At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead wellbeing initiatives for professional athletes, ensuring their mental health and support systems are top-notch.
- Company: Join the PFA, the players' union dedicated to footballers' welfare in the Premier League and beyond.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for impactful change in player care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in athletes' lives while shaping the future of wellbeing in football.
- Qualifications: Experience in sports wellbeing, strong leadership skills, and relevant qualifications in mental health or counselling.
- Other info: Work from either our London or Manchester office and be part of a values-driven team.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about supporting mental wellbeing and creating safer spaces for professional athletes? We are seeking a Director of Wellbeing to lead our efforts in supporting the health and wellbeing of our players. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of player care in professional Football.
As the players’ union for those in the Premier League, Women’s Super League and English Football League, the PFA is an organisation that prioritises the voice, welfare, and future of footballers. In this role, you will help shape the care players receive both during and beyond their playing careers.
The impact you’ll make
In this influential leadership role, you’ll direct the PFA’s wellbeing strategy, ensuring that our members receive the highest level of support and care—whether facing injury, contract transitions, or retirement. You will manage a team of experts delivering support and high-quality wellbeing programmes across the footballing community. You’ll work across the professional game, advising clubs, partners, and governing bodies on wellbeing best practices. Your role will be key to embedding a culture of care, driving forward industry-leading initiatives, and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders. You will also take the lead on safeguarding, ensuring robust and compassionate responses to concerns, and creating a safe and inclusive environment for children and adults at risk.
Your skills and experience
We are looking for someone with experience in leading wellbeing programmes in the sports industry. You should be comfortable shaping strategic direction and working across organisations at senior level. You should be comfortable engaging with individuals, conducting visits, and handling media interactions. You will also understand the challenges that people face in high-pressure environments and be committed to making a difference.
- Proven leadership experience in wellbeing
- Deep understanding of emotional health, safeguarding practice, and player welfare
- Experience providing one-on-one confidential support to athletes experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, performance pressures, or personal challenges
- The ability to create inclusive, proactive support systems and referral pathways
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Experience managing teams and complex operations
- Relevant qualifications in counselling, mental health, or related fields
- An understanding and experience of safeguarding
You’re approachable, values-driven, and passionate about helping others thrive. You understand the culture of Football and are motivated by the chance to lead real change in people’s lives. This role can be based in either our London or Manchester office.
Ready to make a difference in Football? Click the apply button now to start your journey with the PFA.
Director of Wellbeing employer: Professional Footballers' Association (PFA)
Contact Detail:
Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Wellbeing
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the sports industry, especially those involved in player welfare and wellbeing. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet key stakeholders and learn about current trends in mental health support for athletes.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by professional athletes, particularly in high-pressure environments. Understanding these issues will help you articulate your vision for wellbeing strategies during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight any initiatives you've led that improved wellbeing or support systems within a sports context.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and their current wellbeing programmes. Being knowledgeable about their existing initiatives will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to enhancing player care.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Wellbeing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Director of Wellbeing position. Familiarise yourself with the PFA's mission and how this role contributes to supporting players' mental wellbeing.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in leading wellbeing programmes within the sports industry. Emphasise your leadership skills, understanding of emotional health, and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to create inclusive support systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for mental wellbeing and your commitment to making a difference in the lives of athletes. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you can contribute to the PFA's wellbeing strategy.
Prepare for Potential Interviews: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your approach to wellbeing in high-pressure environments. Prepare to share your thoughts on safeguarding practices and how you would engage with stakeholders to promote a culture of care within football.
How to prepare for a job interview at Professional Footballers' Association (PFA)
✨Show Your Passion for Wellbeing
Make sure to express your genuine passion for mental wellbeing and supporting athletes. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to creating safer spaces and improving player care.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles in wellbeing programmes, particularly within the sports industry. Highlight specific initiatives you led and the positive outcomes they achieved, showcasing your ability to drive change.
✨Understand the Challenges Athletes Face
Familiarise yourself with the unique pressures professional athletes encounter. Be ready to discuss how you would address issues like stress, anxiety, and performance pressures, demonstrating your understanding of their needs.
✨Engage with Stakeholders Effectively
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with various stakeholders in previous roles. Emphasise your communication skills and your ability to collaborate with clubs, partners, and governing bodies to implement wellbeing strategies.