Venue and events coordinator jobs
Co-operative Development Officer
We are delighted to share this exciting opportunity for a Co-operative Development Officer to join a values-driven and dynamic organisation.
Position: Co-operative Development Officer
Location: Manchester (Holyoake House)
Salary: £27,004 per annum (pro rata to 21 hours – £16,202)
Hours: Part-time, 3 days per week (21 hours)
Contract: Fixed-term, 11 months
Working pattern: Hybrid working, with at least 1 day per week in the Manchester office
Closing Date: Midnight, Sunday 8 February 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 23 February 2026, in Manchester
Benefits: Flexible working options, pension scheme, discounted travel to work schemes, employee wellbeing assistance programme including free eye tests, personal and professional growth and development including coaching, trade union.
We reserve the right to close the role early should a suitable candidate be found before this date. Applicants must apply via the application form on our website – CVs cannot be accepted.
About the role
As Co-operative Development Officer, you will support the delivery of the organisation’s growth strategy by helping to plan and deliver events, business support programmes and partnership activities. Working closely with the Co-operative Development Team, you will help raise awareness of the co-operative model and support new and existing co-operatives to thrive.
This is a varied and rewarding role, offering the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that supports communities, values-led enterprises and a fairer economy.
Key responsibilities
Events and outreach
- Deliver small-scale online and in-person events, managing logistics such as venues, digital platforms and catering.
- Coordinate speakers and manage administrative tasks including payments and invoices.
- Communicate with attendees before and after events to ensure a positive experience.
- Work with communications teams to support promotional activity, including newsletters and email campaigns.
- Track event metrics, gather feedback and prepare reports.
- Attend external events and exhibitions to promote the organisation.
- Provide occasional out-of-hours or weekend support for specific events or campaigns.
Programme delivery
- Support the delivery of business support programmes
- Manage administrative processes, including contracts and payments.
- Track programme activity and prepare monitoring and evaluation reports.
Partnerships and funding support
- Support partnership activity aligned with organisational strategy, including youth engagement, digital innovation, community development and embedding co-operative values.
- Gather evidence, case studies and data for funding applications and funder reporting.
- Maintain accurate records and processes related to funding and partnership activity.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will be organised, proactive and passionate about supporting values-led organisations and community impact.
You will bring:
- Experience of running small events, both online and in person.
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent attention to detail and administrative capability.
- Clear and confident written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with colleagues and external partners.
- Highly developed IT skills, including confidence using Microsoft Office applications.
Desirable:
- An understanding of, or interest in, values-driven organisations.
- Experience supporting grant-funded programmes.
- Interest in areas such as youth engagement, ethical tech, community development or climate action.
- Experience using project management tools such as Asana or Trello.
About the organisation
As the voice of the UK’s co-operative movement, we empower and support co-operative enterprises with specialised knowledge and expertise, to grow the co-operative economy and create a fairer society. From football clubs and farms to convenience stores and pubs, there are more than 7,000 co-operatives in the UK, each owned and controlled by their members and based on a set of shared principles and values.
As an organisation we are led by our unwavering values of solidarity, self-responsibility, equity, and honesty, therefore if you share these core values, we would be delighted to receive your application.
Other roles you may have experience in could include Project Officer, Events Officer, Programme Coordinator, Community Development Officer, Partnerships Officer, or Business Support Officer.
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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About the Project
The National Lottery funded Meddwl Ymlaen Mind Our Future project is led by The Venture on behalf of the North East Wales partnership. The aim is to empower young people aged 11 to 24 to shape mental health services across Wrexham and Flintshire. Young people will co develop and influence policy, processes and services that affect their mental wellbeing.
Overview of the Role
The Senior Youth Engagement Officer will lead the youth engagement and co production elements of the project. A key part of the role is to lead and facilitate the Young Leaders Advisory Board (YLAB), made up of 11 to 24 year olds who guide the direction of the project. The post holder will support their leadership development, confidence and decision making.
