Work for us

Do you want to work for an organisation that helps change the lives of 20,000 people each year?

Based at the Beacon of Light, we believe that the successful recruitment, retention and development of staff alongside a values-led culture is vital to our success.

As part of our team you can look forward to: 

Head of Skills - Full Time

Foundation of Light, the official charity of Sunderland AFC, is dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of people across Sunderland, South Tyneside, and County Durham.

As we prepare to launch our new five-year strategy (2025–2030), we are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and visionary individual to join our senior leadership team as Head of Skills.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape the future of employability support in the region. Based at our award-winning Beacon of Light and also working from the inspiring Centre of Light within the Stadium of Light, you will lead the strategic development, growth and quality assurance of our 16–19 and adult education programmes.

The Head of Skills will play a key role in delivering impactful learning pathways that truly transform lives, supporting people who are out of work or looking to gain new skills and qualifications that lead to meaningful careers.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Jamie Wright at jamie.wright@foundationoflight.co.uk.

To apply, request an application pack by emailing Gemma Snaith at gemma.snaith@foundationoflight.co.uk or download the application form below.

Application Form | Job Description 

Closing Date: Monday 9 June


Sports Development Officer - Full Time and Part Time

The Foundation of Light is seeking to recruit two highly motivated and qualified sport coaches and/or PE teachers for the role of Sports Development Officer.

The successful candidates will deliver innovative physical education and sports coaching programmes across primary and secondary school aged groups during daytime hours, using the power of football and sport to engage. As part of their timetable, they will also deliver football coaching in the evening and/or weekends.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Danielle Chapman, Football in the Community Manager, at danielle.chapman@foundationoflight.co.uk to arrange a call.

The base for the post is the Beacon of Light, with regular delivery across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham.

Interested applicants should request an application pack from gemma.snaith@foundationoflight.co.uk or download the form below. Candidates who have not heard within six weeks of application should assume they have been unsuccessful.

Application Form | Job Description 

Closing Date: Tuesday 17 June, 11:59pm

Goalkeeping Coach - Casual

The Football in the Community team are looking to recruit a highly motivated Goalkeeper Coach to work on our successful Player Development Centre and Emerging Talent Centre programmes.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in coaching, goalkeeping and a commitment to educating and developing players.

The successful candidate will ideally have a UEFA B or as a minimum a UEFA C (FA Level 2) goalkeeping qualification.

The role will be based across multiple venues in the region and will be delivering evening sessions on a casual basis.

Interested applicants should request an application pack or send a CV to gemma.snaith@foundationoflight.co.uk

Application Form | Job Description 

Foundation of Light – EDI Statement
The Foundation of Light (FOL) promotes Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and challenges all forms of discrimination through its internal operations and in the delivery of its services in accordance with and commitment to the 2010 Equality Act. The FOL protects the rights of individuals and advances equality of opportunity for all.  It demonstrates the FOL’s commitment to continuous improvement in EDI to create meaningful and sustainable change.