Chief Executive Officer

Independent Schools Football Association (ISFA)
Location: Home-based with national travel
Contract: Full-time (open to part-time/flexible working arrangements)
Salary: £50,000 (negotiable) plus benefits - including generous holiday allowance and company pension

Lead and Shape the Future of Independent Schools' Football

The Independent Schools Football Association (ISFA) is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into its next phase of growth and impact.

As the national body for football in the independent schools' sector, ISFA supports and promotes the grassroots game through competitions, representative teams, player development, and strategic partnerships. We are proud to be supported by The FA and funded through membership, events, and sponsorship. Our mission is to provide inclusive, high-quality football opportunities for boys and girls across the sector.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead a respected organisation at the heart of independent school sport, working alongside the Executive Committee (ExCo), ISFA staff, member schools, passionate volunteers and The FA to help shape the future of the country's grassroots football provision.

About the Role

As CEO, you will:

• Drive and implement ISFA's strategic vision and values, working closely with our Executive Committee (ExCo), ISFA staff, member schools and The FA.
• Oversee and grow our annual calendar of competitions and representative programmes, ensuring operational excellence and a second-to-none participant experience.
• Ensure safeguarding is embedded in all that we do through an effective safeguarding culture, policies, procedures and staff/volunteer training.
• Develop and diversify income streams, including sponsorship, partnerships, and fundraising.
• Lead and inspire a small and committed staff team, promoting a positive, values-led culture.
• Strengthen ISFA's marketing and digital strategy, ensuring our reach, visibility, and impact reflect the strength of our offer.
• Champion diversity and good governance, upholding the highest standards in everything we do.

About You

We are looking for a confident and visionary leader who is:

• An experienced senior leader in sport, education, youth development, membership organisations or charities.
• Experience of working with a board or trustees is essential. A background in football is not required, but a deep understanding of the power of sport in education and youth development is key.
• A natural relationship-builder with the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including schools, Boards and volunteers.
• Strategic and commercially minded, with experience growing income and building organisational resilience.
• A skilled communicator and advocate, able to raise ISFA's profile and influence.
• Highly organised with the ability to implement and deliver strategy and operational excellence.
• A proven track record in leading and inspiring teams, ensuring a collaborative and supportive culture for ISFA staff, volunteers and member schools.
• Passionate about football and its potential to inspire, unite, and empower young people.
• Comfortable working autonomously and shaping your own working pattern in line with ISFA's objectives.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV (no more than two pages) and a covering letter (no more than two pages) outlining your suitability for the role to hr@isfa.org.uk by 12 pm on Friday, 13th June 2025.

First stage interviews will take place online on the 25^th June, with final stage interviews taking place at Wembley Stadium on the 2^nd July.

For more information about ISFA, visit www.isfa.org.uk

Commitment to Safeguarding and Inclusion

ISFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to the necessary pre-employment checks, including enhanced DBS, reference and online checks.

We value diversity and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.