Schools and communities manager jobs

Are you looking for a rewarding challenge?

Then join our experienced team supporting children and young people who have caring responsibilities for someone in their family due to disability, long-term illness, mental health, or drug or alcohol misuse. You’ll help deliver our Young Carers service across Southwark, so a car driver is preferred.

In this role, you will manage an existing caseload and new referrals, meeting with families and Young Carers to complete statutory assessments and create action plans. You‘ll provide support for Young Carers to reduce the impact of their caring role and improve their resilience, educational chances and wellbeing, through signposting to local services, in-school support, one-to-one sessions, and workshops.

There will be opportunities to work closely with schools, Children’s Services and other agencies to raise awareness, identify hidden Young Carers, and ensure Young Carer needs are understood and acted on.

You will need to be confident, approachable and self-motivated, with the ability to quickly establish rapport with children and young people. Applicants should have relevant experience of working or volunteering in education, health or social care, or be looking to start a career working with children or young people.

This is a full-time role (including occasional early evenings and Saturdays).

Make a difference now and for the future.

We offer our employees:

· Inclusive values-based environment

· Competitive remuneration package

· Workplace pension scheme

· Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays

· Opportunities for hybrid working

· Benenden Health Care

· Death in Service Benefit

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Employee Supported Volunteering scheme

· Development opportunities

· and more

Imago is committed to Safer Recruitment practices, and the post is subject to references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Please either submit your CV with a short covering note, outlining your current salary, or visit our website for full details.

Imago recognises that many people in our society experience discrimination or lack of opportunity for reasons that are not fair. We aim to create a culture that respects and values each other’s differences, and see these differences as an asset, as they improve our ability to meet the needs of the organisations and people we work with. We proactively seek to increase opportunities for inclusion, and celebrate diversity across our organisation and within communities.

Imago recognises its duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children, young people and adults at risk who access its services or with whom it comes into contact.

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 Coventry.

Location: Coventry
Contract: Full-time, fixed-term until July 2027
Applications close: 9am Monday 27th July 2026
Start date: August 2026

Salary

£28,250 per annum

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. 

This is a key leadership role responsible for the safe, high-quality delivery of our respite breaks, wellbeing programmes and outreach services, alongside building strong relationships that help grow our reach and referral base.

You’ll lead a flexible workforce and oversee day-to-day operations, while also working externally with schools, local authorities and partner agencies to strengthen referral pathways and increase access to our services, particularly across Glasgow, Edinburgh and North/East Ayrshire.

Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you’ll make sure services are deliverable, sustainable and aligned with future growth. A big part of the role is understanding local need and helping shape how and where our services are delivered.

Are you ready for a new challenge?

Do you have a passion for working with young people, helping them grow in confidence, discover their strengths, and explore new opportunities? If so, we'd love to hear from you!

Location

This is a hybrid role, combining work from home with work in the local Harlow community. 

Negotiable, up to 30 hours per week, including some evening work (fixed term until 31st March 2027)

About the Role

The Barnardo's Co-op Partnership is an exciting and innovative programme aiming to support more than one million young people to build positive futures.

Our Sedgemoor for our Future service is co-designed with young people and centred around a welcoming, inclusive youth space where young people can feel safe, connected, and empowered to take part in meaningful experiences.

Using a youth work approach, we support young people to:

• Build positive relationships and develop a strong sense of belonging
• Grow in confidence, resilience, and self-esteem
• Take part in a wide range of activities, including creative, practical, and food-based sessions
• Explore issues that matter to them and have their voices heard
• Develop teamwork, communication, and essential life skills for the future

Session Details

You must be available to lead the following weekly sessions:

• Tuesdays – Harlow, 12.15pm-4pm - schools based session
• Wednesdays – Harlow, 12.00-1.30pm- school based session. 6pm-8pm youth club session

As part of your role, you will plan and deliver engaging, youth-led sessions in a variety of settings, including community venues and schools. You will build trusted relationships with young people, create inclusive spaces that meet diverse needs, and support them to achieve positive outcomes.

