Finance and membership coordinator jobs

The National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance (NCJAA) is embedded in Clinks. It has a distinct network, identity and website as well as an advisory group, an independent chair and distinct funding for specific work.

The NCJAA aims to ensure that the arts are used within the criminal justice system as a springboard for positive change. The NCJAA represents a network of over 500 individuals and organisations that deliver creative interventions to support people in prison, on probation and in the community, with impressive results. We support this transformative work by providing a network and a voice to promote access to arts and culture for people in the criminal justice system, as a springboard to positive change.

Clinks supports, promotes and represents the voluntary sector working with people in the criminal justice system and their families. Our vision is of a vibrant, independent and resilient voluntary sector that enables people to transform their lives.

Job purpose

To develop and grow the NCJAA network and develop and maintain effective working relationships with partners and stakeholders.

Job summary

The coordinator is responsible for overseeing all work and development of the NCJAA and sits within Clinks’ National Influencing & Networks directorate . The coordinator will work with a range of different stakeholders, including the NCJAA Advisory Group and the wider membership, to improve policy and practice in relation to arts-based work with people in prison, on probation and in the community. This includes maintaining and strengthening the NCJAA as the leading national network for arts organisations and individuals that work in the criminal justice system.

Reports to: Clinks Director of National Influencing & Networks

1. Duties and key responsibilities

Strategy and planning

· Work closely with Clinks colleagues and the NCJAA network to develop and deliver the NCJAA annual work plan which include a range of activities that will raise the profile and promote the work of the arts sector in the CJS, including events, publications, training, mentoring, research and networking opportunities

· Work closely with Clinks colleagues, the NCJAA advisory group, chair and wider network to help inform and shape the future direction of the NCJAA and its strategic goals, paying particular attention to its role, sustainability and emerging opportunities

· Coordinate the quarterly arts forum in collaboration with the Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) arts seat holder and government representatives

NCJAA project management & delivery

· Provide leadership for the NCJAA in the arts and CJS sectors

· Deliver the projects set out in the NCJAA’s annual workplan

· Coordinate the functioning of the advisory group of the NCJAA, including its quarterly meetings, minutes and election

· Manage work as required by NCJAA’s role as an Arts Council England Sector Support Organisation, including how we effectively capture and measure the NCJAA’s impact as the leading national arts and criminal justice network

· Provide regular and relevant reporting information as necessary to ensure all NCJAA projects and activity are working to the agreed timetable, budget and are achieving agreed outputs and outcomes, reporting any exceptions promptly to the Director of Support and Development

· Work collaboratively with various Clinks’ staff teams to deliver the NCJAA work plan and support the delivery of Clinks’ wider work plan

Stakeholder and external relations

· Work closely with HM Prison and Probation Service and other government departments and agencies to promote communication and partnership between Government and the arts in the criminal justice sector e.g. working with and supported by Clinks’ policy team, participate in meetings of the Reducing Re-offending Arts Forum convened jointly by Clinks and HM Prison and Probation Service

· Work within Clinks’ National Influencing & Networks directorate to ensure the experience and knowledge of arts and cultural organisations working in criminal justice is reflected in Clinks representation and influencing work with national government

· Assist colleagues working in the arts sector to interpret the emerging criminal justice environment and develop sustainable opportunities

· Maintain a wider view of criminal justice and arts policies and guide and support arts organisations to interpret these in a relevant and appropriate manner

· Identify and promote research and evidence in the field of arts and criminal justice

Income generation

· Work with Clinks colleagues responsible for income to identify funding sources, submit funding applications and monitoring reports when required, both for specific NCJAA projects and for the future funding of the work as a whole to ensure the sustainability and future development of the NCJAA

Budget

· Work with Clinks colleagues responsible for finance to maintain financial oversight of the overall NCJAA budget and all relevant project budgets to support the NCJAA work to progress effectively

2. General responsibilities 

· Represent and be an ambassador for NCJAA and Clinks

· Work to support the mission, ethos and values of Clinks

· Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position

· Support and promote diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace

· Work collaboratively with others in all aspects of our work

This job description does not form part of your contract of employment and can be amended from time to time as the needs of the organisation require.

Person specification

Experience

· Experience of the arts and social inclusion sector is essential

· Experience of the criminal justice voluntary sector is desirable

· Experience in forming working relationships with opinion formers and key stakeholders to influence policy and practice.

· Experience in leading and monitoring complex projects and measuring impact with national strategic significance, preferably in the arts.

· Experienced in multiple funder and stakeholder management

· Proven track record of developing and delivering successful projects, including the development of project plans and budgets; implementation; evaluation; reporting and monitoring

· Working to deadlines singularly and as a part of a team responsibility

Skills and abilities

· Excellent interpersonal and strong spoken and written communication skills which engage audiences, encouraging understanding and participation

· Ability to liaise with a wide range of stakeholders with different perspectives, including voluntary sector agencies, arts organisations, government, private sector, service users and media

· The ability to lead, inspire and co-ordinate a complex network of organisations working  and supporting arts in criminal justice settings

· Influencing, negotiation and communication skills at a national level

· Facilitate and chair meetings at all levels of the organisations engagement – nationally, regionally, locally

· Highly organised with an ability to maintain effective record keeping systems

· Adopt a problem solving, solution-focused approach and make decisions effectively and timely

· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

· Strategic thinking, planning and project management skills

· IT skills at a level that supports report writing, email, internet and databases

· Adaptability and flexibility in being able to take on new roles and manage a range of different internal and external relationships.

· Budget management and reporting skills

Knowledge

· Knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system policy and operating environment in order to promote and support the arts within it.

