Community and Venue Manager

About Brum Unitarians

Brum Unitarians, in central Birmingham, is a growing and genuinely inclusive community in the Unitarian tradition of rational inquiry, freedom of belief and ethical action.

Our vision is to develop into a thriving community hub hosting a wide range of activities, including talks, music/dance events, death cafés, community choirs and collaborative projects with local organisations. We are seeking someone who shares this vision and has the project management skills to help make it a reality.

The role combines project management, operations, administration, compliance and income generation, helping to strengthen our sustainability and enabling community growth.

Job Purpose

To support and grow Brum Unitarians through operational management, project delivery, administration, compliance and revenue generation. You will agree quarterly priorities with trustees, with early focus on increasing revenue, improving operational systems and supporting greater use of our building. Once these foundations are laid there will be a growing emphasis on managing community projects and initiatives.

You will oversee the day-to-day operation of our building (large hall, small hall, office, foyer and outdoor space), ensuring an excellent experience for hirers, compliance with relevant requirements and effective use of the premises. The role is partly site-based, with flexibility for some remote working. Some local travel required.

You will work alongside our Children's Lead and Social Media & Communications Lead, liaise with the district buildings consultant, and report to the managing trustees.

Job KPIs

• Meet or exceed revenue targets.

• Establish and grow a successful programme of community events.

• Develop effective systems that reduce trustee involvement in operational matters.

• Recruit and maintain an active volunteer team.

• Achieve positive feedback from hirers, volunteers and partners.

Key Responsibilities

Community Partnerships & Projects

• Lead the planning and delivery of community projects and partnerships.

• Build relationships with community, voluntary, faith and public sector organisations.

• Develop collaborative events and initiatives.

• Identify grant funding opportunities and support funding applications.

• Promote inclusive community use of the building.

• Represent Brum Unitarians at appropriate local meetings and forums.

Marketing & Income Generation

• Promote the building for hire through the website, social media, advertising and online booking systems.

• Build relationships with organisations and businesses to increase venue use.

• Identify opportunities to diversify income through hires, donations and grants.

Volunteer Coordination

• Recruit, induct and support volunteers.

• Develop clear volunteer roles for community activities and venue operations.

• Maintain volunteer records, training and safeguarding requirements.

• Foster a positive and inclusive volunteer culture.

Building Operations

• Ensure the building is safe, welcoming and well maintained.

• Oversee compliance with health and safety, safeguarding and other regulatory requirements.

• Maintain equipment inventories and coordinate repairs with district buildings consultant.

• Arrange room layouts and oversee opening and closing of the building where required.

• Liaise with cleaning contractors.

Customer Service & Lettings

• Act as main contact for bookings and enquiries.

• Manage bookings, scheduling and administration using booking and invoicing systems.

• Support hirers before, during and after bookings.

• Maintain high customer service standards and resolve issues promptly.

Administration & Reporting

• Maintain records of bookings, income, building use and project data.

• Prepare reports for trustees and funders where required.

• Support policies, procedures and compliance.

• Monitor performance and recommend improvements.

General

• Undertake other duties consistent with the role.

• Work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Person Specification

You will bring strong project management and organisational skills, enabling us to deliver creative, values-led community projects while ensuring our operations remain efficient, compliant and financially sustainable.

You may not have experience in every aspect of the role, but you will have strong transferable skills, enthusiasm for a growing organisation and the confidence to learn new areas as needed.

Essential Criteria

Experience

• Delivering events, coordinating community facilities or providing customer-facing services.

• Working towards financial, attendance or organisational targets.

• Delivering excellent customer service.

• Working with staff and/or volunteers.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong organisational and time management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently.

• Sound judgement in assessing and managing projects.

• Excellent interpersonal, written and telephone communication skills.

• Good IT skills, including email, spreadsheets and booking systems.

• Understanding of health and safety responsibilities.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive and self-motivated.

• Collaborative and community-minded.

• Friendly and approachable.

• Practical problem-solver.

• Flexible, including occasional evening and weekend working.

Desirable Criteria

• Marketing or venue promotion experience.

• Entrepreneurial experience or experience developing new projects.

• Knowledge of Birmingham's voluntary and community sector.

• Facilities or premises management experience.

• Safeguarding and regulatory compliance knowledge.

• Experience in a small charity or community organisation.

• Fundraising or grant application experience.

• Grant reporting experience.

• Experience using booking or scheduling systems.