Head of Programmes & Strategy

• Proactively design, pilot, and oversee a portfolio of programmes to support KIO’s strategic priorities and outcomes.
• Lead the development of KIO's talent development and education programmes, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, and collaborate with the Education Lead to enhance and co-manage existing educational programmes.
• Establish and embed clear targets and KPIs for programmes, continuously monitoring performance to drive improvement throughout their development.
• Identify and secure income-generating opportunities that support the growth and sustainability of KIO through broad representation and strategic partnerships.
• Gather and analyse industry insights and audience behaviours to inform the development of new, relevant programme offerings.

• Oversee the effective delivery of all programmes, managing quality, impact measurement, learner experience and budgets to ensure financial sustainability and compliance with funding requirements.
• Maintain a strong understanding of EDI principles to ensure all education programmes adhere to best practices, solidifying KIO's position as a leader in this area.
• Identify challenges, blockers, and potential risks within programme delivery, and recommend effective solutions to overcome them.
• Take a hands-on role in delivering impactful programmes, including in-person sessions, workshops, and events, aligned with our mission and strategic objectives.
• Lead on partnership and stakeholder engagement for programme delivery, particularly across County FAs, clubs, sponsors, and community partners.

• Provide strategic leadership for KIO’s programme portfolio, ensuring all activity drives forward organisational impact goals and long-term sustainability.
• Translate strategic objectives into clear programme roadmaps, ensuring effective measurement, evaluation, and reporting of outcomes.
• Use programme insights and case studies to influence sector-wide change, positioning KIO as a thought leader in education and talent development.
• Bring together teams across the organisation to collaborate on strategy, ensuring all programmes and initiatives contribute to KIO’s overarching aims.
• Contribute to organisational strategy as part of the Senior Leadership Team, integrating programmes into wider initiatives across football and society.

• Lead and manage the Programme team, supporting staff development and maintaining a collaborative, inclusive working culture.
• Collaborate with the wider KIO team to ensure that programme initiatives are well integrated into the organisation’s broader strategy.
• Oversee strategic planning and budget management for the Programmes function, ensuring effective allocation of resources and alignment with organisational priorities.
• Represent KIO at relevant events, conferences, and external engagements, proactively seeking opportunities to amplify our mission and strengthen key relationships.

• Commitment to equality and inclusion and the aims and values of Kick It Out
• Experience in programme strategy, delivery, and evaluation, including budget management and oversight of multiple projects or programmes at various stages, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and high-impact outcomes.
• Leadership experience with a strong record of building and leading high-performing teams to achieve organisational vision and long-term objectives.
• Expert knowledge of EDI principles and how they apply in sports education and development pathways.
• Excellent stakeholder management experience, with confidence in representing the organisation externally and shaping conversations with funders, governing bodies, and senior stakeholders to inform decision-making.
• Excellent project management skills, able to juggle multiple programmes at various stages of delivery.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences.
• Strategic thinker with a creative and proactive approach to programme delivery and development.
• Experience in at least two of the following areas: digital learning and education, community outreach or engagement, talent or player development pathways (grassroots to elite)
• Understanding of football and/or sports development environments from grassroots to elite levels.

• Fully Remote Working: Enjoy the flexibility of working remotely. While we don’t have a physical office, we organise in-person “away days” for team-building and collaboration.
• Annual Leave: Enjoy 25 days of annual leave alongside bank holidays.
• Additional Leave: Enjoy 2 extra days off during the Christmas season and a day off for your Birthday. Your leave allowance also increases with years of service.
• Group Income Protection: Financial security in case of illness or disability.
• Group Life Insurance: Peace of mind with life insurance coverage for you and your loved ones.
• Medical and Wellbeing Benefits: Comprehensive support from day one, including a nutrition and fitness program, digital GP service, and mental health services.
• Private Health Insurance: Optional access to our private healthcare plan.
• Pension Contribution: A 5% pension contribution to help secure your financial future.
• Inclusive Parental Leave: Supportive parental leave policies to help you balance work and family life.

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