Football Development Officer

Organisation: Essex County Football Association
Salary: Circa £25,000
Location: The County Office, Springfield Lyons Approach, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 5LB
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 27 August 2025
Job Description: The Essex County FA are excited to announce a fantastic opportunity for an experienced individual to join their renowned Development Team as a Football Development Officer (FDO), covering the districts of Braintree, Colchester, Maldon and Tendring.

This permanent, full-time position will be based at the Association’s headquarters in Chelmsford, with flexible home working available. Alongside driving football participation in these local authorities above, the new FDO will strategically lead the Disability Player Pathway, coordinating with football development colleagues to drive disability football opportunities. Applications are required by Wednesday 27th August.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering the FA Grassroots Football Strategy and the County FA’s #MovingForward Strategy 2028. The position focuses on growing participation, enhancing the quality of football pathways and upholding the highest safeguarding standards across the county. Importantly, this is not a coaching role, but a strategic and developmental one.

Key responsibilities will include developing and delivering sustainable plans to grow participation and improve quality across all football pathways, as well as ensuring effective implementation of The FA’s Safeguarding Operating Standard for County FAs.

Ideal candidates will be university graduates (or equivalent), with strategy knowledge and a proven track record of working in sports development for at least two years. They’ll be able to demonstrate the ability to build strong working relationships with a variety of stakeholders, hold a full driving licence (with access to a vehicle) and be available for evening and weekend work when required.

The benefits include flexible hybrid working, bespoke training programmes delivered through The FA and the County FA, opportunities to attend major football events - including the FA Cup and Carabao Cup Finals and England internationals - plus access to Nike kits and exclusive discounts.

The Essex County FA promote equality and diversity in employment and welcome applicants from all parts of the community.
How to apply: A full job description can be downloaded at https://www.essexfa.com/news/2025/aug/04/football-development-officer-vacancy. Applicants should complete the Application and ‘Section 12 Equality and Diversity Monitoring’ Forms, and return both via E-Mail to recruitment@essexfa.com by midnight on Wednesday 27th August. For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Football Development Manager, Karl Sear, on (01245) 393094.