Development Officer - National League System

Organisation: The Football Association
Salary: Competitive
Location: Wembley Stadium
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 5 August 2025
Job Description: Impact, on and off the pitch...

The FA are excited to be searching for an NLS Development Officer who will support the continued growth and development of the National League System, while being central to the delivery of the NLS Strategy. The post holder will help us ensure Leagues and Clubs are robust, sustainable and prepared for their NLS Licence, which is proposed to be expanded. Alongside delivering on key projects, the role will ensure a positive relationship between The FA and key stakeholders, such as NLS Leagues and FA Committees and help with the day-to-day running of the National League System.

What will you be doing?

Ensure close collaboration and positive relationships between League and Club Stakeholders and the other internal and external partners, such as the National Leagues Pyramid Board and Committees, the Premier League Stadia Fund (PLSF) and the County FA Network
Lead on projects and events in collaboration with other FA Divisions and partners that help deliver the National League System Strategic Aims.
Develop and deliver an educational programme to help Leagues and Clubs meet their obligations under the NLS Licence and support their robustness and sustainability, in collaboration with the Club programme team.
To support Clubs across the National League System in their accreditation journey, to aid in the delivery of creating 400 3* Thriving NLS Community Clubs in the NLS.
Oversee the delivery of programmes across the NLS, including online webinars, face-to-face events and conferences, including representing The FA at relevant NLS Club meetings.
Manage the Stadium Accreditation criteria and work with the PLSF and other partners to provide support to Clubs to help meet Stadium Accreditation criteria and maximise facility usage.
To manage the business management process on behalf of the NLS team, ensuring annual plans are developed and monthly reports are provided.
To represent the NLS team in cross-business working groups and special projects to ensure the needs of NLS Leagues and Clubs are represented and met.
Communicate and provide information by relevant methods internally and externally to assist and enable NLS operations and effective customer service to Leagues and Clubs.
Executes additional tasks as required to meet the operational needs of the National League System and the FA's changing priorities.
Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure that the highest standards of health, safety, and well-being can be maintained.
As part of the FA'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 activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.

What are we looking for?

Essential for the role:

Knowledge:

An understanding of the National League System and the challenges facing Leagues, Clubs and Administrators.
Knowledge of the workings of a Club or League operationally in the NLS.
Knowledge of the differing landscapes of the National League System at the varying step levels.
Understanding of Sports Development principles.

Experience:

Experience of working or supporting sports organisations.
Experience in managing, leading or delivering successful projects.
Experience in developing positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
Experience and successful track record of being solution and outcome-focused.
Having a high level of resilience and dealing with challenging/conflicting situations.

Technical Skills:

Project Management.
Reporting and Writing skills.
Advanced Microsoft Office.
Ability to create presentations and present to a wide range of key stakeholders both in-person and online.

Beneficial to have:

Knowledge:

Knowledge of the National League System Strategy and its role in supporting the wider FA Strategy.
Degree-level educated in a sports-related qualification.
Knowledge of the NLS governance structure.
Understanding of the NLS Rules and Regulations.

Experience

Experience working in a politically sensitive environment.
Experience of working in a challenging multi-stakeholder environment.
Working or volunteering with or in the NLS ecosystem.

Technical Skills:

Understanding of the FA systems that is used by NLS Clubs and Leagues.
Ability to use a variety of products to create high-quality communications to large audiences (ie newsletters)

What's in it for you?

We are committed to ensuring everyone can flourish in their roles, to achieve this we have unique office spaces under the arch of the iconic Wembley National Stadium, which is the home of English Football. We are also delighted to offer a world-class, Elite Performance Centre, St. George's Park in Staffordshire which is an exceptional setting to develop and inspire high-performing England teams and leaders.

We pride ourselves in offering a competitive salary as well as great opportunities to develop and grow in your role. But that is not all; we also have a range of exciting benefits, some of which can be found below:

Access to event day tickets at Wembley Stadium, alongside a host of regular internal events throughout the season, encouraging you to connect and learn with your colleagues and look after your mental health and well-being.
Free, nutritious lunches at Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park.
Free private medical cover.
A contributory pension scheme.
An additional 'Thank You' days leave, volunteering days as well as 25 days annual leave (based on a full-time, permanent contract.)
A hybrid working model which offers greater flexibility.

For more information on what it is like to work at The FA, please visit our FA Careers page, https://www.thefa.com/about-football-association/careers

We are a diverse workplace, aspiring to represent football across the country. The Football Association actively promotes inclusion and diversity, encouraging you to be the best version of yourself at work.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application.

As part of the FA'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 activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.
How to apply: https://careers.thefa.com/jobs/vacancy/development-officer---national-league-system-wnsl0913-home-based-/2583/description/