Kinetic Foundation
Head of Academy
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We are looking for a Head of Academy to lead our successful Kinetic Academy programme. https://chihuahua-maracas.squarespace.com/s/Head-of-Academy-JD-Kinetic-Foundation.pdf
The Role
The Head of Academy will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Kinetic Academy, ensuring that high-quality football programmes drive engagement, education outcomes, and social mobility. Reporting to the CEO, the role oversees football-related activity including participation, recruitment, performance pathways, and games logistics, while setting the long-term vision for the Academy’s growth across boys’ and girls’ programmes. The Head of Academy will lead a large multidisciplinary team and play a key role in developing partnerships, expanding provision, and ensuring that the Academy continues to deliver outstanding outcomes both on and off the pitch.
Further Information
Kinetic Foundation has delivered a highly successful post-16 football academy for over 10 years, supporting thousands of young people into positive destinations. The Head of Academy role is a pivotal leadership position with responsibility for scaling impact, expanding girls’ football, and developing new programmes across KS3, KS4 and post-16 pathways. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a high-impact sport-for-development programme, with strong organisational support and a clear ambition for growth.
Equal Opportunities
Kinetic Foundation values diversity and inclusion, we welcome and encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, regardless of their age, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexuality or disability.
Key responsibilities
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Strategic Leadership
- Set the strategic direction for the Kinetic Academy, aligning with organisational goals to reduce NEET rates and improve outcomes for young people.
- Lead the growth and development of the Academy, including expansion of girls’ football and new programme areas (KS3, KS4, post-16 and beyond).
- Contribute to the wider organisational strategy as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Programme Oversight
- Oversee all football and education-linked delivery within the Academy, ensuring high-quality provision and clear progression pathways.
- Ensure Academy programme supports both football performance and academic achievement.
- Monitor participation, engagement, and outcomes, using data to drive continuous improvement.
Games Programme & Operations
- Oversee fixture scheduling, travel, and logistics across all teams.
- Ensure effective coordination with schools, leagues, and governing bodies.
- Maintain high standards in operational delivery, health & safety, and safeguarding compliance.
Staff & Team Management
- Lead and manage key staff including the Academy Operations Manager, and School Liaison Officers.
- Set clear objectives, support professional development, and drive a high-performance culture.
- Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, and staff structure to support growth.
Partnerships & External Relations
- Build and maintain relationships with schools, colleges, football clubs, and governing bodies.
- Act as an ambassador for the Academy, representing the organisation externally.
- Identify and develop opportunities for collaboration to enhance player pathways and programme reach.
Recruitment & Player Pathways
- Oversee recruitment strategies for under-16, post-16 and post-18 players.
- Ensure clear and effective pathways into professional football, higher education, or employment.
- Support talent identification and retention across both boys’ and girls’ programmes.
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Safeguarding
- Ensure all Academy activities comply with safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for all participants.
- Work closely with safeguarding leads to manage risk and uphold best practice.
Person Specification
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Proven experience in a senior leadership role within football, sport development, or education.
- Strong understanding of football academy structures and player development pathways.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans.
- Excellent organisational and operational management skills.
- Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
- Experience working with young people, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Knowledge of safeguarding practices and commitment to youth welfare.
Desirable Skills and Experience:
- UEFA coaching qualification (or equivalent).
- Experience in post-16 education environments or dual-career pathways.
- Background in sport-for-development or charity sector.
- Experience developing girls’ football programmes.
- Knowledge of London football and education landscape.
Personal Attributes:
- Passionate about using sport as a tool for social change.
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on leadership style.
- Resilient, adaptable, and solutions focused.
- Collaborative and able to inspire and motivate others.
- Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
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