Sector Development Programme Manager

Community Action Redbridge is looking for a dynamic programme manager who can combine strategic thinking with practical delivery to strengthen VCSE sector capacity, amplify collective voice, and build equitable partnerships.

This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of our vision for a fairer, more equitable borough, by supporting a vibrant and thriving VCSE sector. A strong, connected, and sustainable VCSE sector is essential to building resilient communities and driving lasting social change.

In this role, you will create the conditions in which VCSE organisations can do their best work :

•  supporting them to build their resilience and sustainability,
• raise awareness of their vital contribution,
• and ensure their collective insight and expertise influences local systems, policy, and practice.

The Sector Development Programme Manager will lead the design and delivery of a programme of support that strengthens, connects, and champions the local sector. They will oversee and enhance our existing offer while leading work to build the sector’s connective infrastructure.

This will include working collaboratively with our members to develop strong, inclusive networks that reflect their priorities, foster collaboration, peer support, and shared learning, and build a more unified and representative sector voice - ensuring that the insight and expertise of VCSE organisations meaningfully influence local systems, policy, and practice.

With a commitment to equity, collaboration, and community-led development, the Sector Development Programme Manager will work closely with partners, funders, and stakeholders to raise the profile of the local VCSE sector and advocate for the investment, recognition, and support it needs.

They will bring strategic leadership and programme management expertise, along with a deep understanding of the sector’s role in tackling inequalities and driving social change. Please note that this role can be offered on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of three days per week in the office. As an organisation rooted in community, we believe that regular in-office presence is important to foster collaboration, connection and team cohesion.

About Community Action Redbridge

Community Action Redbridge is a local infrastructure charity dedicated to building a fairer Redbridge where everyone and every community has an equal opportunity to thrive. Through our work, we support the development of strong and resilient communities where people lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. At the heart of our work is a commitment to social justice and to tackling the root causes of inequality. We’re passionate about shifting power, amplifying community voices, and working collaboratively to create social change. We do this by:

• Strengthening and championing the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, so local organisations have the tools and support they need to grow and thrive.
•  Supporting local people to drive change in their own communities, through social action, volunteering and active participation. ·
• Bringing people and organisations together, from the VCSE sector, public services, and local businesses, to collaborate on shared ambitions for Redbridge.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter answering the following 4 questions (no more than 500 words each):

1. This role will provide strategic leadership across multiple projects, ensuring they are well-managed, deliver impact, and reflect the strengths and priorities of Redbridge’s VCSE sector. Please share an example of when you have managed a complex programme - how did you use monitoring, evaluation, and learning to improve delivery, demonstrate impact?

2. This role will lead efforts to develop the sector development programme and secure funding for new and existing projects, as well as contributing to wider organisational fundraising efforts. Please share your experience of fundraising and diversifying income streams.

3. This role requires building trusted relationships and collaborating across sectors. Can you give an example of when you have brought partners together around a shared goal? How did you ensure the partnership was strengths-based, inclusive, and built shared ownership?

4. Community Action Redbridge is driven by values of shifting power, collaborating, learning, and seeing the bigger picture. How have you demonstrated inclusive and values-led leadership in previous roles, and how would you foster an empowering and collaborative learning culture in this role?

Please submit your CV and covering letter by 11.59pm on Sunday 19th October.  

Interviews are expected to take place on Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th October.