WSL Football Board of Directors Observer

WSL Football is the independent body responsible for the top two tiers of women's professional football in England: the Barclays Women's Super League and the Barclays Women's Super League 2. Following our successful transition into a club-owned independent entity, our mission remains clear: to build the most distinctive, competitive, and entertaining women's football competition in the world for the players and fans of today and tomorrow. Led by CEO Nikki Doucet and Chair Dawn Airey, our Board is committed to agility, transparency, and thought diversity. As we continue to shape the future of sport, we are looking for a new Board Observer to represent the voice of the next generation.

The primary role of the Observer is to bring a youth culture perspective to Board discussions. This is a non-voting position intended to bring valuable perspectives to the Board and is a 1-2 year rolling position. The Observer will provide insight into youth culture habits and new technology that could impact the sports experience and consumption, ensuring WSL Football remains relevant, inclusive, and inspiring to a younger generation. This role offers an opportunity to upskill a young professional with Board experience.

In terms of commitment, the Observer will be required to attend four in-person Board meetings per season, which are all-day sessions hosted in central London, as well as ad-hoc BWSL and BWSL2 games and shorter online meetings. If they wish, the Observer may also attend shareholder meetings, which comprise an additional four all-day meetings per season. While this is a voluntary, unpaid position intended as a professional development opportunity, all reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the performance of Board duties will be fully reimbursed.

Key Accountabilities

• Champion the Game: Act as a passionate ambassador for women's football and the BWSL & BWSL2.
• Insights & Trends: Provide informed perspectives on youth culture trends and behaviours to ensure branding and outreach resonance.
• Strategic Advice: Offer guidance on programs and initiatives designed to engage younger audiences.
• Digital Innovation: Promote creative ideas to enhance physical and digital fan engagement.
• Board Integrity: Promote and encourage integrity within the WSL Football Board.

Essential Skills

• Professional Foundation: Demonstrable work experience.
• Youth Culture Expertise: Experience in marketing, community engagement, or youth advocacy focused on youth culture.
• Tech Literacy: Familiarity with social media platforms, digital, and AI trends among youth.
• Football Knowledge: Passion for and knowledge of women's football is highly desirable.
• Creative Problem Solving: Ability to think creatively and propose innovative solutions to engage young audiences.
• Analytical Insight: Capability to analyse trends and data to make informed recommendations.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with board members, staff, and external partners.
• Inclusion Advocate: Experience in promoting diversity and inclusion within work environments or youth communities.
• Network: Established network within youth organisations, educational institutions, or cultural communities.
• Relevant Background: Background in marketing, sociology, youth development, sports management, or related fields.

Living the Values through our Behaviours

• FOR THE LOVE OF THE WOMEN'S GAME - Every decision we make drives the growth, quality, and impact of women's football for future generations.
• GREATNESS NEVER SETTLES - We have the relentless drive to keep the women's game growing, and reaching for more. We have the courage to push boundaries, innovate boldly and continuously rewrite the playbook.
• FIND A WAY TO WIN, TOGETHER - We move as one – lifting each other up and having each other's backs. Together, we unite players, clubs, fans, and communities to achieve greatness.
• CHAMPION THE FEMALE ATHLETE, ON AND OFF THE PITCH - We celebrate and support female athletes, empowering them to shine in their football careers and beyond.
• PUT FANS IN THE FRONT ROW - Fans are the VIPs at the heart of our game. We must thrill, inspire, and connect with them to build lifelong loyalty.

Note: The Women’s Super League Football office is based in Farringdon in Central London. For more details about the organisation, please visit the Women's Super League Football website.

Application Process & Timeline

Women's Super League Football welcomes applications from everyone. As part of the application process, we will ask you to submit a CV and cover letter. Our recruitment process consists of three structured interview rounds:

• Round 1: Conducted online.
• Rounds 2 & 3: Hosted in-person for candidates who successfully progress.

We aim to have the recruitment process complete by mid-August, ahead of the first Board meeting scheduled for 17th September. If you have any particular accessibility or adjustments requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application.

Safeguarding & Compliance

As part of Women's Super League Football's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the specific activity of the job role and in line with current legislation and government guidance.