The role also includes developing a strategy to recruit and engage more young people, delivering a calendar of youth led events, and ensuring young voices shape all aspects of the project. The officer will represent Mind Our Future in meetings with stakeholders and support young people recruited into paid roles within the project.
Main Duties
• Lead and facilitate the YLAB, plan and chair meetings, and support members to take an active leadership role.
• Recruit and engage a diverse group of young people to join the YLAB and ensure the group reflects the communities of Wrexham and Flintshire.
• Provide mentoring, coaching and personal development opportunities for young people involved.
• Co design project activities with young people, ensuring their voices guide decisions, planning and evaluation.
• Organise workshops, events and activities and ensure all logistics are managed effectively.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and communicate project updates.
• Recruit and support young people in paid roles within the project, including training, mentoring and ongoing support.
• Act as the designated safeguarding lead for the project including implementing safeguarding procedures, providing guidance, and liaising with authorities when required.
• Contribute to overall project success through planning, evaluation and collaborative teamwork.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism, confidentiality and equality across all work.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Youth Work
• Clean UK driving licence
• Level 3 safeguarding children in Wales qualification
• Significant experience in a Safeguarding Lead or equivalent role
Desirable
• Diploma or degree in mental health, particularly relating to children and young people
• Health and Safety training
Skills and Abilities
Essential
• Strong communication skills in English
• Experience working with young people and young adults
• Empathy and ability to connect with young people
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Good IT skills including digital communication and online working
• Ability to produce quality reports and presentations
• Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders and motivate young people
• Ability to work collaboratively and create a positive environment
• Ability to travel throughout Wrexham, Flintshire and occasionally across Wales
• Ability to meet deadlines and targets
Desirable
• Welsh language skills
• Ability to adapt communication styles for different needs (for example Makaton)
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
• Significant safeguarding experience
• Knowledge of youth work and youth development
• Understanding of monitoring and evaluation in a youth work setting
• Awareness of youth sub cultures and social media
• Experience of youth participation or consultation
• Understanding of professional boundaries
• Experience implementing Health and Safety and Equalities processes
• Knowledge of Youth Work in Wales: Principles and Purposes and related frameworks
• Knowledge of Data Protection and GDPR
• Understanding of the importance of Welsh language and culture
Desirable
• Experience of co production
• Experience working with diverse groups of young people
• Experience working with varied abilities
• Partnership working experience
• Project management experience or transferable skills
Personal Qualities
Essential
• Trustworthiness
• Commitment to professional development
• Commitment to equality and challenging discrimination
• Integrity, discretion and strong personal drive
• Ability to problem solve and work under pressure
• Compassion and patience
• Strong interpersonal and listening skills
• Genuine care for supporting others
• Fun, engaging and adventurous attitude
Other Requirements
• Ability to carry equipment between locations
• Frequent evening and weekend work will be required
• Enhanced DBS check required
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
ABOUT US
The Great Friendship Project is an award-winning organisation tackling loneliness through research-informed community programmes, campaigns, and partnerships.
We design and deliver social interventions that help people build real-world friendships, strengthen social confidence, and rise out of loneliness.
Over the past four years, we have delivered hundreds of community activities, partnered with major brands and public institutions, contributed to national research and policy conversations, and built a highly engaged community of tens of thousands of young adults.
We are now entering a critical next phase of growth, strengthening our foundations in preparation for wider national expansion.
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THE ROLE
This new Programmes & Operations Coordinator role will act as the central operational lead for day-to-day delivery.
You’ll take ownership of systems, operations, volunteer coordination, and delivery logistics, while working closely with the Founder across areas such as community activity, growth planning, partnerships, and fundraising.
As a growing organisation, this is a broad, hands-on role with scope to help shape systems, processes, and ways of working as we grow.
