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INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY MANAGER

FARUM, DENMARK


Right to Dream Group are seeking a proficient, ambitious and dedicated professional for the position of International Academy (IA) Manager. Reporting to the Group Technical Director, the successful candidate will manage all aspects of the programme operating across all Right to Dream clubs and academies.


 

This will consist of leading the daily delivery for the programme at all locations around the World. Having strong understanding and experience of both technical and administrative areas of the programme.

 

Adaptability is key to the role and the right person will need to be a strong leader who can plan, deliver and communicate clearly to successfully push the growth of the International Academy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

​The role is to implement and oversee the IA programme, leading on overall strategy, budget, planning, administration, delivery & logistics (in cooperation with Football Function) and technical team management. Allowing for the right environment for student athletes to develop, thrive and maximise their potential. The role operates within the RTD culture, environment and way of operating is lived in all areas of the programme. It will be closely connected to the Football Function in terms of implementing this pathway into professional football.

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  • Development and delivery of IA strategy and how this drives programme planning, delivery and targets.

  • Create and maintain the annual budget based upon the strategy and needs of the programme to maximise student athlete development and meet programme KPIs.

  • Ensure our elite environment is ongoing and have best practice level in all areas (in cooperation with Head Coach, Football Function and club/academy Technical Directors)

  • Create a close relationship with FCN and SDFC 1st teams to ensure alignment, progression opportunities and connectivity

  • Develop close relationships with Technical Directors from RTD academies in Denmark, Ghana, USA, and Egypt to allow for seamless transition into and progression through IA

  • Ensuring the RTD style of play and methodology is implemented by the IA Head Coach and technical staff across the programme together with Football Function (Group Technical Director)

  • Ensuring psychological safe and open environment at the academy and a culture focusing on development & learning (character, academics and football)

  • In charge of all technical staff management and hiring, in cooperation with Football Function, while leading staff development and succession planning within the team

  • Manage and develop all internal and external stakeholder relationships across all Right to Dream clubs and academies, spending significant time at each location to build strong relationships with relevant staff and departments to achieve program outcomes.

  • Ensure student athletes continue to balance education alongside their football development.

  • Ensuring the physical and mental well-being of student athletes, providing access to medical care, psychological support, and life skills training when needed.

  • Continuously follow our global RTD academy student athlete pipeline, working closely with Head of Talent & Pathways to ensure clear selection processes, pathways and succession of the IA
    • Build relationships with student athletes, players, parents, families, and agents, focusing on building trust and educating them about Right to Dream's vision and mission.

  • Lead academy administration and operations, ensuring operational excellence with minimal impact on performance.

  • Oversee travel, visa needs, and FIFA regulations requirements for all player contracts of those joining IA.

  • Upholding the highest standards of ethics and integrity in all academy operations.

  • Work effectively with the relevant media departments and adhering to protocols, regulations and safeguarding protocols

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications
• Qualification in Football / Sports Business
• Relevant qualification in youth / talent development

Experience
• Strategy development, delivery and KPI setting
• Previous experience of working with student athletes in an elite environment
• Experience of working in an environment which identifies and nurtures young football talent
• Experience of designing and developing Individual Development Programmes in line with the short and long-term requirements and goals of student athletes
• Experience in managing, mentoring, and motivating highly qualified team staff.
• Experience of working within a multi-cultural environment.
• Experience of leading a team and creating a successful culture

Knowledge and Skills
• Deep understanding of the technical aspects and approach to player development in football
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to relate and inspire student athletes and staff of all abilities and cultures
• Problem solving & negotiation skills.
• An ability to adapt quickly, be flexible in the face of change.
• Safeguarding and child protection practices.
• Strong and vast network in world football across elite clubs, federations, organisations to aid the growth and outcomes of the programme.
• Able to deal with conflict, ambiguity and information in an appropriate and positive manner.
• Ability to build & maintain local relationships with all key stake holders.
• Have strong planning and communication skills and have experience of reporting.
• Additional language skills, ideally French will be desirable

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What we offer

We offer the opportunity to work in an engaging, friendly, and sporting environment.

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Location

Based in Denmark with frequent travel / time spent at all locations of Ghana, Egypt, Denmark, and San Diego

APPLICATION PROCESS

If you want to know more or have questions about the position, please contact Flemming Pedersen, Group Technical Director at fp@fcn.dk

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Apply Here: International Academy IA Manager Vacancy 

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