Head of Community Programmes

LOCATION: London (Stamford Bridge) and Cobham Training Ground

JOB FUNCTION: To maintain the Foundation’s position as the leading provider of Community programmes and initiatives.

FOUNDATION: Creating positive change through impactful opportunity. An independent charity, Chelsea FC Foundation uses the power of football to better the wellbeing, futures and inclusion of its community. Chelsea FC Foundation is steadfast in supporting its local communities to improve physical and mental wellbeing, assisting those in its community who need our help the most and adding value by investing in the education and development of people’s futures. In 2024, Chelsea Foundation positively impacted the lives of over 10,000 individuals and is proud to align with Chelsea Football Club to support Chelsea’s community.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES (Play Your Part):

• To directly manage and oversee the work of the Chelsea Foundation’s Community provision and team.
• Develop a culture of high performance, motivation and expectations within the staff team and across all areas of work.
• Manage direct line reports and ensure that monitoring and review processes are implemented.
• Ensure that programmes are best-in-class, align with the Foundation strategy and achieve the relevant core outcomes.
• Work with the Programme Director to design & develop community programmes that align to Foundation strategy and have impactful outcomes at their core.
• Lead on the development of relevant programmes and opportunities demonstrating excellent awareness, expertise and knowledge of Community needs and provision.
• Maintain existing partnerships and liaise with wider relevant key stakeholders, building on local strategic connections.
• Work with the Fundraising function of the Foundation where appropriate to source additional funding streams for projects.
• Ensure that best practice is adhered to across the team when collating monitoring and evaluation data, utilising support and guidance from the M&E team.
• Managing the departmental budget.
• Any additional duties as directed by the Programme Director.

MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE (Here to Win):

• The effective and efficient running of the programme.
• To support the Programme Director & Head of Philanthropic Partnerships to identify and secure new funding streams.
• To develop new, exciting and impactful initiatives.
• Use best practice and specific subject knowledge to grow and develop programmes across key working areas.
• Strict budgetary discipline.
• Constant monitoring and evaluation according to funding partner requirements.
• Maintain and uphold the high standards of the Chelsea Foundation.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION:

Qualifications: Relevant professional and/or academic qualifications or a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar education/charity role. Institute of Leadership and Management qualification. Youth work or Health & Social Care related qualification.

Experience: Experience of working in a senior role at a Charity and/or football and sports industry. Experience of designing, delivering and managing high-impact innovative community programmes to achieve set outcomes. Proven track record of developing and leading a high performing team. Excellent knowledge of charity/education sectors. Strong project management skills able to manage multiple strands of work to a high level. Outstanding track record in developing social inclusion, health and wellbeing and higher education programmes and opportunities for hard to reach groups. Strong leadership skills.

The Employee must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities with due regard to Chelsea FC Foundation policies and procedures in particular Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and with regard to the Data Protection Act. The Employee must act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are in their care or attending the Company’s premises. The Employee must report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the Safeguarding Lead. Chelsea Football Club and the Foundation is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups) that are in our care or attending our premises. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relations amongst Employees and customers.

The above Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive, the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.