Job Details
Luton Town FC Community Trust is seeking to recruit a Community Operations Manager to play a key role in the coordination, delivery and development of its community programmes. This is a senior operational role, working closely with the Head of Community Trust to ensure programmes are well managed, aligned to organisational priorities and delivered to a high standard.
The role will combine operational leadership with a proportion of direct programme delivery, enabling the postholder to remain connected to communities, delivery teams and participant needs. The Community Operations Manager will also contribute to the development of new programmes and associated funding opportunities, support partnership working and act as a key decision maker for day-to-day operational matters.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced community or sport for development professional who is motivated to make meaningful impact, strengthen organisational capacity and help reduce health inequalities across Luton and Bedfordshire.
Job Purpose
Reporting to the Head of Community Trust, the Community Operations Manager will provide operational leadership across the organisation, while maintaining a proportion of direct programme delivery to remain connected to communities, delivery teams and participant needs.
The role will coordinate and strengthen programme delivery; line manage designated staff and support the development of new programmes and associated funding opportunities aligned to organisational priorities.
The postholder will embed organisational strategy into effective day to day operations, acting as a key decision maker for operational matters and supporting senior leadership capacity.
Key Responsibilities
Community Engagement & Relationship Building
Build strong relationships with funders, local authorities, key stakeholders, local schools, charities, grassroots clubs and other community organisations.
Act as a liaison between the football club and the local community.
Promote inclusion and diversity through outreach to underrepresented groups.
Programme Development & Delivery
Contribute to and support funding applications, programme design, delivery and evaluation across community programmes within each department including, but not limited to:
Education
Health
Inclusion
Football Development
Staff and Volunteer Management
Recruit, train and manage staff employees and volunteers who represent the Trust.
Provide leadership and mentoring for delivery coaches, project workers, media team and match day staff.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
Track the impact of community programmes using required and appropriate metrics and key performance indicators.
Prepare reports for stakeholders, funders (e.g. EFL in the Community, Premier League Foundation, local authorities), and Luton Town Community Trust Board of Trustees.
Ensure compliance and governance with safeguarding, health and safety and data protection policies.
Marketing & Promotion
Raise awareness of the Trust's work through managing the organisations media output across various platforms e.g. web site, newsletters, social media and local media outlets.
Represent the Trust at community events, matchdays, and public forums.
Fundraising & Grant Management
Collaborate with the Head of Trust and Programme Managers to identify and apply for grants and funding opportunities.
Build partnerships with sponsors, local businesses and charitable foundations.
Club Integration
Work cosely with all football club departments, including first team players and staff, media and marketing, facilities and catering, and Academy to ensure alignment between Community Trust and Club.
Manage the efficient coordination of player appearances and community involvement on behalf of the Club
Education/Qualifications/Training
MAIN JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essentials
Strong experience in community development, sport development and youth engagement.
Strong project and operational management skills, with the ability to plan, deliver and evaluate initiatives - prioritising and managing multiple priorities
Experience with grant funding processes
Experience of developing organisational strategy within the sporting or charity sector
Experience in partnership working with schools, councils, charities
Leadership and staff supervision experience - managing coaches, volunteers or delivery staff
Monitoring & evaluation skills - ability to track KPIs and write impact reports
Budget management experience
Confident IT skills, including use of Microsoft Office and database software
Valid First Aid and Safeguarding qualifications (or willingness to obtain)
Experience delivering health, inclusion, educational or behaviour-change programmesAbility to work to deadlines and meet project targets
Understanding of health inequalities and barriers faced by children and families
Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion within community delivery
A strong working knowledge of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and best practice within education and community settings.
Strong commitment to high-quality, values led delivery
A full valid driving licence and access to car to travel between sites throughout Bedfordshire.
Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends
Enhanced DBS clearance
Degree or equivalent qualification, or demonstrable relevant professional experience.
Desirables
Experience working in a football foundation or Trust
Knowledge of EFL Trust or Premier League Foundation community programmes including Capability Code of Practice
Valid First Aid and Safeguarding qualifications (or willingness to obtain)
Event planning or matchday coordination experience
Recognised sports coaching qualifications
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Leadership skills within a community or education setting
Abilities/Skills/Knowledge
Committed, enthusiastic and passionate about Luton Town Football Club.
Must be pro-active, motivated, organised, responsible and able to work independently as well as in a team.
Highly developed problem-solving skills, resilience, and the ability to perform well under pressure.
Demonstrate good listening skills and have the ability to resolve issues where appropriate.
Ability to multi-task whilst maintaining priority efficiencies.
Focused on achieving Club, departmental and individual success.
Willing to follow and promote the philosophy of the football club.
Be an ambassador for the Club presenting the Club in a positive image at all times.
SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
The Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The Club has systems in place to ensure that the welfare of vulnerable groups is dealt with appropriately and sensitively. Everyone working at the Club has a duty of care to safeguard the welfare of children and young people by creating an environment that protects them from harm. Our standards of practice ensure all staff are fully aware and understand their responsibilities under safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
The Club ensures that all staff that have a direct responsibility for children, young people or vulnerable adults, have been subject to the most stringent of recruitment practices which include Criminal Record Checks and reference checks. These staff are alert to signs of abuse or maltreatment and will refer concerns to the relevant Designated Safeguarding Officers using the agreed safeguarding procedures.
EQUALITY STATEMENT
The individual must at all times, carry out their duties with due regard to the Clubs policies and procedures and in particular the Club's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
The individual must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation, or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders. The individual must contribute to encouraging equality and respecting diversity by embedding such values in the workplace and challenging inappropriate behaviour and processes.