You will also contribute to community engagement, develop creative approaches to reaching young people across Harlow, and support ongoing evaluation through reflective practice and outcome recording.

What We're Looking For

• Experience working with children, young people, and families
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures, with experience applying this in practice
• Excellent listening and communication skills with a diverse range of children, young people and families
• Creativity and confidence in designing inclusive workshops and group sessions
• Good written and IT skills to accurately record case notes
• Flexibility to adapt to the needs and interests of young people

Interested and want to know more? Please contact Robyn Dunn, Children's Service Manager - Please refer to website via job link for contact details 

When applying, please refer specifically to the Person Specification and Job Description, explaining how your skills and experience meet the requirements.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Corporate Partnerships Manager, Primary Science Teaching Trust

Key info:

• Salary £40,000 - £50,000 p/a (35 hours a week)
• Home based, The role will require regular travel to PSTT’s premises in Bristol (at least 1 day per month)
• Closing midnight Wednesday 15th July 2026 
• Annual leave of 28 days, which can be taken flexibly throughout the year with 3 days to be taken at Christmas
• Enhanced maternity pay and adoption pay, contributory pension scheme (5% employer contribution), 24/7 access to an Employee Assistance Programme

Role 

PSTT’s long term vision is: Excellent primary school teaching in every primary school in the UK.

The goal of PSTT is to make science more accessible and attractive to children of primary school age throughout the UK. Research has shown that children’s interest in science is shaped before they leave primary school. That makes it vital for them to have a positive experience of science from their early years onwards.

The Corporate Partnerships Manager is responsible for developing and implementing plans to maximise income from corporate partners and trusts and foundations There is huge scope to develop both income streams at PSTT as this is a newly created position with the responsibility for growing and further developing these income streams. 

This is an exciting role for a candidate who wants to grow and shape the income stream, and demonstrate their personal impact on generating income, and providing partners with an incredible supporter experience. There will be an element of change as the organisation embeds an internal culture that effectively supports fundraising. 

This specialist manager role would suit someone who is already operating at a senior fundraiser or manager level, or someone who can demonstrate experience of developing a corporate and/or trusts & foundations pipeline, creating operational plans and delivering income. PSTT is an organisation with big ambitions so a background that includes working within a smaller charity would be helpful for the candidate to have but isn't essential. 

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps. 

Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date. 

Closing date for applications: Midnight Wednesday 15th July 2026 

Interviews are expected to be held on the week commencing Monday 20th July in person.

ABOUT TRAIN

TRAIN is a youth work charity based in South Oxfordshire. We support young people aged 10 to 18 in Didcot, Wallingford and the surrounding areas, especially those who are under-served.

Young people in our communities are facing complex challenges. Some are struggling with poor mental health, family instability or difficulties at school. Others simply need trusted adults outside positions of authority and somewhere they feel they belong. Through open-access youth clubs, detached and outreach youth work, mentoring and targeted support, we build trusted relationships that help young people grow in confidence, make positive choices and feel hopeful about their future.

Our work is built on trust, consistency and respect, and we're looking for someone who shares that ethos.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a fixed-term cover role leading TRAIN's youth work team while our Youth Work Manager is on planned medical leave.

You'll be leading an experienced team of seven youth workers delivering a busy programme across Didcot and Wallingford. Four members of the team are permanent staff and three are sessional workers. Your role is to support them well through regular supervision, practical leadership and day-to-day decision making, while ensuring our youth work continues to run smoothly.

This isn't simply a caretaker role. Although maintaining high-quality delivery is the priority, we're keen to hear from people who enjoy improving services and spotting opportunities to strengthen what already exists.

You'll oversee our full range of provision, including open access youth work, detached and outreach work, one-to-one mentoring and group programmes. You'll also play a lead role in safeguarding, work closely with local schools and partner organisations, contribute to organisational planning and occasionally deliver youth work sessions yourself.

We're open to applicants from a range of professional backgrounds. You don't necessarily need to have worked in a youth work organisation before, but you do need experience of managing people, working with young people facing disadvantage, and understanding the importance of relationship-based practice.

