeholder management. Emphasize your ability to operate at senior levels and your understanding of regulated industries.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your emotional intelligence and judgment. Discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed risks and influenced decisions in previous roles.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you follow the application instructions precisely. Email your CV to the specified address before the deadline, and mention any specific requirements you may have regarding the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Football Association
✨Understand The FA's Mission
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of The FA's mission and values. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your commitment to promoting positive change through football.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing relationships with various stakeholders. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully influenced decisions at a senior level, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Legal Expertise in Regulated Industries
Since the role requires an understanding of regulated industries, come ready to discuss your legal background in such environments. Share insights on how you've navigated complex legal issues and mitigated risks effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your judgment and decision-making skills. Think about potential challenges The FA might face and how you would approach them, showcasing your foresight and pragmatism.
