International Football Development Associate (External Agency Position)

The International Player Pathway program is the NFL’s primary pipeline for identifying, evaluating, and developing elite talent at the highest level of the game. Through this program, prospects from around the world are identified and invited to participate before undergoing intense, high-level training and development. As of 2024, all 32 NFL Clubs have a 17th practice squad spot for developing a qualifying player, placing increased importance on the International Player Pathway to deliver top talent. Previous IPP prospects have been signed or allocated to Clubs and even selected in the NFL Draft. This role will be responsible for the standard operation and continued success of the IPP throughout the annual program cycle, including the preliminary scouting process, private workouts, regional/centralized testing events, IPP Training Camp and Pro Day, and the lead-up to the NFL Draft. Reporting to the Director, Football Development, International, this role will be based in the New York Office.

This job posting is for a position with one of the NFL’s third-party agency partners that provides services to the NFL. The individual selected for this role will be an employee of that third-party agency and not the NFL. All compensation, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment are handled by the agency. The assignment to provide services to the NFL will be limited in duration but may be extended for an additional period by agreement between the NFL and the agency. 

Responsibilities

NFL International (General Support)

• Serve as a point of contact across the organization with Football Operations, Management Council, Public Relations, Marketing, and Government Affairs departments
• Manage a network of consultants as part of the international player identification process
• Provide input and delivery of committee presentations as needed
• Provide input as part of annual business planning process across International Football Development needs

International Player Pathway (IPP) Program

• Lead vision, long-range planning and yearly execution of the International Player Pathway (IPP) program alongside Director of International Football Development
• Inform decision-making in support of International Football Development business planning and budget management (oversee management of IPP budget, specifically)
• Manage regular communications with IPP consultants and talent evaluators
• Maintain connectivity and serve as a point of contact with the IPP alumni network
• Oversee all phases of IPP program, to include talent identification, player evaluation, regional screening & selection (in alignment with Football Operations department and consultant / evaluator network)
• Manage relationships across key internal stakeholders and NFL Club personnel/executives
• Lead and manage all phases of IPP Training Camp (Jan.-Mar.)
• Facilitate the process for identifying and hiring IPP coaches and broader support staff
• Identify individualized player development goals with IPP coaches and support staff
• Coordinate and successfully execute IPP Pro Day following IPP Training Camp process
• Manage ongoing relationships with national governing bodies, international sports leagues/clubs, agents and outside consultants as needed

NFL Africa / Future Africa Strategy

• Assist with planning & execution of talent identification camp(s) and evaluation of IPP, Academy and FLAG prospects
• Support with equipment & apparel provision in alignment with Football Operations department
• Schedule and orchestrate football camp as part of broader initiative

NFL Academy (UK & APAC)

• Support NFL Academy team(s) with competition / gameday support
• Provide input on NFL Academy prospect recruitment and talent identification as needed

NFL FLAG Football

• Assist international FLAG manager(s) with training days around the world

Required Qualifications

• Understanding of NFL Flag and American football governance and development
• Understanding of the current UK American football and BAFA landscape
• Knowledge of American football programmes, skills, and ability to feed into development of training resources
• Experience of working across sports development programmes across multiple regions
• Management experience in fast pace, rapidly changing environments

Other Key Attributes / Characteristics

• Bachelors degree
• Experience developing and implementing creating long term strategic plans
• Played or coached American football
• Suitable American Football coaching qualifications
• High levels of professionalism
• Goal orient