This role reports directly to the CEO and forms part of TRAIN's senior team.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Salary: £36,640 FTE for employed staff, pro rata (or £180 per day for self-employed contractors)
• Fixed-term contract for an initial 3-4 months
• 20-30 hours per week (negotiable)
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• 3% employer pension contribution
• Flexible working with some home working
• TOIL for additional evening and weekend work
• Professional development and training
• Employee Assistance Programme including mental health and wellbeing support
• Supportive, collaborative team with regular supervision and shared learning

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Line manage and support TRAIN's team of youth workers through supervision, performance management and professional development
• Oversee delivery of our youth work programme across Didcot and Wallingford
• Lead safeguarding across the organisation
• Deliver youth work sessions when required
• Build and maintain relationships with schools, voluntary organisations and statutory partners
• Recruit, induct and support volunteers
• Monitor outcomes and reporting
• Contribute to organisational strategy as part of the senior leadership team
• Support fundraising, communications and stakeholder engagement
• Ensure delivery complies with safeguarding, legal and organisational requirements

ABOUT YOU

We're looking for someone who can confidently lead people while keeping young people at the centre of every decision.

You'll bring:

• Experience managing or supervising staff and volunteers
• Experience working with young people, particularly those facing disadvantage or marginalisation
• Safeguarding knowledge and experience
• Strong organisational skills
• The ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, young people and partner organisations
• Commitment to TRAIN's mission and values
• Eligibility for an Enhanced DBS check

A recognised youth work qualification, experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, first aid training and experience of health and safety management would all be advantageous, but aren't essential.

Because this is a temporary cover role, we'll prioritise candidates who can start during August or early September 2026.

WHY JOIN TRAIN?

We're a growing charity with an experienced and committed team. You'll inherit well-established programmes and skilled colleagues, while still having the opportunity to shape how we work during your time with us.

If you're looking for a role where you can quickly make a difference to both a team and the young people they support, we'd love to hear from you.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send us:

• Your CV
• A brief covering note (around 200-300 words) explaining your interest in the role and how your experience relates to the position.

Applications are being considered on a rolling basis, so we encourage early applications.

If you'd like an informal conversation before applying, please contact Ben Drabble, CEO (details in pack) 

TRAIN is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to references and an Enhanced DBS check.

For 50 years, SportsAid has been backing the next generation of athletes.

But we're only just getting started.

As we launch our new organisational strategy and celebrate our 50th anniversary, we're entering an exciting new chapter—one that will see us grow our impact, strengthen lifelong relationships with athletes and supporters, and build one of the UK's most engaged sporting communities.

We're looking for an ambitious and experienced fundraising leader to help make that happen.

Our Vision

From potential to personal best – whatever your story.

We want a future where talented athletes can pursue their ambitions, whatever their background, circumstances or income.

A future where talent is not lost because life gets in the way, and where support comes early, consistently and without conditions.

Our Mission

SportsAid exists to champion and support the next generation of athletes to fulfil their potential in sport and in life.

We invest early. We back ambition. We bring together partners, supporters and alumni to provide financial help, trusted guidance and belief—particularly at the moments when staying in sport becomes hardest.

For five decades, we have stood alongside athletes when success was uncertain and outcomes were unknown. Today, our ambition goes further.

We believe talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. That's why we're strengthening support for athletes and families, amplifying athlete voices, building lifelong communities of athletes and alumni, and working with partners to create a sporting system where potential—not background—shapes opportunity.

The Opportunity

This is far more than a community fundraising role.

You'll lead the development of SportsAid's Community Fundraising & Engagement programme at a pivotal moment in our history, helping shape the future of one of the UK's most respected sports charities.

Working closely with the Head of Fundraising and Communications and as part of an ambitious leadership team, you'll develop and deliver a bold community fundraising strategy, grow sustainable unrestricted income and create outstanding supporter experiences that inspire people to back the next generation.

You'll also provide strategic leadership for our growing alumni engagement programme, ensuring former SportsAid athletes remain connected through mentoring, advocacy, storytelling, volunteering and fundraising.

