Job description:

Job Title: Referee Development Assistant
Hours per week: 35 hours per week. The Kent FA operates a hybrid working arrangement of 2 days per week in the office and 3 days at home.
Vacancy Type: Full-Time position, 35 hours per week. Fixed Term contract until 2028.  
Location: Kent FA HQ, Invicta House, Cobdown Park, London Road, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 6DQ. 

The Role

We are looking for an individual who brings passion and enthusiasm to the team and who will work collaboratively with others, both internally and externally, from the organisation. The successful person will be supporting our delivery of the Referees section of the Kent County FA Strategy; the aim is to provide more administrative support to the department as well as assist with our recruitment and conversion of Key Performance Indicators [KPIs].

The Referee Development Assistant will report directly into the Referee Development Lead [RDL] and be an important member of the Football Development Team. 

This new role will be an exciting and rewarding one with the incentive of being part of the Kent FA. To join our team and be successful you must be able to meet our ‘core’ business values. Equally, evidenced by both your application and the recruitment process, the panel must be convinced of your passion, inspiration, and professionalism. 

Key Responsibilities

• Support delivery of the Kent FA referee development programme, liaising with key stakeholders to meet the needs of the game.
• Work in partnership with the RDL to support the recruitment, retention, and development of referees. 
• Recruit and convert trainee referees through the FA Referee Course and local CPD opportunities.
• Support the organisation of referee courses.  Help identify venues, dates, advertising & administration of the courses.
• Support the administration across the referee landscape and service the appropriate related mailboxes.
• Provide administration support for the appointment of match officials to the 25 county cup competitions, working collaboratively with the RDL, Competitions Officer and Divisional Referee Officers [DROs].
• To monitor and support the referee department email accounts.
• Provide administration support for the Kent FA Referee Committee, working groups and referee development team.
• Work with the RDL to provide league support to ensure the appointment of appropriately registered referees.

What we are looking for

The successful candidate will be educated to A Level or have 2 years’ sports development experience. They will be able to think and work strategically, be self-motivated and have excellent organisational skills. In addition, they will be able to forge and build exceptional relationships with partner organisations and have a strong customer service ethos.

What we can offer

• A great start to your career in football with the local governing body of the grassroots game here in the heart of the County
• Opportunities to progress your career across the County FA Network throughout England and at The FA.
• Access to high-quality training, networking, and personal development opportunities
• A varied and exciting working life, where you’ll learn about all aspects of grassroots football.
• Enhanced Holiday entitlement
• Access to employee benefits including an employee experience and engagement platform, and employee assistance scheme.

About Kent FA

The Kent FA prides itself in being an innovative and forward-thinking organisation and these are exciting times as we embark on developing a new corporate strategy to reinforce the vision, and objectives moving forward for the next four years. The successful candidate for this role will be instrumental in helping the Kent FA to deliver this.

Safeguarding

Kent FA is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk. Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service [DBS] check through The FA DBS process. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according the nature of the role and the information provided.

Equality and Diversity

Kent FA promotes inclusion and diversity and welcomes applications from everyone. If you have any requirements in relation to the recruitment or interview process, please include details on the application form.

Application and Selection process

• Complete the Application Form and Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form found on this page https://www.kentfa.com/news/2024/apr/15/vacancy---referee-development-assistant and return to Jobs@KentFA.com no later than midnight on Sunday 12th May. Applications received after deadline will only be considered in exceptional circumstances e.g., proof of posting indicates undue delay through no fault of the applicant.
• Receipt of applications will not be acknowledged. 
• Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by May 16th, communicating their interview date/time.
• Interviews will be held on the May 23rd. 
• If required, second interviews may be held to determine the most suitable candidate for the role.