Chief Executive Officer

Organisation: Amateur Football Alliance
Salary: £50k-£60k
Location: Hybrid - Home and London N1
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 18 November 2025
Job Description: Chief Executive Officer, The Amateur FA

Job pack here: https://bit.ly/AFACEOPack
Apply here: https://bit.ly/AFACEO

The Amateur FA is unique among County FAs. Formed in 1907, we exist wholly outside the football pyramid, preserving the amateur spirit of the game while supporting thousands of players, referees, coaches, volunteers, clubs, leagues and committees across London and the Home Counties.
We are proud of our heritage of fair play, respect, and competitive leagues, with member clubs including former FA Cup winners. Today, our focus is firmly on the future: delivering safe, fun and inclusive football for all, supporting the wellbeing of participants, and using the power of football to unite communities and improve lives.
We are recruiting a Chief Executive Officer to lead the next chapter of the Amateur FA and to deliver our 2024-2028 strategy: The Power of Allies.
At the Amateur FA, football is about inclusion, enjoyment and community. Regardless of who you are, you’ll find a team at the Amateur FA.
You can find more information about us at: https://www.amateur-fa.com

The Role
We are seeking an inspiring and resilient Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our small, high-performing team into the next chapter of the Amateur FA’s journey. Working closely with the Board, Council, staff and volunteers, the CEO will provide strategic and operational leadership to deliver The FA Grassroots Football Strategy and the Amateur FA’s Business Strategy. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse game, and we want our leadership to reflect the communities we serve

The CEO will:
• Lead a small team running the day-to-day operations of the Amateur FA, ensuring effective delivery against strategic goals.
• Spearhead the organisation’s strategic direction, culture and values.
• Serve as an ambassador for grassroots football, raising the profile of the Amateur FA and building strong, trust-based relationships with our membership, governance structures, stakeholders and partners.
• Ensure sound governance, financial management, risk control and compliance with The FA’s Code of Governance.
• Act as Senior Safeguarding Lead, embedding safeguarding across all activities (previous safeguarding experience is desirable, but full training can be provided).
• Support and value our membership and volunteer network — from clubs and leagues to our Council and committees — recognising their central role in the success of amateur football.
• Maximise commercial opportunities and partnerships to grow income and reinvest in the game.
• Be a visible presence in the football community, spending time out and about with clubs, leagues, referees, volunteers, Council and other partners.
• Provide leadership during a period of change in football governance, adapting to new requirements and spotting opportunities to strengthen the role of the Amateur FA.
• Foster innovation in the way the organisation is run, exploring new approaches to delivery and engagement.
• Structure and prepare the Amateur FA team to navigate both challenges and opportunities presented by the ever-evolving football landscape.
• Develop a close, collaborative partnership with the Chair and Board, and work with the Chair to keep the Board fully briefed and engaged.

About You
We are looking for an energising, forward-thinking leader who can demonstrate most or all of the following:
• A passion for grassroots football and/or other sport. We will be asking you to support and empower the volunteers that make the game possible.
• Inspiring, authentic leadership. We will be asking you to lead a healthy, high-performance and collegiate culture.
• A commitment to inclusive, consultative decision-making. We will be asking you to engage staff, Board, Council and volunteers in shaping the organisation’s direction.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and interpersonal skills. We will be asking you to handle challenge and complexity with resilience.
• Financial and commercial acumen. We will be asking you to oversee finances confidently and drive business development and income generation.
• Proven leadership and management experience. We will be asking you to guide teams in membership or not-for-profit organisations, or in grassroots sport.

Amateur FA values

WE DELIVER

We do what we will say we do:

• Seeks to always achieve the highest levels of performance, through continuously improving efficiency and questioning methods.
• Persistent and relentless in overcoming obstacles to achieve a standard that others consider impossible.
• Remains focused on seeing agreed goals through to completion, taking pride in their work.

WE ARE ALWAYS RESPECTFUL

We treat everyone with respect:

• Maintains people’s self-esteem when interacting with them.
• Avoids pre-judgement when listening to suggestions from others.
• Seizes the opportunity to always set the right standards and do the right thing.

WE ARE A TEAM

We work together among us and with you:

• Openly collaborates with colleagues and partners in the game and seeks out and embraces new ways of thinking and working.
• Provides an equal opportunity to people of different backgrounds, experience, and perspective.
• Maintains motivation for the whole team and themselves.
How to apply: Go to: https://bit.ly/AFACEO Add your CV and Cover Letter