Whether it's launching new fundraising products, growing challenge events, building partnerships with schools, clubs and communities, or developing innovative supporter journeys, you'll have the freedom to build something with lasting impact.

About You

You're someone who enjoys creating as much as delivering.

You combine strategic thinking with a practical, hands-on approach and know that exceptional fundraising is built on exceptional relationships.

You may currently be leading community fundraising, supporter engagement or individual giving within a charity and be looking for the opportunity to shape a programme with genuine national potential.

You'll bring:

· Significant experience developing successful community fundraising or supporter engagement programmes.

· A track record of growing sustainable income and building long-term supporter relationships.

· Experience leading people, developing strategy and delivering results.

· Strong commercial awareness and an entrepreneurial mindset.

· Excellent relationship-building, influencing and communication skills.

· A passion for creating outstanding supporter experiences.

Most importantly, you'll be excited by the opportunity to build, innovate and help shape the future of SportsAid.

Why Join SportsAid?

There has never been a more exciting time to join us.

As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we're investing in ambitious plans to expand our fundraising, strengthen lifelong relationships with athletes and supporters, and increase our impact across the UK.

You'll join an ambitious, collaborative and values-led organisation with an engaged Board, a supportive leadership team and colleagues who genuinely care about our mission.

We offer:

· Salary of £50,000–£55,000 (pro rata if 0.8 FTE)

· Home-based or hybrid working

· Flexible working arrangements

· Private healthcare

· Pension contribution

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Season ticket loan

· 25 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays, increasing with service

· Excellent opportunities for professional development

Across the UK, millions of children and young people are facing complex social and emotional challenges. AllChild works within local communities and wider support systems to identify and support children and young people most at risk of poor social, emotional and academic outcomes. Through our two-year Impact Programme, we help build a joined-up network of support around each child and family, working in partnership with schools, local services and community organisations.

Our dedicated, school-based Link Workers coordinate bespoke, strengths-based support through our trusted partners, from counselling, tutoring and engagement opportunities in sport or art to access to wider community and early-help support where needed. By mobilising trusted relationships and coordinating support across the local system, we help young people flourish, building confidence, skills and a positive future. Founded in West London, AllChild is working in communities nationally to create lasting, place-based change.

We’re seeking people in the West London area with a genuine passion for supporting children and young people, strong intrinsic motivation and high personal standards within a Secondary School. If that sounds like you, we’d be delighted for you to join our team.

For further information, please view the Job Pack.

To apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 9 July 2026.

We recognise that candidates may use AI tools to support research and check grammar. However, we ask that all supporting statements and application responses reflect your own thoughts and experiences. Over-reliance on AI may limit our ability to assess your individual skills, critical thinking, and personal approach, which are important parts of our selection process. 

Community Training and Volunteer Administrator  
Salary: £25,112.50 per annum, pro rata
Location: Norwich Office
Hours: Part-time, 21 hours per week, ideally worked Monday to Friday between 9:30am and 2:30pm
Contract: Permanent

East Anglian Air Ambulance is a regional charity that provides life-saving care across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and beyond. With two state of the art helicopters and a fleet of rapid response vehicles taking our crew of critical care paramedics and doctors to the scene of the incident, to provide advanced pre-hospital emergency medical care (PHEM). 

We have an exciting opportunity for a Community Training and Volunteer Administrator to join our life-saving charity. 

About our Community Training Programme: 

Since 2018 East Anglian Air Ambulance has been delivering lifesaving Community CPR and Defibrillator training sessions to over 100,000+ children and adults, but we need to train more people to save more lives across East Anglia.  

Every year approximately 11,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest in the East of England. Around 70% of those who suffer a cardiac arrest receive any form of bystander CPR before the arrival of the ambulance service, however, less than 20% have a defibrillator deployed before emergency services arrive.   

The cardiac arrest survival rate in the UK is only around 9%, but if a defibrillator is used alongside effective CPR within the first 3-5 minutes, the chances of survival can increase between 40% - 70%. 

