Education Equity Director

Education & Equity Director: Ascent Soccer

Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
Target Start Date: September 2026

What we are looking for

• Passion: Ascent Soccer is seeking an adventurous, energetic, and impact-driven female educator for our academy, who will also be a dedicated mentor for our girls programme.
• Academics: Degree in Education, PGCE, or equivalent, with a joy for teaching. While experience is great, Ascent Soccer is most interested in your enthusiasm to teach and nurture young people of talent and promise.
• Female Leadership: An opportunity for a female candidate, due to the nature of the role and the required safeguarding responsibilities, to lead by example and show what is possible.

The Role

As the Education & Equity Director, you will have the opportunity to take on a hands-on leadership and mentor role in both the academic and personal development of student-athletes across the academy, while helping further transform Ascent Soccer's successful girls' programme.

This is a leadership role that will focus on three key areas of impact:

• Oversee the academic programme for the academy. Shape the minds of tomorrow's leaders in small classes and inspire a team of educators to deliver a lively curriculum that gives talented young people the academic foundation to thrive in sport and in life.
• Lead and shape the girls' programme. Be the driving force for a purpose-built pathway that is growing fast, thinking big, and changing lives through sport, education, character, life skills, and genuine scholastic and soccer opportunities.
• Mentor and lead pastoral care for the Ascent girls. Be the warm, trusted presence at the heart of the girls' boarding community of just 25, creating a safe, nurturing, and demanding environment where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered.

As a valued member of the Ascent Soccer leadership team, you will also have the opportunity to be involved in the following areas of impact, based on your skills, experience, and interest, including but not limited to:

• Partnerships & Programme Development. Collaborate with inspiring organisations near and far to develop projects, exchanges, and initiatives that expand the horizons of every young woman in the academy.
• Events & Special Projects. Bring energy, creativity, and purpose to landmark events, from International Women's Day to community showcases, that celebrate the students and put the mission on full display.
• Communication Support. Help put the girls' programme on the map by creating vibrant, inspiring content that shares the heart of the work and draws the right people to the mission.
• Graduate & Aftercare Impact. Stay connected with the remarkable young women who have come through the programme, offering ongoing mentoring, guidance, and community as they step boldly into their futures.

About Ascent Soccer

Ascent Soccer unlocks the competitive advantages in Malawi and across Southeast Africa to identify and develop youth football talent by delivering professional-level soccer training, education, personal development, and global pathways for youth of promise. For over a decade, Ascent Soccer has been the region's top full-time youth football academy and scholarship program.

In the past five years alone, Ascent Soccer has produced 25+ internationals at the U15, U17, U20, and senior team levels; has 10 scholars at world-class boarding schools and universities; and has young football professionals (male and female) playing in top leagues in France, Germany, and Sweden.

Ascent's focus is on empowering talent, leveling the playing field, and delivering opportunity.

Offer & Benefits

This is a full-time contract opportunity in Malawi, which reports to the Director of Programs.

This contract opportunity as our Education & Equity Director includes the following:

• Generous annual salary commensurate with your qualifications and experience
• One return flight annually between your home city and Lilongwe
• Private room in a shared lounge and bathroom, with one other staff member, in Ascent accommodation in Lilongwe, with high-speed internet
• Work visa and health insurance

Application & Deadline

The application process for this role will close on June 15, 2026.

Please apply using the form below.

Required application materials:

• Cover Letter & Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Personal video (maximum 2 minutes) sharing your education and mentorship philosophy and why you are interested in this Education & Equity Director opportunity at Ascent Soccer in Malawi

Ascent Soccer is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or disability status.