Academy Manager at Kick4Life

by

Job Title: Academy Manager

Location: Kick4Life, Lesotho
Closing Date: 14th February 2025

Company Overview

Kick4Life is an organization committed to transforming lives through sports, education, and character development. As a social enterprise, we focus on empowering young people to achieve their full potential while promoting values of responsibility, leadership, and community.

Job Overview

We are seeking a passionate and highly skilled Academy Manager to assist in the efficient and impactful operation of Kick4Life’s Academy. This role focuses on overseeing football and scholarship programming, providing strategic support for academic, character, and operational excellence. The Academy Manager will contribute to the growth and development of scholar-athletes and ensure alignment with Kick4Life’s mission and values.

Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Human Resources

  • Assist in implementing strategic planning for the Academy.
  • Manage Academy staff and volunteers, including performance oversight.
  • Ensure adherence to Kick4Life’s policies, Code of Conduct, and safeguarding measures.
  • Support staff career development initiatives and build a values-aligned culture.

2. Strategic Planning & Technical Direction

  • Develop and update performance plans in football, academics, and character development.
  • Collaborate with technical and educational staff to ensure scholar-athletes meet their targets.
  • Support the alignment of coaching and playing philosophies with Kick4Life’s goals.

3. Operations & Administration

  • Oversee player registration, licensing processes, and match logistics.
  • Ensure facilities and equipment are well-maintained and safe.
  • Monitor compliance with club and league requirements.

4. Finance & Procurement

  • Assist in budget preparation, forecasting, and financial oversight.
  • Ensure adherence to procurement policies.

5. Fundraising & Marketing

  • Secure and maintain partnerships, sponsorships, and grants for Academy programming.
  • Lead Academy marketing initiatives and manage sponsor relationships.
  • Provide progress reports for sponsors and stakeholders.

6. Academy Programming Support

  • Monitor education progress and provide application and logistical support for scholars.
  • Collaborate with coaches and educators to deliver quality programming.

7. Host Family Support

  • Act as a liaison for host families, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for scholar-athletes.
  • Provide regular updates to parents and guardians.

8. Program Delivery & Evaluation

  • Oversee the programmatic schedule and ensure consistent, quality delivery.
  • Track and evaluate performance metrics for scholars’ development in academics, character, and football.

9. Pastoral Care Support

  • Maintain a structured and caring environment for scholar-athletes.
  • Monitor the well-being of students and provide necessary interventions.
  • Enforce child protection and behavioral policies.

10. Special Duties

  • Lead tours and support performance management initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Education, Marketing, Social Sciences, Sports Management, or related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years’ leadership experience in an elite football environment.

Desirable:

  • Experience in football business, administration, or coaching.
  • Knowledge of budgeting and strategic planning processes.
  • Coaching or recruitment experience in US College/University systems (e.g., NCAA, NJCAA, NAIA).

Skills and Competencies

Essential:

  • Strong communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
  • Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work under pressure.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • High ethical standards and reliability.
  • Strong networking and stakeholder management abilities.

Desirable:

  • Fluency in English and Sesotho.
  • Experience in data collection and analysis.
  • Knowledge of HR functions and sports marketing.

Application Process

If you meet the requirements and are motivated to work in a multicultural environment, please submit:

  1. A CV and cover letter detailing your motivation and fit for the role.
  2. Supporting documents, including educational certificates.

Send applications to: hr@kick4life.org

Note: Kick4Life is committed to child protection and safeguarding. Applicants affirm that they have no history of crimes related to sexual exploitation or abuse.

Application Deadline: 14th February 2025, by 5:00 PM

If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Join Kick4Life and help transform lives through sports and education!

Leave a Comment