Job description:

Stevenage FC Foundation are looking to recruit a Chief Executive Officer to join our team and lead the charity into its next chapter…

The Foundation is looking to appoint a Chief Executive Officer to lead one of the region’s most impactful football club charities. As CEO of Stevenage FC Foundation, you will provide strategic vision, inspirational leadership, and operational oversight to ensure the continued growth, relevance, and sustainability of the Foundation.

Foundation Chair of Trustees, Steve McQueen highlights the importance of the role and what it means for the future of the charity: “This is a hugely important moment for the Foundation as we look to appoint our next Chief Executive Officer. Over the past decade, the organisation has grown in strength, impact and reputation and we are now entering an exciting new chapter.

“We are seeking an inspiring leader who can build on this success and drive forward four areas of strategic importance: leading the development of a bold new organisational strategy, strengthening and diversifying our fundraising and income growth, supporting our team to deliver lasting impact in education and health, and building influential partnerships that ensure we remain agile in a changing landscape.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who shares our values, is passionate about the role sport can play in transforming lives and wants to make a real and lasting difference for the communities we serve.”

• Job Title: Chief Executive Officer
• Reports To: Board of Trustees
• Direct Reports: Senior Leadership Team (currently 2 x Heads of Department)
• Location: Stevenage FC Foundation offices, The Lamex Stadium (SG2 8RH)
• Contract: Permanent. Full-time 38 hours per week. Flexibility required; evening and week work is expected.
• Salary: £45,000 – £50,000 per annum, depending on experience & qualifications

What We Are Looking For:

You will be responsible for driving forward our strategic objectives, securing and growing diverse income streams, and deepening the Foundation’s impact across our community. In doing so, you’ll serve as both a visible ambassador and senior leader, externally and within the Foundation, ensuring we remain a values-led organisation rooted in inclusion, opportunity, and ambition.

As we move into our next phase of growth, the CEO will play a pivotal role in leading four key areas of strategic importance:

• 1. Strategic Development – Oversee the creation of a new organisational strategy, working with the Board of Trustees and staff to set a clear direction for the Foundation. This will be evidence-based, needs-led, and underpinned by a robust business and delivery plan to ensure financial stability and innovative impact.
• 2. Fundraising & Income Growth – Develop and implement a targeted fundraising strategy, diversifying and growing income streams through grants, partnerships, major donors, and sponsorships, ensuring long-term sustainability.
• 3. Education & Health Impact – Champion and strengthen our work in education and health by supporting the team to expand programmes that improve attainment, wellbeing, and life chances. Ensure these remain central pillars of the Foundation’s community impact.
• 4. Stakeholder Engagement & Changing Landscape – Build and sustain influential relationships with key partners across the public, private, and voluntary sectors, ensuring the Foundation is a leading voice in shaping local priorities. Proactively navigate changes in health, education, and local government policy, positioning the Foundation to maximise opportunities and adapt to community needs.

Important Dates

Closing Date – Wednesday 17th September 2025

1st Interview Date – Wednesday 24th September 2025, at The Lamex Stadium (SG2 8RH)

There may be requirement for second stage interviews, that will be confirmed to candidates who make it through to the first interview stage.

Benefits

As part of your involvement with Stevenage FC Foundation the following benefits are available to staff:

• Stevenage FC staff kit provided relevant to the role
• A pension scheme is available for eligible applicants
• Travel mileage for work related expenses
• 23 days annual leave (plus 8 bank holidays)
• Free onsite car parking (non-matchday)
• Access to bespoke CPD from partners including Premier League, EFL in the Community, The FA, PFA and others
• One match ticket for Stevenage FC home league games
• In-house Employee Assistance Programme – including monthly mental health support
• Free attendance to all Stevenage FC Foundation sessions
• Access to a company laptop to complete the role
• Opportunities to work match days at Stevenage FC

Safeguarding:
Stevenage FC Foundation is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As such, the post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

As we are diverse organisation that respects differences in race, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, faith, background, or personal circumstance, we welcome all applications. We want everyone to feel valued and included in the football community and to achieve their full potential. Stevenage FC Foundation is opposed to any form of discrimination and commits itself to the redress of any inequality by taking positive action where appropriate.

Reasonable Adjustment:

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone.

If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] We are here to help you through the whole recruitment process including trying to apply for a vacancy, getting in touch with us through the process, and/or helping with access in case you are required to come in for an interview.

How To Apply

If you meet the essential criteria (as a minimum) and are interested in applying, please complete the following steps:

1) Complete the online Job Application Form – CLICK HERE

2) If you meet the essential criteria (as a minimum) and are interested in applying, please send your CV and a covering letter addressed to Steve McQueen either by email [email protected]

Please note that any CVs received without an online application form completed with it, will not be considered for the vacancy.