Exeter City Women are seeking three independent, non-executive directors to join its Women's Board.
We are looking to appoint a Finance Director, Commercial Director and Safeguarding Director who can provide strategic leadership, professional expertise, and independent oversight to support the continued growth and success of the women's team.
Exeter City Women successfully transitioned into being fully managed by the Club in 2024 and were promoted to the third tier of women’s football in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division in 2024. In line with this transition a Women’s Board was formed which is chaired by Julen Beer who also serves as a Trustee & Club Director. The Women’s Board also consists of a Trust representative, 2 independent Directors a Company Secretary and we are now seeking the above positions to support the Club's objectives.
The Women’s Board operates as a separate governance body from the Club Board, with responsibility for overseeing the development, strategy and performance of the women's football programme. However, it works closely with the Club Board to ensure alignment on financial sustainability, commercial opportunities, operational support and long-term club objectives.
As an integral part of our dynamic team, you will play a crucial role in upholding our organisation's commitment to sustainability. Regardless of your specific role in Finance marketing, HR, procurement, or any other department, we expect all employees to actively embrace and adhere to our sustainability policies. Your dedication to environmentally conscious practices, resource efficiency, and ethical considerations will contribute to our collective efforts in fostering a responsible and sustainable workplace. We believe that each team member, regardless of their functional area, plays a vital role in promoting and implementing sustainable practices that align with our organizational values
Exeter City Football Club seeks to ensure the safety, safeguarding and wellbeing of all children, young people and adults at risk who engage in its activities.
The Roles
Finance Director
As Finance Director for the Women’s Board the successful candidate will lead on all strategic financial matters, guiding the Board and staff through their responsibilities in this area. You will be required to attend women’s board meetings and report and present financial information working collaboratively with the Club Board and central finance function. Building these working relationships is key to ensuring financial plans for the women's team aligns with wider club strategy whilst balancing the women's team's sporting ambitions with club-wide financial objectives ensuring governance and compliance.
Candidates must be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with senior finance leadership experience and strong budgeting, forecasting and financial modelling skills. Knowledge of sports finance, governance, and football regulations is desired, and candidates must have the ability to present and communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
Commercial Director
As Women's Football Commercial Director, the successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, governance, and oversight to support the sustainable growth and success of the women's team. Working collaboratively with fellow board members, club executives and key stakeholders this role will take the lead on all strategic commercial matters, guiding the Board and staff through their responsibilities and contribute to the development of the long-term strategy, financial sustainability, commercial growth, community engagement and sporting performance.
Candidates will need to have senior-level experience in commercial management, business development, sales, marketing, sponsorship, partnerships or revenue generation. A proven track record of developing and maintaining successful commercial relationships and experience contributing to strategic planning and organisational growth is essential. Candidates must have a understanding of financial sustainability and commercial performance metrics and experience engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including businesses, community organisations, and partners.
Safeguarding Director
The Safeguarding Director will provide strategic leadership and oversight for safeguarding across women's football, ensuring that the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of players, staff, volunteers and participants are embedded throughout the organisation. As a member of the Women's Board the role promotes a positive safeguarding culture, ensures compliance with relevant football and statutory safeguarding requirements and provides independent scrutiny of safeguarding policies, procedures, and practices.
Candidates will need to have knowledge of safeguarding principles, governance and risk management and experience working with children, young people, vulnerable adults, education, sport, healthcare, social care, HR, or regulatory environments. A strong understanding of board governance and accountability and an ability to provide independent judgement and constructive challenge is essential. Candidates must have excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skill and be committed to promoting safe, inclusive, and positive environments in sport.
About the Roles
Women's Board Members serve in a voluntary, non-remunerated capacity. These roles provide an opportunity to contribute strategic leadership, governance and expertise to support the continued growth and success of the women's team. Reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of board duties may be reimbursed in accordance with club policy.
Candidates applying for these roles should be able to commit approximately two days per month to support the work of the Women's Board. This will typically include attendance at board meetings, preparation and review of relevant papers, participation in occasional working groups, and attendance at key club events or stakeholder meetings where appropriate.
We welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about women's football and can contribute diverse skills, experience, and perspectives who are committed to supporting the long-term development, sustainability, and success of the women's game while upholding the values of the Club.
We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board that reflects the communities we serve.
How to Apply
Only completed applications that are submitted via People HR will be accepted. Any applications after the closing date will not be accepted.
- The closing date is: June 28, 2026
- Interview date: TBC
If you have any questions regarding the application process please email hr@ecfc.co.uk.
All candidates will require an enhanced DBS Check and must be able to prove their eligibility to work within the UK.