Head Football Coach

The University At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.

Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here The Role and the Department The Department and role purpose The Student Enrichment Directorate is striving to play a pivotal role in developing, delivering and transforming a Wider Student Experience that is as impactful as anything in the world.

We remain steadfast in our core commitment to accelerating the growth of far-reaching and market leading programmes across performance, participation and community outreach and engagement, whilst fostering a culture that safeguards academic excellence. We are guided by the belief that an investment in the Wider Student Experience is ultimately an investment in the quality of graduates that the University produces and are motivated by the opportunity to engage and inspire the next generation of talent.

In doing so, we feel confident that we are making a positive contribution to the development of rounded, global citizens. Sport Durham University is one of Europe’s leading sport universities and has been ranked in the top three for BUCS performance since 2013. In 2019 the University completed the construction of a £32m Sports & Wellbeing Park, adding to a prior investment, on the same site, of £8m in 2012 making it the sporting facility in the north of England.

As a result of the amazing work that has been carried out across our performance, participation and community networks the University was awarded the Times and Sunday Times Sports University of the Year for 2023. Primarily the Head Coach will lead and develop the men’s and women’s football programme at Durham University.

The post holder will be responsible for: the development and implementation of a strategy for football partneship development with National and County Football Associations, professional club foundations and local schools lead on recruiting the best men’s and women’s footballers develop a support structure and coaching network around the performance programme of both football and futsal technical training, team development, competition strategy promoting academic excellence.

Working at Durham A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site nursery is available and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community
• Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
• We offer generous pension schemes. Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered. Your application should cover the following criteria: Essential Criteria Qualifications/Experience Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience). UEFA B licence , working towards or relevant experience. Experience of implementing policies and procedures and supporting change and service improvements. Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues. Experience of participating in internal or external networks to share and discuss good practice, develop strong and productive working relationships and to positively influence the University’s reputation. Experience of managing and developing a team or teams in a high-performance environment. Possession of a full driving license with no endorsements Skills/Abilities/Knowledge Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including digital communication tools and Microsoft 365 applications. Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition. Knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines. Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions. Ability to contribute to planning at an operational level. Desirable Criteria Experience of football at performance levels. Experience of partnership development. An understanding of BUCS and the HE sporting landscape. An understanding of the needs of students competing at a high level in performance sport. How to Apply To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above). While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview. Submitting your application We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates. What you need to submit
• A CV: and
• A supporting statement or covering letter which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification. Contact details For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Dave Coldwell, Head of Sport and Physical Activity – [email protected] Typical Role Requirements Service Delivery/Development Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values. Manage the delivery of the men’s and women’s football programme to a high standard. Provide the best possible service by continually reviewing what is required from student athletes and the wider coaching and performance sport team and contribute to ideas and service improvements. Work with your team to look for ways to improve processes and results across all programmes. Contribute to the delivery of activities that generate external income. Support activities which enhance the wider student experience. Planning and Organisation Manage the delivery of operational activities carried out by the coaching team which you are responsible for. Continually seek to enhance the services provided to your student athletes and plan and implement any required improvements. Seek feedback from student athletes, staff and other key stakeholders so that the football programme is being adapted to meet expectations and to plan future requirements. Manage and monitor the performance of the football programme and make recommendations to Team Durham senior management on how it can be improved. Review data on the level of service provided by your team to recommend areas for future improvement. Manage budgets and expenditure including buying (and returning) goods and services. Team Development Ensure that your team can deliver the required services by devolving and delegating responsibilities to appropriate team members. Carry out regular performance reviews to provide feedback on team and individual objectives and expectations and identify any development needs. Ensure that your team continues to develop by coaching and mentoring team members and delivering any training needs. Support the welfare and wellbeing of your team referring more complex issues to specialist services. Communication/Liaison Use your operational expertise to participate in business meetings, working groups and sub-committees. Keep stakeholders updated by sharing key service information about the football programme. Use the best media and method to communicate with internal and external stakeholders. Create positive working relationships, including internal and external networks, using your networks to increase your knowledge and skills, swap information with peers. Use your expertise to participate in and monitor communities of practice and partnership working, both internally and externally. Any other reasonable duties. Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices
• Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.