At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow DFY Academy's sports programmes, managing operations and expanding into new areas.
- Company: Join a dynamic charity using sport to empower the next generation in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, generous leave, and free holiday camp places for your kids.
- Other info: Enjoy mentoring opportunities and be part of a growing organisation focused on inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working with professional athletes as mentors.
- Qualifications: Experience in sports or community programmes and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
DFY | London (W10 based, Academy sites and partner schools in Brent) | Full-time, 40 hours | £30,000 rising to £35,000 after probation + up to £5,000 annual bonus | Start September 2026
DFY is a growing London-based charity founded by sports agency International Sports Consulting (ISC) using sport as a conduit to level the playing field for the next generation.
We build confidence and life skills for children through after school programmes, holiday camps and DFY Academy, our football, basketball and dance programme, all backed by professional athletes as role models and mentors.
You'll take ownership of the day-to-day running and commercial growth of all areas of DFY Academy, building its next phase: new sports, new teams, new locations.
You'll work closely with our Programme & Safeguarding Manager, who also leads dance as part of the Academy.
Important
- Run football and basketball operations end to end: sessions, staffing, venues, fixtures, registrations and communications
- Lead and develop our freelance head coaches, setting clear standards for delivery and quality
- Grow participation: organising a pipeline of children coming on trial, new school partnerships, and launching our second basketball location
- Expand our footprint: help expand DFY into new areas of London and other parts of the country
- Work directly with DFY's professional athlete ambassadors, who bring mentoring, profile and inspiration to our programmes
- Build a pipeline of community partners and sponsors, including sports brands and kit providers, with the goal of securing full sponsorship for DFY Academy
- Track attendance, retention, capacity and income, keeping growth financially sustainable
- Manage parent relationships and expectations, keeping families informed and up to date on sessions, matches and Academy developments
- Support wider DFY programme delivery where required, particularly where Academy expertise, staffing or operational support is needed
- Uphold DFY's safeguarding, inclusion and behaviour standards across everything we deliver
- Experience running sports, education, youth or community programmes
- A track record of turning outreach into measurable participation, partnership or income results
- Experience managing coaches, staff or freelancers, with the confidence to set expectations and give feedback
- Strong organisation and attention to detail across multiple programmes and priorities
- Experience working with children and families from diverse backgrounds, and a genuine commitment to inclusion and safeguarding
- A proactive, ownership-driven mindset, comfortable in a growing organisation where you'll build as you go
Some evening and weekend delivery is part of the role due to the timing of training sessions and matches.
- £30,000 during a six-month probationary period,
- £35,000 on successful completion of probabtion.
- Annual bonus of up to £5,000, linked to participant growth and sustainable income targets
- 20 days' annual leave + 8 bank holidays and a Christmas shutdown (normally + 3 to 4 days)
- Pension contribution in line with DFY policies
- Free places at DFY holiday camps for your children
- Invitations to selected ISC events, socials and sporting fixtures, with family tickets where available
- Regular mentoring, professional development, and opportunities to collaborate with professional athletes and the ISC and DFY ambassador network
The role is subject to an enhanced DBS check and proof of right to work in the UK.
DFY is a registered charity in England and Wales, no. 1152812.
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Academy Operations & Growth Manager employer: DFY Sports
DFY is an inspiring charity based in London, dedicated to empowering the next generation through sports. As an Academy Operations & Growth Manager, you'll thrive in a supportive work culture that values inclusion and professional development, with opportunities to collaborate with professional athletes and engage with diverse communities. Enjoy competitive benefits including a salary progression, annual bonuses, and free holiday camp places for your children, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Operations & Growth Manager
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by DFY Sports.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like DFY Sports.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at DFY Sports.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at DFY Sports. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Operations & Growth Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of DFY Sports. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Academy Operations & Growth Manager, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at DFY Sports
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of DFY Sports. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
