At a Glance
- Tasks: Support colleges in enhancing football facilities and increasing student participation.
- Company: Join AoC Sport, a leader in football development within further education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on football development while working with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in sports development and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 ÂŁ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join AoC Sport as Development Manager (Football). In this role, you will work in a highly member‑facing capacity, supporting colleges across England to develop and strengthen their football provision, with a particular focus on facilities, participation and strategic partnerships.
This is a unique opportunity to work in partnership with the FA to drive sustainable, high‑impact football development across further education. The role provides strategic support to colleges, helping them unlock the full potential of their football provision–enhancing facilities, increasing student participation, building strong community/club partnerships and will influence at senior levels.
This role involves working closely with senior leaders, estates teams and delivery staff within colleges to provide expert advice, challenge thinking and support long‑term planning. You will help colleges align their football strategies with national priorities while ensuring approaches are practical, sustainable and responsive to local need.
You will also be responsible for developing and brokering effective partnerships with County FAs, professional clubs, funders and community organisations, supporting colleges to improve facilities, access investment and maximise community use. Alongside this, you will contribute to robust monitoring, evaluation and reporting, support AoC Sport's wider business planning, and provide leadership and development to a small team.
AoC has a culture of high performance and commitment and we expect and get a lot from our staff. We offer trust and autonomy in a highly flexible working environment with a great package of rewards that includes a generous holiday entitlement, final salary pension scheme, opportunities for professional development including sponsorship of professional qualifications.
Mobile‑Hybrid: this role is highly member‑facing and as such will work in a hybrid way with a home‑base, blending working time between remote‑working and regular travel throughout England. AoC staff also have access to our regional offices in Stoke‑Sub‑Hamdon (Somerset), Wolverhampton (West Midlands), and Chorley (Lancashire), as well as our national head office in central London (Bloomsbury WC1).
Hours: Flexible | Part‑Time 30 hours/week (4 days)
Development Manager (Football) employer: Association of Colleges
Contact Detail:
Association of Colleges Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Manager (Football)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the football development scene. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for football development! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas on enhancing facilities or increasing participation. Let them see your enthusiasm and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the colleges and organisations you’ll be working with. Understand their current football strategies and think about how you can help them align with national priorities. This will show you’re serious and ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that Development Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Manager (Football)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in football development, strategic partnerships, and working with educational institutions. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at AoC Sport!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for football and further education shine through in your application. Share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to enhancing football provision in colleges. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about what they do!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where appropriate and avoid jargon. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your progress with us at AoC Sport.
How to prepare for a job interview at Association of Colleges
✨Know Your Football Development
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and strategies in football development, especially within the education sector. Understand how colleges can enhance their football provision and be ready to discuss specific examples of successful partnerships or initiatives you've been involved in.
✨Showcase Your Member-Facing Skills
Since this role is highly member-facing, prepare to demonstrate your experience in building relationships with various stakeholders. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with senior leaders or community organisations to achieve a common goal.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about strategic planning and how you would help colleges align their football strategies with national priorities. Prepare to share your thoughts on practical, sustainable approaches that respond to local needs, and how you would challenge existing thinking.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
As you'll be providing leadership to a small team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share examples of how you've developed others, managed projects, or led initiatives that had a significant impact on football development.