Job Description

The NFL Academy provides access to a to a full-time world-class high school education alongside intensive training in American football under the guidance of a world class coaching & development staff aimed at college placement as a key pillar of the NFL’s long-term investment in growing the game and expanding international pathways for talent.

Objectives:

• Enhance NFL Academy operations to expedite pathway success & improve outcomes
• Promote world-class performance through application of NFL best practices and resources
• Develop local heroes to create relevance and accelerate interest & popularity of the game
• Utilize partners & platforms to advance program, create deeper-storytelling and maximize awareness

Role Overview:

A multifaceted position functioning as part principal, General Manager, and Athletic Director, the Head of the Academy is responsible for leading the overall management of the program by overseeing all internal & external stakeholders to ensure all objectives of the Academy are met and student-athletes are best supported within this elite high school football program environment. This position will oversee all NFL Academy operations, drive program accountability, augment facility management and improve overall performance.

Bringing key League functions together domestically & internationally to provide unique opportunities for business alignment and support, this overall initiative will provide yearlong exposure and presence of the NFL globally.

This role will be based in Loughborough.

Essential Functions:

• Delivery on KPIs in accordance with the Academy’s mission and as set by the program’s leadership team
• Serve as primary NFL liaison between the League and;
  • Academic provider (currently Loughborough College)
  • Sports performance & facilities partner (currently Loughborough University)
  • Coaching & performance support staff
  • Vendors / commercial partners
  • Other sports / governing bodies
  • S. high school sports organizations/teams
• Lead NFL Academy Steering Committee across Academic partner & Performance partner stakeholders
• Ensure implementation of football program development, competition & recruitment plans set forth by Football Operations department
• Support students to ensure best opportunities received across education, life skills / personal development & football development
• Support Academy coaching & performance staff development utilizing NFL League & team resources and ensuring DE&I best practices
• Alongside Football Operations & NFL Clubs identify opportunities for NFL Players & Legends to support program execution & development
• Alongside Football Operations Business Strategy & Commercial teams:
  • Service current partners to ensure they receive value & support program
  • Identify and develop opportunities for innovation within the Academy (e.g., new partnerships that drive football development and utilize new technology)
  • Identify new commercial opportunities and work with NFL Commercial team to pursue and unlock
• Identify opportunities for student-athletes to further develop athletic capabilities, vocational capabilities and community outreach
• Ensure the NFL Academy is integrated to and drives development of local grassroots & community ecosystem, working with local partners and NFL international offices where possible

Core Operational Responsibilities:

• Academic Affairs
• Strategic alignment with NFL KPIs
• Sport performance
• Player total wellness
• Medical Care—Process and oversight, insurance, etc.
• Financial Support/Scholarship development
• Talent evaluation
• Team Logistics
• Scheduling
• Parent Communications and relationship management
• Accountability
• Facility management (ensure facility is up to NFL Standards)
• Partnership development and management
• Contract management and reporting
• Key Performance Indicators—tracking, review, alignment with strategic goals
• Risk Assessment
• Collegiate program preparation (classroom, on-field, off-field)

Additional Responsibilities:

• Oversee NFL Academy head coach, position coaches, strength & conditioning staff, athletic trainers
• Liaise with teachers & college advisors / counselors to support college placement process
• Develop plans integral to the NFL Academy mission:
  • Individual football skill development plan
  • Team periodization plan
  • Individual position periodization plan
  • Academic & athletic personal development plan

Required Education and Experience:

• Experience working in American football (preferably NFL or College football)
• Experience supporting player & coach development and progression in elite performance environment
• Understanding of education pathways (particularly the NCAA)
• Meticulously organized with a track record of complex project management delivery
• Previous experience of managing multiple stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes
• Ability to work equally effectively with operational as well as commercial teams
• Comfortable working within a fast-paced global organization
• Proven track record of operating in a stakeholder heavy organization
• Previous team leadership experience

Leadership Attributes

• Be able to lead by example to appreciate the day-to-day detail as well as the long-term vision
• Establish trust and confidence among all stakeholders to ensure that the NFL Academy has credibility and the leadership team operate with integrity
• Be empathetic when dealing with sensitive situations and information
• Manage difficult conversations and situations to maintain the overall goal of the Academy
• Have awareness of the bigger picture with an understanding of how to best position the Academy both internally and externally, with consideration of the NFL’s broader global football development strategy
• Be able to manage disciplinary processes in conjunction with Academic provider where necessary

Management Responsibility:

• Management of the overall Academy programme with direct management of Academic provider & Performance partner