· Understanding the value of different art forms in criminal justice settings

· Knowledge and experience of national policy, practice and membership organisations relating to arts and/or criminal justice sector

Education and training

· No one specific qualification is required, but evidence of recent continuing professional development in a professional area with demonstrable relevance to the role

Personal attributes and other requirements

· Able to travel extensively nationally

· Able to work some evenings and weekends and stay overnight where necessary.

· Works well in a team with a flexible approach to work

· Personal resilience and the ability to stay focused in a rapidly changing environment

· Demonstrable passion for and commitment to the transformative role of the arts in criminal justice settings

· Demonstrable commitment to anti-racism, anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities. An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work

· Commitment to the values and ethos of supporting people in the criminal justice system

· Commitment to upholding the rights of people facing disadvantage and discrimination in the CJS

Schools North East is approaching its 20th year as the region’s dedicated, independent voice for schools. Over that time, we have grown into a highly successful, dynamic, and influential charity, representing over 1,150 member schools in the North East and 400 specialist schools nationally. Our reputation as the Voice of North East Schools is firmly established – trusted by our members, respected by policymakers, and recognised nationally.

We are now entering the next phase of our journey and are recruiting a highly motivated Events Manager to join our small but very successful team. This is a diverse and challenging role which offers tremendous opportunity to shape and implement programmes that make a real difference in schools.

It requires someone with strong business acumen who is a target-oriented and driven individual, focused on achieving challenging targets. You must have significant experience in managing a large and successful events programme consisting of a diverse range of physical and virtual events, ranging in size from 20 to 700 attendees. In the academic year 2024/25, we supported over 3000 school leaders from the North East and beyond through our events programme.

You will be joining a small, committed and high-performing team, where people take ownership, work at pace, and care deeply about the difference we make. In return, this role offers a genuine opportunity to shape a key part of the organisation and to play a central role in its future direction.

If you combine strong delivery with curiosity, initiative and the confidence to develop new approaches, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The Role

The Events Manager will work closely with the Directors and Senior Leaders to drive the organisation’s strategic development, financial resilience, and stakeholder relationships. As a key member of the leadership team, you will design and deliver a comprehensive annual events programme that aligns with the charity’s strategic plan and provides tangible support to schools across the North East and beyond. You will play a proactive role in shaping company strategy, contributing to the growth and sustainability of all programmes and activities.

Your primary focus will be the execution of a successful events programme and a robust income strategy for Schools North East. This involves exploring innovative ways to support the organisation’s core projects and representing the charity externally to expand our network of speakers, delegates and commercial sponsors. Working alongside other teams, you will also help grow membership programmes, ensuring the long-term sustainability of both the charity and its trading arm.

Success in this role requires the ability to maintain excellent relationships with existing and potential supporters while driving high levels of engagement across the events portfolio. You will be a confident and highly organised networker, tasked with increasing school participation by actively promoting Schools North East and developing deep links with regional stakeholders.

You will provide Directors with the essential information and capacity needed to focus on overarching strategic priorities, ensuring the events programme remains mission-aligned. By managing the Deputy Events Manager and Event Coordinators, you will ensure the team is equipped to handle the increased scale and complexity resulting from the organisation’s recent growth, delivering high-quality outcomes across all activities.

Join our Team

This is a key role in the organisation, working with a team of similarly motivated and like-minded people with a strong desire to succeed, make a difference and to support education in our region. In your role, you will support and be supported by the wider Schools North East team, which includes a dedicated Events team, Finance & Admin team, Marketing & Communications team, and Policy team.

Key tasks will include, but are not limited to:

Strategy and Development

• Contribute ideas, information and high-level speakers to produce a ‘must attend’ events programme that meets strategic goals
• Represent the charity externally to conduct strategic conversations with members, steering groups and commercial organisations, securing sponsorship and long-term support for the charity’s sustainability
• Oversee the marketing strategy for all events to ensure maximum engagement and brand visibility
• Grow the events programme through online and face-to-face delivery

Financial Management

• Provide Directors with the necessary data to formulate the annual budget and produce timely cash flow projections
• Take full responsibility for project budgets, and support the Business Manager to prepare detailed profit and loss reports for review by the Directors
• Manage supplier and venue relationships, ensuring all contracts and services are delivered efficiently and cost-effectively

Team Leadership

• Line manage the Deputy Events Manager, Events Coordinator (s) and any temporary support staff or interns
• Work as an integral member of a small, senior team, undertaking flexible tasks as required to deliver the overarching aims of Schools North East

Event Delivery and Operations

• Manage the full lifecycle of the events programme, from initial proposal and on-site inspection to final execution
• Ensure all projects are delivered on time and within budget, maintaining clear timelines and priorities across the team
• Oversee all operational and administrative functions to ensure excellent customer service and high-quality delivery across every event

Person Specification

Essential

Strategic & Operational Balance:

Highly organised with an eye for detail and the capacity to pivot between high-level strategy and hands-on operational tasks; organised with an eye for detail.

Collaborative Leadership:

A proactive can-do attitude; able to work independently or as a team lead to achieve shared organisational goals.

Results Driven:

Highly motivated and target orientated, with a genuine passion for making a difference in North East education.

Innovative Problem Solving:

Creative thinker able to articulate new ideas and solve complex, unexpected issues on the spot under pressure.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Excellent communication skills (verbal/written) with a natural ability to build relationships with a diverse range of people.

Senior Event Management:

5+ years’ experience delivering complex, large-scale event programmes from initial concept to final execution.

Income & Growth:

Proven track record in event income generation, including sponsorship, exhibitor sales, and executing effective marketing strategies.

Sector Knowledge:

Understanding of the education system, current policy issues and political developments affecting schools, or the willingness to learn.

Technical Skills:

Proficient in virtual event platforms ie, zoom; CRM systems and G Suite; and, event-specific platforms and AV.

Desirable

Experience in the education, charity, or membership sector