Deputy Manager

Summary

The Woodfield Project (TWP) is seeking an enthusiastic Deputy Manager to help run our beautifully refurbished community hub on Tooting Bec Common, in SW London. In close collaboration with the TWP Manager, you will coordinate daily operations, deliver a lively programme of events and activities, support members and volunteers and help grow new initiatives. Working closely with the Trustee Board, you’ll also ensure the Pavilion remains sustainable and continues to thrive at the heart of the local community.

About us

The Woodfield Project is a vibrant, community-focused charity responsible for The Woodfield Pavilion located on Tooting Bec Common, in South-West London. The Pavilion serves as a lively community hub, offering events and activities that: support social wellbeing; bring the local community together; and encourage appreciation and care for the surrounding natural environment. The Pavilion spaces are ideal for meetings, classes, and exhibitions, along with a well-equipped kitchen, toilets and a locker room. As well as hosting its own events and activities, the Pavilion is hired by external organisations for wellbeing classes, workshops and events. 

Purpose and scope of role 

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and energetic Deputy Manager with the skills and experience to support and drive forward our mission of ensuring that the Pavilion serves as a vital resource for local communities and groups and to actively encourage participation from members and volunteers who share our passion for making a difference. 

The Trustee Board provides governance and strategic leadership for the charity. The Deputy Manager will work alongside the TWP Manager to coordinate the day-to-day running of the building and plan and deliver an engaging programme of community events and activities, as well as develop new activities. The role includes operational management, future planning and ensuring a sustainable income and membership base. 

The Deputy Manager will report to the TWP Manager and work collaboratively with the full Board, as well as with individual trustees on specific issues. 

Key tasks and responsibilities: 

Delivery 

• Supporting all aspects of the day-to-day management and operation of the Pavilion in line with the Charity’s mission and aims, within the framework set by the trustees. 
• Work with the Manager to coordinate and co-deliver a programme of community and environmental activities and events, including managing events where necessary 
• Oversee (new and existing) workstreams which form part of the TWP vision
• Manage bookings, hiring, art sales and other Pavilion-related administration 
• Ensure that the building is clean, well-maintained and safe  
• Work with the TWP Manager and Building Management team (trustees and members of the Charity) to ensure the maintenance and development of the physical structure of Pavilion 

Operational  

• Work with volunteers and members of The Woodfield Project 
• Coordinate and expand the volunteer community
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, safeguarding and other regulatory requirements 
• Maintain the policies and procedures for operating the Pavilion and ensure that they are followed 
• Work with the TWP Manager and Secretary to organise and support Trustee and Charity meetings 

Strategic 

Work alongside the TWP Manager to:

• Maintain a cycle of events and activities to meet the charity’s aims and running costs 
• Develop, plan and fund future events and projects 
• Develop and manage relationships with stakeholders, partners and users within the community 
• Identify and implement opportunities to develop the activities at the Pavilion and increase funding streams in line with the aims of the Charity 

 Marketing 

• Deliver regular communications to stakeholders about Pavilion news and activities
• Work with the TWP Manager and Digital Assistant on regular social media, web development and publicity tasks

Financial 

• Manage overhead costs within agreed budgets 
• Work with the TWP Manager to identify and develop suitable bids for funding for the Charity, the Pavilion, and its activities 
• Work with the TWP Manager and Treasurer to comply with required internal and external reporting requirements 
• Financial administration including bookkeeping required to support the Charity’s financial policy and procedures

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Essential 

• Self-reliant, motivated, comfortable with working alone on site and able to work on their own initiative and prioritise work and demands 
• Strong organisational skills with a flexible and resourceful approach 
• Able to work both autonomously and as part of a team 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to work collaboratively with other teams and with diverse groups of people   
• Strong networking skills and the ability to build partnerships 
• Experience of organising or managing events. 
• Proficiency in using IT for management purposes and social media to promote events and engage with stakeholders.   
• Basic financial management skills, including budgeting and financial reporting.   
• Experience of working with or managing volunteers 
• Willingness to work flexibly, including some weekends and evenings. 
• [Note that most of the building is accessible, but the site is reached on foot down gravel paths, so must be able to navigate these.

Desirable 

• Experience in marketing and communications (incl. social media)
• Experience in business development and identifying potential opportunities
• Project management skills 
• Experience of community work