About the role: 

As Community Training and Volunteer Administrator, you will provide excellent administrative support to EAAA's Community Training and Volunteering Team, helping to coordinate our flagship Community CPR and Defibrillator Training programme for schools, community groups and organisations across East Anglia.

You will manage a busy training calendar and coordinate Community CPR Training bookings and enquiries, ensuring all participants and supporters receive the highest standards of customer service. You will also oversee the logistics of our training equipment, ensuring resources are available in the right place at the right time to support training delivery.

You will ensure all CPR and AED training sessions are accurately recorded on our volunteer management system and will support and guide new and existing CPR volunteers throughout their recruitment and onboarding journey.

To be successful in this role, you will have strong administrative and IT skills, experience of using CRM systems, and excellent communication skills. You will be confident engaging with a diverse range of people and committed to delivering an outstanding supporter experience.

This is a vital role in ensuring our training participants, volunteers and supporters have a positive experience with EAAA and our community training programmes. Ultimately, your work will contribute to improving outcomes for patients experiencing cardiac arrest across East Anglia and help save more lives. 

Closing date: Tuesday 21st July 2026 (9am)  
Interview date:  Tuesday 28th July 2026 (In person at Helimed House) 

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website where you can complete your application for this position.

No agencies please.

Part-funded by a generous donation from Backstage Trust, this is a new and pivotal role designed to transform Theatre Centre's fundraising capacity by strengthening systems, increasing income diversity, and building long-term financial resilience. The postholder will play a key role in helping the organisation capitalise on its artistic impact and case for support, while building momentum towards its 75th anniversary in 2028.

This role will keep us focused on our development strategy and will have support from across the whole company: the Board, Executive and the core TC team. We have been steadily building our foundations and have some good funding relationships in place, committed individual givers, a strong, evidenced case for support, some incredible stats and feedback and above all an inspiring and exciting programme of work to offer for young people, artists and teachers across the country.

Our Development Manager will help us to bring in resources so that we can continue share our high-quality, specialist work as far as we can. We see development as a collaborative effort and we understand the need for the whole team to support development, that effective fundraising needs to be resourced with realistic timelines and expectations.

About the Role

Contract type: Fixed term to March 2028

Hours: 30 hours per week (0.8 FTE) - we're happy to discuss flexible working patterns that work best for you.

Salary: £24,000 per year (based on £30,000 per year pro rata)

Location: This role can be hybrid or predominantly home based, with some time spent working with colleagues in the office. Theatre Centre is based near Three Bridges station at Unit 4 Crawley Business Centre, Stevenson Way, Crawley, RH10 1TN.

Job Requirements

• A strong affinity with Theatre Centre's mission and a passion for creating opportunities for young people through the arts.
• A values-driven approach, with commitment to equity, inclusion, social justice and environmental responsibility.
• Collaborative, open and transparent working style.
• Comfortable working in a changing environment.
• Proven experience of fundraising within an arts organisation.
• Strong strategic thinking skills.
• Good written communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling cases for support and reports.
• Good understanding of the financial context of this work.
• Experience of building and managing relationships with funders, donors and stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, including data management.
• Experience of monitoring and reporting to demonstrate impact.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work flexibly under pressure, and meet deadlines.

Job Responsibilities

The Development Manager will lead delivery of a phased fundraising strategy:

Phase 1 - Foundation: Build on our strong systems and processes and give us consistency in fundraising delivery, including building a robust pipeline of Trusts & Foundations and developing place-based income in Crawley and the Gatwick area.

Phase 2 - Private Phase: Expand individual giving by deepening relationships, developing major donors, and securing multi-year funding partnerships.

Phase 3 - Public Bring together all strategic and fundraising priorities in our 75th year, amplifying them into a public campaign that advocates for our change-making work.

If you'd like more information you're welcome to visit our website and download the job pack.

As a Senior Employment Advisor (Youth Employment Lead), you will sit within the Adult Learning, Skills and Employment team, delivering high-quality, person-centered employment support to residents facing a range of complex barriers to work. You will take a lead role within our youth employment provision, working alongside colleagues across the service to ensure strong outcomes for all beneficiaries and will also deliver across all our funded provision which may vary over time but will always target those with significant barriers to employment.

