Role Summary
Cambridge stands at a pivotal moment in history. There are bold, emerging plans that could see the city grow substantially over the next 10-15 years. Yet, Cambridge is one of the most unequal cities in Britain and our work at the foundation is to ensure that this new chapter is inclusive, ensuring prosperity reaches every part of the city. With the challenges young people face today - strong social media influence, rise in poor mental health and economic uncertainty - we want to use our unique reach as a professional football club charity to ensure that all young people have positive role models around them they can seek support through these challenging times. 

Our new Mentoring Officer role is an embodiment of our commitment to the young people in key areas of the city that often miss out on education opportunities, whether that is through living in areas of high deprivation or having additional needs themselves. Our vision is to bridge the gap between schools and existing support services, using the power of sport and the football club to engage those young people that have found navigating their way through the education system a challenge to date. 

The successful candidate will lead the development of our new mentoring programme in local secondary schools and support the wider delivery of our secondary education interventions, including work in alternative education provision. The role will include co-creating and coordinating the foundation’s wider mentoring project, engaging and upskilling volunteers to establish positive relationships with young people. We have a desire and a responsibility to do more. Working with key partners to provide wider support and signposting for young people in the programme will enable us to build on our current work and play an even bigger part in the future of those in need of our support. 

We are seeking a motivated, passionate and humble individual to strengthen our delivery in a variety of education and community settings across Cambridge. The successful candidate will be dedicated to working with vulnerable young people through delivery of 1 to 1 and group mentoring sessions that boost their self-esteem, sense of community belonging and aspirations.

Key responsibilities, but not limited to:
Leading the delivery of the foundation’s mentoring project, engaging young people in sessions that boost their health and wellbeing.

Working with voluntary organisations, the University of Cambridge and other Stakeholders in the City to ensure wrap around support of each young person, alongside coordinating training and therapeutic support for volunteers.

Ensuring the protection and safeguarding of all participants and the general public, reporting any incidents to the Designated Safeguarding Officer.

Building and maintain good professional relationships with Lead Teachers at all educational establishments hosting our programmes

Delivery of targeted interventions in mainstream and SEMH schools, supporting young people at risk of permanent exclusion or developing poor mental health. 

Promoting programmes, regularly identifying and producing case studies and evaluation/impact data across all areas of work. This will include working alongside members of the CUF leadership and communications team.

Supporting delivery of our current education intervention programmes, ensuring all KPIs are met. This will include monitoring and accurately evaluating as required by funding bodies and key stakeholders.
Ensuring that risks associated with programmes are effectively mitigated by following CUF policies and procedures.
Attending training courses relevant to the role and maintain personal CPD.
Working closely with senior colleagues to ensure access to relevant funding streams and report writing. This work will include reporting against KPIs set by external partners.

Any other reasonable duties and responsibilities considered appropriate by the Senior Leadership Team of the Foundation

Person Specification
The Role Holder will be an active advocate for young people who is passionate about enhancing the life experiences of those with whom they work. They will be committed to supporting young people boost their self-esteem, sense of community belonging and aspirations.

Education and Qualifications
Essential
Willingness to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
Good standard of education in English and Maths GCSE level.
First aid certificate (or willingness to undertake)
Current safeguarding certificate (or willingness to undertake)
Mental health first aider (or willingness to undertake)
Current driving licence, with use of own car
FA Level 1 coaching (or willingness to undertake)
Playing for Inclusion module 1 (or willingness to undertake)

Teaching qualification
Youth work qualification(s)
Degree in related subject area
Certificate(s) in coaching and mentoring

Knowledge and Experience
Essential
An excellent understanding of Inclusion, Equality and Safeguarding best practice

Experience working with young people in the education and/or health sectors 
Ability to mentor and guide young people to achieve their goals, such as improving school attendance or relationships at home
Experience of managing a range of behaviours in/beyond the classroom
Competent IT skills
Experience of working to performance targets
Ability to form effective working relationships with external partners

Desired
Experience of working with young people with learning difficulties and moderate to severe mental health difficulties.

Experience of working in diverse communities, understanding and overcoming the impact of discrimination

Track record of monitoring and evaluating the impact of intervention programmes.

Knowledge of Cambridge and its surrounding areas.

Experience of managing and working to departmental budgets

Experience coaching football

Experience in managing volunteers

Personal skills and Qualities
Essential
The ability to embody the Foundation’s core values: Resilience, Honesty, Inclusion, Aspiration.
Ability to relate to young people and the challenges they face
Patience and understanding towards individuals with additional needs

Excellent interpersonal skills
Professional and approachable
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent team player who supports others

Ability to work on own initiative
Ability to plan, problem-solve, being innovative and resourceful

Desired
Willingness to self-develop and pursue training opportunities

Ability to engage partners in the foundation’s vision 

Application Process   
Please complete the application form and upload to our online system (BreatheHR) via the apply link at the bottom of the page.  If you have any questions about the role, please contact us at foundation@cambridgeunited.com.

Closing date: 12th February 2026
Interview date: Friday 27th February 2026
Start date: Monday 30th March 2026

Employability Statement
Cambridge United Foundation is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit.

Safeguarding Statement
Cambridge United Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. For those positions where a criminal record check (DBS) is identified as necessary, this will be carried out in line with other safer recruitment checks. The post holder will be required to undergo Safeguarding training periodically.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Cambridge United Foundation is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religious or political belief or affiliation, trade union membership, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic background or any other inappropriate distinction or characteristic covered by the Equality Act 2010.