Surrey Cricket Foundation: Head of Schools & Young People (Deadline – Mar 5)

Who are we

Surrey Cricket Foundation (SCF) is committed to making sure cricket is a game for everyone. We believe that cricket should be based on the concepts of fair play, teamwork, and meritocracy and we know that there is work to do to make cricket truly accessible. We are looking for people to join us on the journey of handing cricket over to future generations as the most inclusive and diverse sport in the world.

The Position

Leader of Surrey Cricket Foundation’s department which is responsible for growing and improving school cricket initiatives within the state and private sector for both girls and boys.

As one of four Heads of Department reporting to the Director of Participation the Head of Schools & Young People will be a key member of the Foundation’s Leadership Team, which will involve setting strategy and direction, managing budgets and ensuring the Foundation’s success.

The Head of Schools & Young People will be responsible for driving both delivery and growth in primary and secondary schools. This includes all Chance to Shine delivery and implementing any outcomes from the ECB new schools strategy. The role will also look to maximise the impact of our initiatives focusing on transitioning young people to other playing opportunities in clubs and other settings.

What you’ll do

• Manage and oversee the partnership with the national and local Chance to Shine team to secure year on year investment and deliver agreed KPIs.

• Strategic lead for the entire Schools & Young People department, developing both primary and secondary school delivery.

• Review all school delivery and competitions to ensure we are maximising investment and impact at every opportunity.

• Oversee the new MCC Foundation secondary school hubs programme.

• To analyse feedback received from partner and participants to ensure programmes are effectively delivered.
• Review all school’s delivery and ensure that transition opportunities are maximised.
• Develop opportunities to play within and outside the school gates.
• Team leadership and support to Director of Cricket Participation with regular operational and financial updates to ensure our annual priorities are met.
• To oversee and manage our in-house coaching resource to ensure all programmes are adequately resourced.
• Financial and management control to ensure programme budgets and our monthly recharge targets are delivered.
• Ensure all programmes that run within Schools & Young People department are delivered to a high standard, agreed KPIs are met and are managed within agreed annual budgets.
• Oversee all relevant annual and monthly financial duties are carried out.
• To effectively mentor and support the well being of the Schools & Young People team to deliver against own targets, spot opportunities for growth and ensure their workload is managed.
• Work closely with senior managers and department heads to ensure a collaborative approach which aligns with the Surrey Cricket Foundation’s priorities and the sharing of best practice.
• To oversee the recruitment, selection, induction, probationary review of the Schools & Young People department.

This role can be based at the Kia Oval (London) or at George Abbot School (Guildford)

The Person

The successful candidate will have the following experience / skills / qualities:

Essential:

• 4 years’ experience in a similar role
• A detailed knowledge of school delivery and engaging young people
• Knowledge and experience of budget control and financial management
• Experience of developing and delivering strategies
• Experience of managing a team
• Experience of managing key stakeholders
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Strong networking and relationship building skills, including maintaining working relationships
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Good computer literacy, including MS Office
• Good attention to detail
• Willingness to work unsociable hours as necessary
• Good time management skills
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team

Satisfactory ECB DBS check, First Aid, Safeguarding and the right to work in the UK

Flexibility around working hours and locations within Surrey are vital to the success of this role

Desirable:

• A full driving licence with access to own transport
• Experience in sports administration in the school environment
• Knowledge of the Chance to Shine, MCC Foundation Hubs and the sports in a school environment
• A keen interest and understanding of cricket

Benefits

From £42,000 dependant on experience

5% Club Bonus Scheme

23 days holiday increasing to 28 days based on length of service

Non-Contributory Pension scheme / Private Health Care

Complimentary lunch at the Kia Oval

Membership for domestic games, Tickets for International Games and loads more

To Apply

Please apply with a CV and cover letter outlining why you are suitable for this role and stating current salary.

Closing date for applications is on the 5th March 2025 at 5pm. The first stage of interviews will take place on the 14th March 2025 in-person at the Kia Oval.

We want to make all opportunities at Surrey County Cricket Club accessible to anyone who wants to apply. If submitting a written application is not the best way to tell us about your skills and experience, please let us know and we will discuss it with you.

At Surrey County Cricket Club, we really understand the importance of different voices, experiences, perspectives and backgrounds within all workforces. Our workforce is no different and we strongly encourage applications from members of minority groups and all sections of the community.

If you think you might have these skills but are not 100% sure, please do still apply and let us decide. We know that people often rule themselves out of interesting opportunities assuming that others will be more successful but please don’t be that person. We want to hear from the widest cross-section of the community.

Surrey County Cricket Club is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children, young people and adults at risk that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a process of vetting, including the disclosure of criminal records if required and the seeking of references. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our organisation.