Reporting to the Employability & Progression Manager, you will manage and support a varied caseload into employment by providing high-quality information and guidance. You will conduct in-depth initial assessments to produce SMART and tailored action plans, maintain regular meaningful contact with beneficiaries, and conduct regular reviews of agreed actions. It is essential that you are able to demonstrate and encourage a positive mindset among beneficiaries by adopting a strengths-based approach to their journey into employment.

You will deliver holistic, person-centered support spanning one-to-one guidance, CV and interview preparation, and the planning and delivery of group workshops and employment preparation sessions. You will have a strong understanding of the local and London employer landscape and will contribute to ensuring we consistently meet the performance targets and KPIs that underpin our funded programmes.

You will have at least 3 years’ experience working in a similar post supporting disadvantaged groups back to work and/or training and education. You will have experience of working in an evidence-based practice, working to set targets, and will be equipped with strong influencing and interpersonal skills. You will also be responsible for producing and submitting weekly/monthly caseload reports and maintaining accurate, up-to-date beneficiary records on our internal systems.

Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: Full-time
Reports to: Chair; Board of Directors 
Location: Hackney
Salary: £50,000-60,000 depending on experience.
Pension: HSoF participates in the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) pension scheme and contributes 3%.
Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, free onsite lunches .
Probation period: Six months.

About Hackney School of Food

Hackney School of Food is an award-winning food education hub based in the grounds of Mandeville Primary School in Clapton, East London. Through our teaching kitchen and educational garden, we help children, families and communities build the skills, confidence and knowledge to grow, cook and eat good food.

Each year, we welcome more than 10,000 visits to our kitchen and garden, delivering curriculum programmes for schools alongside community cooking courses, gardening projects, holiday clubs, corporate volunteering and public events. Since becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2023, we have expanded our facilities, strengthened our governance and built a strong reputation as a leader in food education.

We're now looking for an exceptional Managing Director to build on these strong foundations and lead Hackney School of Food through its next phase of growth and impact.

About the role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Managing Director (MD) will provide both strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the organisation delivers its mission while remaining financially resilient, well-governed and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

The Managing Director is responsible for all aspects of the organisation, including strategy, income generation, finance, governance, partnerships, programme delivery and people leadership. Working closely with a small, committed team and an engaged Board, they will build on strong foundations to grow Hackney School of Food's impact, reach and long-term sustainability.

This is a varied, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys balancing big-picture thinking with practical delivery. One day you may be developing a new partnership, meeting a prospective funder or working with the Board on future strategy; the next you could be supporting the team, welcoming visitors to the garden or solving day-to-day operational challenges.

Key priorities

In your first 12 months you will:

• Build on Hackney School of Food's strong foundations to deliver the next phase of our strategy and growth.

• Increase and diversify income through fundraising, partnerships and commercial opportunities to strengthen long-term sustainability.

• Lead, support and develop a small, ambitious team, fostering a positive and inclusive culture where people can thrive.

• Strengthen relationships with funders, partners and local businesses, helping Hackney School of Food deepen its impact.

• Work closely with the Board to embed strong governance, organisational systems and long-term planning for the future.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership 

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for Hackney School of Food, ensuring delivery of its mission, vision and long-term objectives. 

• Lead the development and implementation of Hackney School of Food's annual business plan and organisational priorities.

• Work with the Board to evolve organisational strategy, identify opportunities, manage risks and support sustainable growth.

• Monitor, report on and respond to organisational performance against agreed objectives and impact measures. 

• Champion Hackney School of Food externally, strengthening its profile and influence.
   

Financial sustainability and income generation 

• Oversee organisational budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and cashflow management, working closely with the Treasurer and accountant.

• Lead income generation across the organisation, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, sponsorship and earned income.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, sponsors and strategic partners.

• Ensure all funding commitments are met, including grant reporting, monitoring and evaluation requirements.

