CHAIR OF THE BOARD — THE NATIONAL LEAGUE – Remunerated
The opportunity
The National League occupies a unique and vital position in English football. As the highest tier outside the Football League, it is home to 72 clubs spanning three divisions — including many of the most storied names in the history of the English game. Today, the league is entering one of the most significant chapters in its history.
Following the landmark seven-year global broadcast partnership with DAZN — making every National League match available to fans worldwide — the league now has both the platform and the momentum to grow its commercial footprint, strengthen its governance, and press for the structural reforms that its 72 clubs deserve.
The outgoing Chair, Jack Pearce MBE, has been a tireless advocate for the league’s 72 clubs — leading the ‘3UP’ campaign for a third promotion place to the EFL and overseeing the new broadcast era. This appointment represents an opportunity to build on that foundation and take the league forward at a pivotal moment.
Why this role matters now
The National League is at a genuine inflection point. The ‘3UP’ campaign — backed unanimously by all 72 clubs — is live, with parliamentary support growing and the Independent Football Regulator now operational. The DAZN deal has created a global stage. Sponsorship and commercial partnership value is rising. The incoming Chair will shape how the league uses this moment.
This is a role for someone who sees non-league football not as a consolation prize, but as the living, breathing core of the English game — and who has the ambition, credibility, and relationships to lead it accordingly.
Key responsibilities
- Set and drive the league’s strategic direction alongside the Board and executive team, with a particular focus on commercial growth, broadcast development, and the ‘3UP’ campaign
- Lead with integrity — upholding the highest standards of governance, transparency, and financial sustainability across all three divisions
- Serve as the principal external voice of the National League: with government, the FA, the EFL, the Independent Football Regulator, and the wider media
- Build and sustain strong relationships with club chairmen and chief executives, sponsors, broadcast partners, and key stakeholders
- Support, challenge, and appropriately hold to account the Chief Executive and executive team
- Champion the community impact and heritage of the National League’s member clubs, many of which have served their towns for over a century
What we are looking for
- Proven board-level leadership, ideally in sport, media, entertainment, or a regulated industry
- Deep understanding of the English football pyramid and genuine passion for the National League
- Commercial acumen and an understanding of broadcast, sponsorship, and media landscapes
- Experience navigating complex stakeholder environments — from government and regulators to club boards and fan groups
- Strong governance credentials, including familiarity with regulatory frameworks in a sporting context
- The credibility and interpersonal skill to unite a diverse constituency of 72 clubs behind a shared vision
What you will find here
- One of the most visible leadership roles in English non-league football, at a genuinely historic moment
- A league with real commercial momentum — a global broadcast deal, a growing sponsorship base, and 72 ambitious clubs behind you
- A live campaign to reform the structure of the football pyramid, with parliamentary backing and regulator engagement
- The chance to leave a lasting legacy — for the clubs, the communities they serve, and the integrity of the English game
- A paid stipend to reflect the commitment required for this role
Time commitment
This is a part-time, remunerated, non-executive appointment requiring attendance at Board meetings, key league fixtures, and significant league events.
Board meetings are held every six weeks, typically in London or online. The Chair is welcome to join sub-committee meetings but attendance is not essential. Additional time will be required during periods of strategic activity, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory development.
The Executives in Sport Group are retained on behalf of The National League to appoint a Chairperson. All direct applications and CV’s will be forwarded to The Executives in Sport Group.
If this role is of interest, then please press the apply button and include a copy of your CV.
We ask that applicants complete our diversity monitoring form.
Diversity Monitoring Form – The National League – Chairperson – Fill in form
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Please note that due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide specific feedback on unsuccessful applications.
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