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OPERATIONS
- Planning & Scheduling - Develop and maintain operational plans, timelines, systems, and delivery schedules to support effective coordination across the organisation
- Process Development - Establish and maintain clear processes for tracking tasks, deadlines, risks, outputs, and learning
- Documentation - Develop and maintain scalable documentation, playbooks, and operational processes to strengthen organisational readiness for growth
- Systems Management - Build, refine, and maintain digital tools, databases, and shared filing systems to improve coordination, visibility, and efficiency
- Financial Administration - Support basic financial processes, including processing invoices, tracking expenses, and supporting grant-related financial reporting
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PROGRAMME DELIVERY
- Delivery Oversight - Support the delivery of community programmes, campaigns, and pilots, ensuring quality, safeguarding, and consistency
- Programme Logistics - Coordinate venues, volunteers, partners, and programme materials to ensure smooth delivery
- Participant Communications - Lead day-to-day communications with participants and community members, acting as a clear and reliable point of contact
- Community Development - Develop and refine induction, member contact, and retention processes to support a welcoming and inclusive community
- Impact Tracking - Support evaluation, feedback collection, and continuous improvement across programmes
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VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT
- Recruitment & Onboarding - Lead the recruitment and onboarding of volunteers and interns
- Volunteer Coordination - Coordinate volunteer rotas, availability, and deployment across programmes and act as the primary day-to-day point of contact for volunteers
- Training & Development - Support volunteer training, shadowing, and development plans
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FUNDRAISING & GROWTH SUPPORT
- Business Development - Support the identification of new partners and assist with building and maintaining relationships, including day-to-day coordination
- Grant Writing - Assist with grant applications, funding research, and partnership follow-up
- Marketing & Growth - Support the development of marketing and growth plans, providing operational input and capacity planning
- Campaigns & Events - Support the delivery of national campaigns, research dissemination, and stakeholder events through coordination of logistics, volunteers, and internal systems
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WHO YOU ARE
- Reliable & Adaptable - You are proactive and can prioritise effectively in a fast-moving environment
- Problem Solver - You have strong organisational skills and a sharp eye for detail
- Great Communicator - You are comfortable with public speaking and talking to everyone from community members to trustees and partners
- The Sherpa - You have experience coordinating or leading teams, projects, or delivery activity
- Tech-Savvy - You love using digital tools (Google Workspace, Notion, Slack, Canva) to make work easier and more visible
- Flexible - You’re happy to work evenings or weekends, when required (N.B. Time Off In Lieu will be provided)
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EXPERIENCE - ESSENTIAL
- Experience in an operations, coordination, programme delivery, or project support role with responsibility for outcomes
- Experience managing multiple priorities across people, systems, and deadlines in a small or fast-moving organisation
- Confidence taking ownership, exercising judgement, and working with limited supervision
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EXPERIENCE - DESIRABLE
- Experience in a charity, community, events, or volunteer-led environment
- Experience supporting partnerships, fundraising activity, or grant applications
- Experience working closely with senior leadership or a founder
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BENEFITS
Beyond the opportunity to play a pivotal role in a growing social movement, we provide a supportive environment designed to help you thrive both personally and professionally.
- Meaningful work with real impact - Play a central role in tackling loneliness and helping people build lasting, real-world friendships
- Hybrid working - A flexible mix of office-based, community, and home-based working, with autonomy around how you structure your week
- 20 days annual leave + bank holidays + your birthday off - On top of this, you’ll also earn an extra day of annual leave every year you work with us, up-to 5 years
- Learning & development support - Opportunities to build skills across operations, programme delivery, fundraising, and leadership, with mentoring from the Founder and access to relevant training - where required
- Progression opportunities - As a growing organisation, this role is designed to grow alongside the organisation, with the potential to develop into a more senior role over time
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HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your application and CV by completing the online form via the link below.
CLOSING DATE: Wednesday 21st January @ 12pm
If you have any queries about the role or application process, you can contact us via email or use the enquiry form on our website.
Non Charity Employer
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The Great Friendship Project is an award-winning non-profit organisation tackling loneliness through campaigns, research and community activities.