• Identify new opportunities to diversify income and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.

Partnerships & External Relations

• Act as the main point of contact for HSoF’s key partners, LEAP Federation and Chefs in Schools to ensure the partnerships are effective and positive.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with other key stakeholders, including local authorities, funders and sponsors.

• Represent Hackney School of Food at meetings, events, and public forums.

• Champion the value of food education and contribute to wider local and national conversations. 

• Ensure programmes remain responsive to community needs through ongoing engagement and consultation. 

Governance and public benefit 

• Ensure the organisation operates in line with its CIC objectives and delivers clear public benefit. 

• Support the Board of Directors to fulfil its governance responsibilities through high-quality reporting, planning and decision-making.

• Prepare Board papers, reports and agendas, ensuring timely and accurate information is available to support effective governance.

• Oversee and report on organisational performance to the Board of Directors quarterly.

• Act as the primary link between the Board and the operational team.

• Maintain effective governance, delegated authority and accountability frameworks. 

• Support the Board in meeting all statutory and regulatory obligations relating to the CIC.

People, Culture and safeguarding

• Provide leadership to a small core team (currently c.4 employees), directly managing staff and fostering a positive, inclusive culture. 

• Provide oversight and support for a wider network of approx. 15 freelance contractors to ensure consistently high-quality delivery.

• Lead recruitment, induction, performance management and professional development in line with safer recruitment and equality principles. 

• Ensure effective organisational structures, clear roles, and performance accountability.

• Oversee HR processes including appraisals, performance management, and professional development.

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, embedding safeguarding throughout the organisation maintaining compliance with all relevant requirements. 

• Develop organisational systems, policies and practices that support an inclusive, high-performing workplace.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Maintain and regularly review the organisational Risk Register and report key risks and mitigations to the Board.

• Oversee organisational policies, procedures and continuous improvement, ensuring policies and legal requirements are up to date, clearly communicated and embedded across the organisation. 

• Ensure compliance with employment law, health and safety, safeguarding, GDPR and other relevant legislation. 

Personal specification

Essential experience 

• Senior leadership experience with responsibility for organisational performance and accountability. 

• Experience securing income through fundraising, partnerships and/or commercial activity.

• Experience of financial leadership, including budget setting, forecasting and cashflow oversight.

• Experience working closely with a Board, Trustees or governing body to translate strategic vision into operational delivery. 

• Experience building and managing successful partnerships with funders, businesses and community stakeholders. 

• Experience in managing and motivating a team, creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture. 

• Experience of governance, compliance and organisational risk management.

• Experience of safeguarding within an education, youth or community context.

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, make sound decisions and remain resilient in a resource-constrained environment.

Essential skills and attributes

• Passion for Hackney School of Food's mission and the role of food education in improving health, wellbeing and community connection. 

• Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable with hands-on operational leadership. 

• Entrepreneurial, resourceful and committed to building long-term financial sustainability and identifying growth opportunities.

• Ability to lead a team through change with sensitivity, clarity and kindness.

• Strong communicator with excellent relationship-building skills. 

• Confident decision-maker with a high level of personal accountability. 

• Committed to equity, inclusion and community-led practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within a Community Interest Company (CIC), social enterprise or charity.

• Knowledge of Hackney, its communities and local stakeholder landscape.

• Experience of working in food education, community food, gardening, environmental education or a related field.

• Experience reviewing and managing contracts, service agreements or other legal documentation.

An inclusive workplace

We know that diverse teams make stronger organisations and are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment and will consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

We particularly encourage applications from people who are under-represented in our sector and in leadership roles, including people from the global majority and those whose lived experience brings valuable perspectives from the communities we serve. We also welcome applications from people who live in Hackney or East London.

How to apply

The deadline to apply is Monday 20 July at 9am. Please apply by filling out this application form.

You'll find the link to the application form on our Recruitment Pack which provides more information. 

Stage 1: A one-hour online interview with the Senior Team and Board (24 July) 

Stage 2: On-site interview at Hackney School of Food (30 July), including a short presentation. 

