ROLE SUMMARY

Reporting to the Sporting Director, the Academy Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership, direction and overall management of the Central Coast Mariners Academy, ensuring the successful development and delivery of the Club's Academy philosophy, football program and operational objectives.

The position is responsible for establishing a high-performance environment that identifies, develops and prepares talented players for progression into the Club's A-League Men's and Women's programs and potential professional football opportunities.

The Academy Director will oversee the strategic, financial, administrative and operational performance of the Academy, ensuring the program operates in accordance with Club strategic objectives, Football Australia and Football NSW requirements, A-Leagues regulations, safeguarding standards and relevant governance frameworks.

A key responsibility of the role is to establish a culture of accountability, collaboration, professionalism and continuous improvement, ensuring all Academy departments work towards a shared vision and agreed performance outcomes.

The successful candidate will combine strong leadership, administration and stakeholder management skills with experience in elite player development and coaching. They will be organised, proactive and collaborative, with the ability to balance Academy operations and individual player development priorities in a professional football environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development, implementation and review of the Academy strategy and Development Philosophy, ensuring alignment with the Club’s football identity and long-term objectives across all age groups and departments.
• Develop and maintain the Academy Performance Plan, setting departmental responsibilities, annual objectives, performance measures and reporting requirements, and monitor delivery against agreed outcomes.
• Lead and manage coaches, chair meetings and oversee staffing and recruitment, hold coaches accountable for agreed outcomes.
• Work with the Sporting Director and Head Coach to align Academy priorities with senior football requirements and establish clear progression pathways into the A-League Men’s and Women’s programs.
• Oversee the Academy football program and the integration of player development, coach development, recruitment and performance support, ensuring players are prepared technically, tactically, physically and psychologically.
• Establish effective talent identification and recruitment processes across NPL competitions, state programs, national championships and other relevant development environments.
• Monitor player progression, retention, transition into senior football and professional contract opportunities, prioritising individual development and long-term potential alongside team performance.
• Set operational priorities and service standards, review delivery, operational reports and proposed system changes with the Academy Coordinator, and resolve escalated delivery issues and resource constraints within Club delegations. Coordinate priorities through the Sporting Director, with the support of the Academy Coordinator.
• Maintain oversight of applicable Football Australia, Football NSW, A-Leagues and other governing body requirements, including accreditation, benchmarking and competition regulations; review compliance evidence, ensure technical leads provide required information and resolve gaps or regulatory changes.
• Oversee governance of player recruitment, registration, transfer and release decisions with the Sporting Director and Football Operations, informed by relevant technical recommendations and Club protocols.
• Establish Academy-wide risk management and governance reporting standards, and represent the Academy in strategic or regulatory discussions, delegating routine operational follow-up where appropriate.
• Ensure a safe, inclusive and supportive Academy environment with the Club’s Safeguarding Manager, maintaining appropriate policies, staff screening, Working with Children Checks, training and clearances, and effective processes for reporting and managing concerns, incidents and complaints.
• Oversee education, player care, welfare and personal development through the relevant departmental lead, prioritising player wellbeing, mental health and preparation for life beyond football.
• Develop the overall Academy budget with the Sporting Director, and Finance, incorporating departmental plans and operational inputs from the Academy Coordinator, and seek approval through Club processes.
• Retain accountability for budget performance, financial commitments and resource allocation, including Academy activities, apparel and equipment, within approved delegations, and establish financial control standards with Finance.
• Review expenditure, forecasts and variances prepared by Finance, determine corrective actions and identify opportunities to improve the value and effective use of Academy resources.
• Lead strategic relationships with governing bodies, professional and NPL clubs, schools, development programs and potential partners, and represent the Club professionally at relevant meetings and industry events.
• Work collaboratively with Club executives and internal departments to align Academy initiatives, set stakeholder engagement standards and resolve escalated strategic or football development matters, promoting collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing.
• Set professional conduct and staff development standards, establish coaching and leadership CPD priorities with technical leads, and monitor qualifications and accreditation. Undertake personal professional development and performance reviews, uphold Club policies and confidentiality, and perform other reasonable duties directed by the Sporting Director and CEO within the scope of the role.
• Report regularly to the Sporting Director and CEO on Academy performance, strategic progress, player pathways, financial outcomes, governance, welfare, staff development, risks and opportunities.

SOFT SKILLS

• Strong leadership and the ability to inspire, motivate and develop a high-performing team.
• A strategic mindset, with the ability to translate Club objectives into practical plans and measurable outcomes.
• Sound judgement, decisive problem-solving and accountability for performance and decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust with executives, coaches, players, families and external stakeholders.
• A collaborative approach that promotes alignment, knowledge sharing and effective working relationships across departments.
• Professionalism, integrity and discretion when handling sensitive Club, staff, player and commercial information.
• Empathy and a strong commitment to the development, wellbeing and progression of young footballers.
• Strong organisation, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.
• Resilience, adaptability and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
• Receptiveness to feedback and commitment to personal learning and professional development.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Degree in Sports Management, Football, Business Management or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience (essential).
• Relevant football leadership or management qualifications (essential).
• Football Australia or equivalent coaching accreditation (desirable).
• Relevant safeguarding and child protection qualifications (essential).
• Current Working with Children Check (essential).
• Current driver’s licence (essential).
• Significant senior leadership experience within professional football, elite sport or a comparable high-performance environment, including management of multiple departments and senior staff.
• Strong understanding of youth football development, talent identification, recruitment and progression pathways into senior professional football.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategy, performance plans, departmental objectives and reporting systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of football governance, player registration, regulatory requirements, safeguarding, education and player care.
• Experience managing operational budgets, financial reporting, resource allocation and financial controls.
• Experience overseeing staff recruitment, performance management, succession planning, coach development and accreditation.
• Demonstrated ability to build strategic relationships with governing bodies, professional clubs, NPL clubs and other football stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant football administration systems.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends and public holidays and attend Academy activities and relevant Club commitments as required.