Regional contracts manager jobs

We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping over 50,000 young people each year at its 44 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.

We are looking for someone who will enjoy working each day with young people and who will thrive in a frontline, community-based, fast-paced and rewarding role. You will be taking up a fixed-term contract as an Education Worker at our
centre in London.

Locations: This role will be based in London. We have 12 IntoUniversity centres in London. The exact centre(s) in London that this role will be based in will be confirmed with the successful candidate. 
Contract: Full-time, fixed-term until August 2026
Applications close: 9am Tuesday 31st March 2026

Start date: As soon as possible, to be confirmed with the successful candidate

Salary

£30,950 per annum (inclusive of £2,700 London contribution)

What could my day look like?

The Education Worker role is a frontline, fast-paced and rewarding role where no two weeks will look the same. A typical day will have different activities, possibly spread between the IntoUniversity centre, partner schools and the offices of a corporate partner.

In the morning, you might be setting off with resources to run a workshop for sixth-form students in their secondary school. In the afternoon you may be setting up the classroom ahead of running Primary Academic Support for young people in your IntoUniversity centre. On other days, you may be travelling to a corporate partner to run a business simulation workshop for 15 year-olds or leading a group of final year primary school students on a campus visit for their graduation.

As an Education Worker, you’ll always be delivering the programme as part of your centre team, which means that any delivery is always a team effort. 

The Charity advisor and partnership coordinator will play a pivotal role within Barnsley CVS’s growing and ambitious team, supporting local VCSE organisations to grow in strength, knowledge and connections.

This varied and dynamic role offers the opportunity to provide advice and guidance to VCSE organisations, create and develop resources and training, build and strengthen partnerships and play a role in ensuring the voice of the community has a influence in Barnsley’s development.  Your role will help ensure organisations and partnerships run efficiently and effectively. You will also provide flexible first-contact support, contributing to the professional and welcoming operation of the organisation.

This is an excellent opportunity for an organised and experienced VCSE professional to impart knowledge to others and make a tangible difference in the borough. The role offers exposure to a wide range of community-focused projects and the chance to be an integral part of a team driving positive change.

Salary: £33,612 FTE (£22,711 pro rata)

Hours: 25 hours per week

Reportable to: Head of Partnerships and Operations

Responsible for: No current direct reports but may develop volunteer or staff reports

Benefits:

- Flexible work start time and finish

- 5% pension contribution

- Additional annual leave days given between Christmas and New Year when the office is closed

- Volunteer leave of your choice equivalent to one full work week

- Free tea and coffee

- Free parking in the town centre

- Personal training budget provided

Key Information:

LOCATION: Bristol, Newcastle, Nottingham, London and Manchester (hybrid working pattern). We are prioritising applications for the Nottingham and Newcastle locations in line with our regional development strategy.

HOURS: 37.5 hours per week (flexible working around core hours of 10am-4pm)

START DATE: 10th August 2026

DURATION: 18-month graduate programme with optional apprenticeship opportunity upon completion. Permanent contract from August 2026. 

SALARY: £27,375 per annum (Bristol, Manchester, Nottingham and Newcastle), £30,025 (London).

DEADLINE: Thursday 2nd April at 12pm (noon).

The application process: written application > video interview > assessment centre.

Assessment Centres will take place between 20th April and 8th May 2026. They will be conducted on Zoom and consist of 3 tasks: An interview, a written exercise and a group task (with up to 3 other candidates)

In keeping with upReach's mission and values we would particularly encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups and those with lived experience of barriers to social mobility.

We encourage all applicants to review our Application Pack before submitting your application.

About upReach

Do you think that your socio-economic background should determine your career prospects?

upReach’s vision is of a society in which everybody has an equal opportunity to realise their full career potential. Our work is important because right now a student from a disadvantaged background who gains a first-class degree from a top university is less likely to secure an elite job than a more privileged student with a 2.2.

We are an award-winning charity employer working to address this issue in partnership with employers and universities. We help undergraduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds achieve their career potential by providing an intensive programme of support that addresses socio-economic barriers to graduate employment. 

To find out more about how we support our students, visit our website and read our Annual Report, and Impact Report. 

About the FCLP

upReach is recruiting for our unique Future Charity  Leaders Programme (FCLP). This is a great opportunity for anyone who is passionate about social mobility, and looking to gain exposure to various aspects of charity management whilst working with university students who are exploring their career options. We welcome applications from those in the corporate world who are looking for a career change as well as recent graduates wanting to kick-start their career in the third sector.

upReach’s Future Charity Leaders Programme (FCLP) combines delivery work (supporting our Associates) with exposure to a range of aspects of charity management.

As a Programme Coordinator on the FCLP, you will deliver personalised, employment-focused support to a cohort of approximately 80 Associates, helping to transform their lives by equipping them with the necessary skills to secure a top graduate job. During a typical week, you should expect to be working across a range of projects including:

• 1:1 undergraduate coaching

• Events organisation

• Application support

• Partnership management (with university partners or employer partners) 

• and more!

In addition to this, the programme offers the opportunity to develop skills in key areas of charity management by participating in 3 rounds of six-month 'rotations' across different functions. After your initial 18 months and the completion of 3, six-month rotations, you will have the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship in Leadership and Management to further develop your skills and gain a level 3 qualification.

