Head of NFL Academy Europe - Africa

The NFL Academy provides access to a to a fulltime worldclass 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 NFLs longterm investment in growing the game and expanding international pathways for talent.

Objectives:

• Enhance NFL Academy operations to expedite pathway success & improve outcomes
• Promote worldclass 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 deeperstorytelling 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 studentathletes 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 Academys mission and as set by the programs 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 & 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 studentathletes 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 CareProcess 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 Indicatorstracking review alignment with strategic goals
• Risk Assessment
• Collegiate program preparation (classroom onfield offfield)

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 fastpaced 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 daytoday detail as well as the longterm 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 NFLs 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

At the NFL inperson work at our offices is a top priority because it allows us to collaborate more effectively build stronger connections and maintain the culture that drives our success. This role requires onsite presence at an NFL office location and remote and/or hybrid working options are not offered.

NO RELOCATION ASSISTANCE WILL BE PROVIDED.

The NFL is committed to building an inclusive work environment that reflects our incredible fan base. We provide an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all employees and applicants without regard to status as protected by applicable federal state and local laws.

WHO WE ARE:

NFL Core Values:

• Respect: Everyone matters. We celebrate diverse opinions honor hard work and value every contribution.
• Integrity: We do whats right even when its tough. We hold ourselves accountable and always follow through.
• Team Responsibility: We support each other and our communities. No one is bigger than the game and every action impacts others.
• Resiliency: We set high standards overcome adversity and adapt to challenges always striving for excellence.

NFL Leadership Attributes:

• Build Talent: We develop and nurture potential empowering individuals to grow and succeed.
• Execute: We take action with precision delivering results that drive our goals forward.
• Inspire: We motivate others through vision energy and a commitment to excellence.
• Live Our Values: We embody our core principles in every decision and action.
• Know the Business: We stay informed understand our industry and make decisions that strengthen our position.
• Think Big: We challenge the status quo envision bold possibilities and strive for transformative impact

WHO YOU ARE:

Talent Attributes: What we expect for our employees:

• Embody an enthusiastic proactive cando attitude
• Embracegritfree from ego orentitlement
• Excel as a relationship builder with the ability to influence
• Eager learner driven by passion rather than justambition
• Encompasses an incredible work ethic with an agile mindset