About The Role
This is a unique opportunity to lead one of football’s most forward-thinking Community trusts - combining sport, sustainability, and social impact at the heart of Forest Green Rovers FC. FGR Community plays a vital role in reducing barriers to participation in sport and creating opportunities for people to be active. As The Head of FGR Community you will be responsible for leading the Trust, reporting to the FGR Community Board, and ensuring its operations and activities fulfil strategic aims in close partnership with Forest Green Rovers FC.
Core Responsibilities:
1. Provide clear leadership and direction to ensure the team is motivated, effective, and aligned with organisational goals.
2. Oversee implementation of the Trust’s three-year strategic plan, with regular reviews against key performance indicators.
3. Set and manage annual budgets, working closely with the finance team and the Green Britain Foundation.
4. Lead on governance and operational matters, including contributing to the charity’s Annual Report and presenting updates to the Board of Trustees.
5. Manage and update the Service Level Agreement between the Trust and Forest Green Rovers FC, ensuring strong and productive relationships.
6. Maintain robust policies, procedures, and processes to meet EFL Trust and Charity Commission requirements.
7. Lead fundraising efforts in line with the Trust’s income generation plan and report progress to the Board with recommendations for achieving reserves and growth targets.
8. Align delivery plans and programmes with available resources and community needs.
9. Engage partners and stakeholders in line with the Trust’s procurement and environmental policies.
10. Ensure the Trust’s impact and community influence are effectively communicated, internally and externally.
11. Lead on safeguarding practices for children and adults, maintaining up-to-date qualifications and robust systems.
12. Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, staff development, and programme delivery.
13. Serve as the internal lead for the Trust’s environmental programme, working with the Club and Group Head of Sustainability to uphold best practice.
14. Represent FGR Community at stakeholder events and National League Trust regional and national meetings, or delegate representation as appropriate.
15. Ensure the Trust operates in line with National League Trust standards, while strategically preparing for its transition to EFL community charity status upon the Club’s return to the Football League.
FGR Community (the “Trust”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Green Britain Foundation, a registered charity in England and Wales (Charity No. 1148783).
About You
Essential Skills:
16. Proven experience in a management or leadership role.
17. Experience developing and implementing strategic plans.
18. Entrepreneurial mindset with strong organisational and leadership skills.
19. Hands-on approach with the ability to lead from the front.
20. Passion for using football as a tool for positive change and community impact.
21. Commitment to embedding sustainability within organisational success.
22. Experience building and maintaining partnerships with community groups, clubs, schools, and funders.
23. Strong understanding of governance and general management best practices.
24. Familiarity with diverse business functions (marketing, PR, finance, health and safety, HR).
25. Good understanding of finance, risk management, and performance management principles.
26. Strong knowledge of safeguarding for children and adults, with ability to implement robust practices.
27. Valid FA Safeguarding and Emergency Aid qualifications.
28. Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
29. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Desirable Skills:
30. Designated Safeguarding Officer qualification.
31. FA Level 2 (UEFA C) Coaching qualification.
32. Experience in community development.
33. Good understanding of environmental best practices.
34. Familiarity with Premier League Charitable Fund (PLCF), EFL in the Community, and National League Trust programmes and funding streams.
About Us
Forest Green is looking to the future – Climate change is an existential threat, and we need to build a more sustainable world. Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at FGR. We’re on a mission to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of sport, and beyond.
Established in 1889, we’re also one of the oldest football clubs in the world. That history continues with every season and every trophy, bolstered by the support of an incredibly passionate, global fanbase.
Those moments are only made possible with the right people; those who show courage, tenacity, ambition, dedication to their community, and independent thought. As the world’s first vegan football club, doing things differently is a way of life. We’re looking for like-minded people that can help create the future our planet needs.
Let’s change the game.
Flexibility statement
The fast moving nature of the company's business means that from time to time you may be asked to perform duties or tasks outside of your original job description on an ad hoc basis. This allows the company to use it's people in the best possible way at all times and helps the employees to make make their contribution in a changing environment.
Forest Green Rovers is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing equality for all.