Throughout the programme, you will receive dedicated internal training developing your leadership skills and building your confidence in the role.Through our partnership with The Circle Line, you will be part of a supportive peer group, offered regular personal development training workshops online and in-person on their '12 Tools for Life'. You will also be able to choose your own practitioner to support you in 1:1 sessions throughout the programme to help you unlock more of your unique potential.

What will I be doing?

The FCLP is a fast-paced but rewarding role. Programme Coordinators spend 80% of their time (4 days per week) working directly with Associates to enhance their career knowledge and skills and 20% (1 day per week) on a charity management rotation (or an apprenticeship after 18 months). No two days are the same, but your responsibilities may include:

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with Associates, helping them to achieve their career goals 

• Developing and delivering professional development-focused support

• Individual and small group work with Associates 

• Assisting Associates with their applications to undergraduate positions and graduate jobs 

• Developing sector and/or employability skill knowledge while building resources to aid all Associates 

• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with university and/or employer partners 

• Delivering informative workshops to enhance sector knowledge and employability skills

• Planning, delivering and reporting on events and workshops with partners

When applying for this role we ask that applicants are able to commit to the full 18-month training programme, and we encourage participation in the apprenticeship scheme beyond this. As you will be working directly with our beneficiaries throughout their degree, this consistency will allow you to build bonds with your Associates and ensure continuity, thus allowing us to have the most impact for the young people we work with.

What Skills and Experience do I need?

This programme would be suited to individuals who are committed to upReach’s mission, motivated to work with undergraduates and interested in learning about, and gaining experience in, charity management. We are looking for people who are passionate about social mobility and believe that background should not be a barrier to graduate employment. 

Essential Skills/Experiences:

• Working in a fast-paced environment and working independently to find solutions to problems

• Strong organisational and time management skills with a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage a varied workload

• A University degree in any discipline, or equivalent experience

• Self-motivation and an ability to work in a small team as well as solo

• Excellent communication skills and strong written English

• The ability to engage and communicate confidently with undergraduates, corporate volunteers (mentors) and employers via phone, email, and in person

• Confidence with public speaking or facilitating workshops

Desirable Skills/Experiences:

• Knowledge of the graduate labour market in the UK and experience supporting individuals through an application process 

• Working in one or more of the career sectors that upReach support Associates in applying to.

Team Culture & Benefits: 

By joining the upReach team, you will be joining a team who are dedicated to encouraging you in your career journey and fostering an inclusive culture. 

We offer: 

• Flexible working, hybrid working and reduced Summer Hours (June-August)

• Statutory Holiday Entitlement of 25 days, plus bank holidays. (This increases to 27 days entitlement after 2.5 years and then to 30 days after 5 years of working with us)

• Enhanced Parental Leave beyond statutory requirements for all team members

• 1 day of Birthday leave, 1 day of Volunteering leave and discretionary annual wellbeing days

• Optional extended unpaid leave

• 3% Pension Contribution, this increases to 5% after 5 years of working with us 

• Cycle-to-work scheme, Tech scheme

• Monthly socials, Annual in-person Team Day

• Dedication to Staff Wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aid Training 

• A range of discounts through the Charity Workers Discount and Tickets for Good websites

• The opportunity to participate in our fantastic staff networks: 

  • Disability and Inclusion Network

  • Diverse Roots Network 

  • Green Network 

  • LGBTQ+ Network

  • Mindfulness Network

  • Parents and Carers Network

  • Socio-Economic Background Network

  • (Im)Migrants Network

Ready to apply?

We are dedicated to making our recruitment process inclusive. All applications will be blind screened, and our job packs are available in Braille, large text or another format upon request. We can provide reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment application process and on the job, and we'll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. 

Unfortunately, upReach is unable to offer Visa Sponsorship.

Applications close at 12pm on Thursday 2nd April

Equal Opportunities

At upReach, we are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate in employment matters on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, social background or any other protected class. We celebrate and value the diverse perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our team. We are passionate about creating a workplace that is inclusive and reflects the diversity of communities across the UK. Thus, we encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds, those with disabilities, those who are care-experienced, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, and those who are LGBTQIA+.

We are looking for a good communicator who is excited by God‘s generosity and provision, and keen to encourage and support our diverse parishes as they embed digital giving in an ever changing digital landscape.   Digital giving is an increasingly important income stream for churches. Hear from one of our vicars about the success of their Give to go 'Green digital fundraising'

We have a strong partnership with our parishes with a positive culture of generosity and commitment to each other. Our parish share scheme, the Parish Support Fund, is a generosity-based offering scheme with collection rates of 99+%. 

This role is currently a full-time role, focusing on supporting parishes with digital giving, helping with technical issues as well as encouraging best fundraising practice. It might suit someone who is a recent graduate and who is interested in technology, and developing their experience in digital fundraising, training and communication. A part-time could be accommodated.. Many of our staff work flexibly. Please indicate in your application and talk to us at the interview about the flexibility and work hours you would prefer.

Are you interested in church or charity fundraising and looking for a new challenge?

No prior knowledge of digital giving mechanisms is needed – full training will be given. Would you like to join us, be willing to learn and work with us as we seek to be a Diocese that is Christ- centred and outward focused? If so, please read on in the information pack.