We may also invite the preferred candidate to an informal meeting with the wider team and Board before making a final appointment. 

The successful applicant will need to pass an enhanced DBS check and provide two suitable references. 

We may close the application window earlier if we are inundated with applications, so please don't wait to apply.

If you have any questions about the role or your suitability, please feel free to get in touch with us. You will find a Recruitment pack and email address to contact via our website.

Alongside Youth Workers and Senior Youth Workers you will focus on delivering face-to-face youth work in schools and in community settings.

You’ll be working alongside young people who may be navigating complex challenges, including community safety concerns and the risks of exploitation. Your role will be to build trust, provide meaningful support and empower them to make positive choices for their future.

If you’re committed to creating lasting change and have the skills to connect with and inspire young people, we’d love to hear from you!

As a Community Library Facilitator you will play a key role in creating a warm and inclusive environment, building meaningful relationships with visitors, and helping people connect with the wider services and support available through our organisation. Whether facilitating creative activities, supporting library users, engaging with families, or signposting individuals to additional services, you will be helping to strengthen community connections and improve wellbeing.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with people, is passionate about community development, and thrives in a varied and dynamic environment. The successful candidate will be adaptable, empathetic, and creative, with the confidence to engage people from diverse backgrounds and encourage participation in community based activities.

This is a part-time position with flexible working hours. Due to the nature of our community programmes and activities, the role will require some after-school, early evening, and occasional weekend working. We are looking for someone who can offer flexibility to meet the needs of the community while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Experience facilitating workshops, creative activities, community projects, or educational sessions is desirable but not essential. Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is enthusiastic about making a positive difference and helping people feel connected, supported, and empowered within their community.

Key Responsibilities:

Facilitate Activities: Lead and facilitate a range of group activities, including creative workshops, community events, and school-based sessions. Encourage participation and create engaging, inclusive experiences that support learning, wellbeing, and social connection.

Community Library Services: Help create and maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible community library environment. Support library users by providing information, promoting services, and encouraging community engagement. Assist with the day-to-day running of library activities and services.

Community Engagement: Build positive relationships with participants, visitors, volunteers, and partner organisations. Foster a sense of belonging and encourage active involvement in community activities and projects.

Participant Support: Provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental environment where individuals feel valued and heard. Offer appropriate support to participants during activities and signpost to additional services where necessary.

Activity Planning & Delivery: Assist with the planning, organisation, promotion, and delivery of activities and events that align with the charity's mission and community needs. Contribute ideas for new projects, workshops, and initiatives.

Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues, volunteers, schools, and community partners to ensure activities run smoothly and effectively. Support the ongoing development and improvement of services through teamwork and shared learning.

Monitoring & Evaluation: Gather participant feedback and maintain appropriate records. Support the evaluation of activities by monitoring engagement, outcomes, and impact.

Safeguarding, Confidentiality & Data Protection: Adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring the welfare, dignity, and safety of all participants at all times. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality. Ensure all personal data is collected, stored, and processed in accordance with GDPR and the organisation's data protection policies.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• A commitment to community empowerment, inclusion, and supporting individuals to thrive.

• Ability to create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants, volunteers, and visitors.

• Ability to build positive relationships.

• Good organisational and time-management skills.

• A proactive, flexible, and collaborative approach to work.

• Commitment to safeguarding and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

• Strong IT and administrative skills, including the ability to use email, databases, Microsoft Office, and other digital systems accurately and efficiently.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience facilitating workshops, group activities, or community programmes.

• Experience working or volunteering within a charity, education, library, or community setting.

• Knowledge of community development principles.

• Experience managing or creating content for social media platforms.

• Understanding of safeguarding practices and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Desirable: A background in education, social work, community development, or a creative discipline.

• Essential: A genuine interest in community empowerment and supporting individuals in their personal growth.

Personal Qualities:

• Warm, approachable, and empathetic.

• Creative and enthusiastic.

• Reliable and self-motivated.

• Adaptable and willing to take initiative.

• Passionate about making a positive difference within the community.