Assistant Head of Community in Stroud

About The Role

The role of Assistant Head of Community integrates the strategic leadership of a Project Officer with the operational coordination strengths of a Schools Coordinator. By delegating delivery, coordination, and administrative tasks appropriately, the role maintains a clear focus on leadership, performance, and the effective management of delivery across all programmes.

Role Focus

• Oversight of delivery programmes
• Staff leadership and line management
• Programme quality, consistency, and KPI achievement
• Effective coordination between school and community provision
• Oversight of systems, processes, and performance

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Programme Development

• Lead the implementation of programme strands aligned to the organisation’s strategic plan.
• Contribute to programme design and continuous improvement across community and school settings.
• Identify opportunities to expand provision across inclusion, health & wellbeing, and education programmes.
• Ensure alignment between community and school programmes to maximise impact and efficiency.

Operational Oversight & Programme Management

• Oversee the management of delivery across all community and school-based programmes.
• Ensure consistency, quality assurance, and adherence to delivery standards.
• Coordinate high-level programme planning, timetabling, and resource allocation.
• Monitor programme performance and ensure targets and KPIs are achieved across all projects.
• Develop and maintain successful relationships with partners, schools and outside agencies.

Leadership & Staff Management

• Line manage Project Officers, Lead Staff and key programme staff.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and performance management across teams.
• Support staff development, CPD opportunities, and progression pathways.
• Maintain an effective staffing structure that prioritises front-line management of delivery.
• Model outstanding timekeeping, commitment to FGR Values and attention to detail.

Reporting & KPI Oversight

• Oversee reporting to funders and partners, ensuring all KPIs and contractual targets are met.
• Ensure robust monitoring systems are in place across all programmes.
• Use performance data to drive improvements in programme delivery and outcomes.

Schools & Community Programme Oversight

• School-based programmes including curriculum PE, enrichment, competitions, and engagement activities.
• Women & girls football development and school engagement pathways.
• Inclusion, community cohesion, and health & wellbeing programmes.
• Ensure effective coordination between school-based delivery and wider community programmes.
• Oversee school relationships at a strategic level, ensuring high-quality provision and programme growth.
• Support Schools coaches in managing timetables, delivery standards, and school engagement.

Governance and Culture

• You will assist the Head of Community with maintaining policies and procedures and implementing the Capability Code of Practice and take on some lead responsibility as required.
• Act as an ambassador for FGR Community always.
• Ensure the Trust’s vision, mission, values, and behaviours are always upheld.
• Embed equality, diversity, and inclusion across the organisation.
• Embed the environmental mission and ethos of the organisation into programme planning and delivery.
• You will build strong and positive relationships with the young people and a range of partners and forge strong relationships with key stakeholders, partners, and funders to help drive the vision and mission and strategic priorities of the Trust.
• You will undertake appropriate strategic planning and administrative duties to ensure the smooth running of all projects and their delivery.

Finance

• Oversee data collection and quality assurance processes for external funders in line with the KPI’s and funding requirements.
• Support with the preparation budgets and reports for each programme and ensure invoicing and supplier requirements are implemented on the finance system by working closely with the Head of Community.
• Seek out new opportunities to expand delivery across the programmes.
• Meet KPI’s and financial targets as set out through performance development.
• Report to the operational group and finance working group via the Head of FGR Community.
• Support stakeholder relationships and the implementation of service level agreements with the FGR Community.

General Duties

• Participate in the FGR Community appraisal and staff development processes.
• Follow FGR Community’s policies and procedures - and ensure your team is fully aware of their responsibilities, with reference to the staff handbook.
• Act as an ambassador for FGR Community always.
• Act on, refer and report any Safeguarding concerns to the Trust SSO and School/Partner’s DSO, (where agreed in the SLA).
• Implement systems and processes to embed environmental sustainability in all your activities and operations.
• Stay updated with current legislation and practice, maintaining minimum operating standards, and working towards role specific qualifications, e.g., Safeguarding, MHFA, Coaching qualifications etc.
• Undertake any other duties that may be required as deemed appropriate, including deputising for the Programmes Manager where appropriate.

About You

Experience Required

• Significant experience of managing community, education, sport, health, wellbeing, or inclusion programmes.
• Experience of leading and managing staff teams.
• Experience of programme planning, coordination, and performance management.
• Experience of monitoring, evaluating, and reporting against KPIs and contractual outcomes.
• Experience of building and maintaining partnerships with schools, local authorities, funders, and community organisations.
• Experience of implementing quality assurance processes and continuous improvement systems.
• Experience of working within safeguarding frameworks and promoting safer working practices.

Knowledge Required

• Understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing community organisations and charities.
• Understanding of programme development within education, sport, health, wellbeing, and inclusion settings.
• Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice.
• Knowledge of equality, diversity, and inclusion principles.
• Understanding of governance, compliance, and organisational policies and procedures.
• Understanding of monitoring and evaluation systems used to measure social impact and outcomes.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Ability to motivate, mentor, and develop staff.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to analyse data and use evidence to drive improvement.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and data management systems.
• Ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about improving outcomes for children, young people, and communities.
• Positive, proactive, and solution-focused approach.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Commitment to environmental sustainability and the values of Forest Green Rovers and FGR Community.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
• Ability to act as an ambassador for FGR Community at all times.

About Us

We are an equal opportunities employer and committed to ensuring that all are treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, sex or sexual orientation. FGR are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment fully. And as an organisation we are committed to supporting staff development in this area. Forest Green is looking to the future – Climate change is an existential threat, and we need to build a more sustainable world. Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at FGR. We’re on a mission to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of sport, and beyond. Established in 1889, we’re also one of the oldest football clubs in the world. That history continues with every season and every trophy, bolstered by the support of an incredibly passionate, global fanbase. Those moments are only made possible with the right people; those who show courage, tenacity, ambition, dedication to their community, and independent thought. As the world’s first vegan football club, doing things differently is a way of life. We’re looking for like-minded people that can help create the future our planet needs. Let’s change the game.

What's in it for you...

• Healthcare plan, life assurance and generous pension contribution.
• Volunteering day.
• Hybrid working.
• Various company discounts (including shops, days out and events).
• Holiday of 25 days (plus bank holidays) & ability to buy/sell days.
• Cycle to work scheme, car pooling and onsite parking available.
• As a valued member of the team you will be supporting the Group Environmental policy and its associated targets to make the Green Britain Group net carbon neutral by 2025.

Flexibility statement

The fast moving nature of the company's business means that from time to time you may be asked to perform duties or tasks outside of your original job description on an ad hoc basis. This allows the company to use its people in the best possible way at all times and helps the employees to make their contribution in a changing environment.