Assistant Head of Community

The role of Assistant Head of Community integrates the strategic leadership of a Project Officer with the operational coordination strengths of a Schools Coordinator. By delegating delivery, coordination, and administrative tasks appropriately, the role maintains a clear focus on leadership, performance, and the effective management of delivery across all programmes.

Role Focus  

• Oversight of delivery programmes   
• Staff leadership  and line management
• Programme quality, consistency, and KPI achievement  
• Effective coordination between school and community provision  
• Oversight of systems, processes, and performance  

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities: 

Strategic Leadership & Programme Development 

• Lead the implementation of programme strands aligned to the organisation’s strategic plan.  
• Contribute to programme design and continuous improvement across community and school settings.  
• Identify opportunities to expand provision across inclusion, health & wellbeing, and education programmes.  
• Ensure alignment between community and school programmes to maximise impact and efficiency.  

Operational Oversight & Programme Management 

• Oversee the management of delivery across all community and school-based programmes.
• Ensure consistency, quality assurance, and adherence to delivery standards.
• Coordinate high-level programme planning, timetabling, and resource allocation.
• Monitor programme performance and ensure targets and KPIs are achieved across all projects.
• Develop and maintain successful relationships with partners, schools and outside agencies.

Leadership & Staff Management 

• Line manage Project Officers, Lead Staff and key programme staff.  
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and performance management across teams.  
• Support staff development, CPD opportunities, and progression pathways.  
• Maintain an effective staffing structure that prioritises front-line management of delivery.  
• Model outstanding timekeeping, commitment to FGR Values and attention to detail. 

 Reporting & KPI Oversight 

• Oversee reporting to funders and partners, ensuring all KPIs and contractual targets are met.  
• Ensure robust monitoring systems are in place across all programmes.  
• Use performance data to drive improvements in programme delivery and outcomes.  

Schools & Community Programme Oversight  

• School-based programmes including curriculum PE, enrichment, competitions, and engagement activities  
• Women & girls football development and school engagement pathways  
• Inclusion, community cohesion, and health & wellbeing programmes  
• Ensure effective coordination between school-based delivery and wider community programmes.  
• Oversee school relationships at a strategic level, ensuring high-quality provision and programme growth.  
• Support Schools coaches in managing timetables, delivery standards, and school engagement.  

Governance and Culture

• You will assist the Head of Community with maintaining policies and procedures and implementing the Capability Code of Practice and take on some lead responsibility as required
• Act as an ambassador for FGR Community always
• Ensure the Trust’s vision, mission, values, and behaviours are always upheld
• Embed equality, diversity, and inclusion across the organisation
• Embed the environmental mission and ethos of the organisation into programme planning and delivery
• You will build strong and positive relationships with the young people and a range of partners and forge strong relationships with key stakeholders, partners, and funders to help drive the vision and mission and strategic priorities of the Trust
• You will undertake appropriate strategic planning and administrative duties to ensure the smooth running of all projects and their delivery

Finance

• Oversee data collection and quality assurance processes for external funders in line with the KPI’s and funding requirements
• Support with the preparation budgets and reports for each programme and ensure invoicing and supplier requirements are implemented on the finance system by working closely with the Head of Community
• Seek out new opportunities to expand delivery across the programmes
• Meet KPI’s and financial targets as set out through performance development
• Report to the operational group and finance working group via the Head of FGR Community
• Support stakeholder relationships and the implementation of service level agreements with the FGR Community

General Duties

• Participate in the FGR Community appraisal and staff development processes
• Follow FGR Community’s policies and procedures - and ensure your team is fully aware of their responsibilities, with reference to the staff handbook
• Act as an ambassador for FGR Community always
• Act on, refer and report any Safeguarding concerns to the Trust SSO and School/Partner’s DSO, (where agreed in the SLA)
• Implement systems and processes to embed environmental sustainability in all your activities and operations
• Stay updated with current legislation and practice, maintaining minimum operating standards, and working towards role specific qualifications, e.g., Safeguarding, MHFA, Coaching qualifications etc
• Undertake any other duties that may be required as deemed appropriate, including deputising for the Programmes Manager where appropriate

Experience Required

• Significant experience of managing community, education, sport, health, wellbeing, or inclusion programmes.
• Experience of leading and managing staff teams.
• Experience of programme planning, coordination, and performance management.
• Experience of monitoring, evaluating, and reporting against KPIs and contractual outcomes.
• Experience of building and maintaining partnerships with schools, local authorities, funders, and community organisations.
• Experience of implementing quality assurance processes and continuous improvement systems.
• Experience of working within safeguarding frameworks and promoting safer working practices.

Knowledge Required

• Understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing community organisations and charities.
• Understanding of programme development within education, sport, health, wellbeing, and inclusion settings.
• Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice.
• Knowledge of equality, diversity, and inclusion principles.
• Understanding of governance, compliance, and organisational policies and procedures.
• Understanding of monitoring and evaluation systems used to measure social impact and outcomes.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Ability to motivate, mentor, and develop staff.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to analyse data and use evidence to drive improvement.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and data management systems.
• Ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about improving outcomes for children, young people, and communities.
• Positive, proactive, and solution-focused approach.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Commitment to environmental sustainability and the values of Forest Green Rovers and FGR Community.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
• Ability to act as an ambassador for FGR Community at all times.