Durham Cricket Academy Director - Head of Talent Pathway

Organisation: Durham Cricket C.I.C.
Salary: £50000-£55000
Location: Chester-le-Street
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 7 November 2025
Job Description: Academy Director - Head of Talent Pathway – Durham Cricket

Background

Durham Cricket is proud to deliver a high-performance player pathway that continues to produce outstanding talent for both Durham and England teams.
We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and inspirational leader to oversee the future of Durham’s Boys County Talent Pathway. The successful candidate will work closely with coaches, the ECB, clubs, schools, Durham Cricket Foundation, and community partners to identify, nurture, and develop the region’s most talented young cricketers.

Role Purpose

The Academy Director - Head of Talent Pathway will lead the strategic and operational delivery of Durham Cricket’s Boys’ Talent Pathway. The postholder will be responsible for the identification, development, and progression of players capable of representing Durham and England, while ensuring the pathway is fully integrated and aligned across all performance levels of the Club.

Areas of Responsibility

Pathway Strategy & Leadership

• Work with the Director of Cricket to develop a clear, compelling strategy for Durham’s County Talent Pathway.
• Collaborate with the Men’s Head Coach, Assistant Coaches, and wider performance staff to ensure the Club’s coaching philosophy and performance standards are aligned across all levels.
• Oversee all aspects of County Talent Pathway cricket, including the Academy, Emerging Player Programme (EPP), County Age Group (CAG), Early Engagement Programme (EEP) squads.

Player Identification & Development

• Design and implement a robust player identification and selection strategy across the Academy, EPP, CAG, EEP squads.
• Lead the planning, monitoring, and delivery of individualised, holistic development programmes for Academy and EPP players.
• Deliver and oversee high-quality coaching interventions for players and teams, as agreed with the Director of Cricket.

Programme Design & Delivery

• Plan and deliver comprehensive winter and summer training and competition programmes for all pathway squads.
• Develop, maintain, and implement a Talent Development Framework to guide player development, coach education, and performance standards across the pathway.

Staff Leadership & Support Team Management

• Lead, manage, and organise the pathway support team, including permanent and specialist coaches, and age-group coaches and managers.
• Ensure effective internal communication, organisation, and administration across all pathway operations.

Financial & Operational Management

• Manage the County Talent Pathway budget in conjunction with the Club’s Director of Cricket and Finance Director, including planning, monitoring, and reporting.
• Ensure all activities comply with the County Partnership Agreement and the Pathway Performance Review process to maintain funding and best practice standards.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Maintain effective communication with schools, clubs, players, and parents throughout selection and deselection processes.
• Liaise regularly with England age-group coaches and ECB talent personnel to support the nomination and progression of players into regional and national programmes.
• Work closely with the ECB Regional and National Talent Managers to ensure continued advancement and alignment of Durham’s pathway programmes.
• Establish strong relationships with National Counties, and other First-Class County Talent Leaders to share knowledge and enhance best practice.
• Liaise with the PCA Personal Development Manager to ensure effective player welfare support and personal development opportunities for Academy players.
• Maintain clear communication links between the Pathway, Second XI, First XI, and Community Cricket programmes to ensure alignment and connectivity across the Club.
Working Relationships

• Director of Cricket
• Head Coach and Assistant Coaches
• Pathway Head Coaches
• Age Group Coaches and Managers
• Cricket Operations Manager
• Academy & Pathway Administrator
• Local Clubs and Schools
• ECB Talent Personnel
• Other First-Class County Talent Leaders
• County & National Scouting Networks
• Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA)

Knowledge and Qualifications

• In-depth understanding of the qualities and characteristics required for young players to thrive and perform within a professional cricket environment.
• Proven experience in designing and delivering successful coaching and player development programmes within a high-performance setting.
• ECB Level 4 qualification, or ECB Level 3 working towards Level 4 (or overseas equivalent).
• Broad and demonstrable experience of leading within a boys’ or girls’ performance pathway environment.
• Demonstrates outstanding coaching skills and experience of working with elite and emerging cricketers.

Person Specification

• A natural leader with the ability to inspire, motivate, and drive a culture of continuous improvement.
• An innovative and strategic thinker capable of delivering an engaging and sustainable talent development programme.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with players, parents, staff, and stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to plan, monitor, and implement strategic frameworks effectively.
• Holds valid DBS, Child Protection (Safeguarding Young People), and First Aid certifications.
• Full, clean UK driving licence and the ability to travel independently across the region.

This Job Description should not be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline of areas of major activity.
How to apply: To apply for the role please complete and send the Application Form (available via www.durhamcricket.co.uk) to recruitment@durhamcricket.co.uk