3 System project manager volunteer roles in Leeds

About Us

Quilombo UK is an independent social-impact organisation working tirelessly to tackle inequality, celebrate diversity, and help build stronger communities. We believe that true social progress requires organisations to be prepared to challenge systemic inequality and question institutions when their actions do not match the values they promote. Operating independently and non-party-politically, we focus entirely on our core mission and champion positive social change. Around 450 people engage with our programmes each year, gaining practical professional experience while actively contributing to our vital work.

About the Role (Fully Remote)

This is a 100% voluntary, unpaid Professional Development Programme position designed for professionals seeking strategic sector transition, leadership experience, or a meaningful way to apply their expertise for social good.

• Commitment: Approx. 12 hours per week, structured across a minimum of two weekdays.

• Location: Fully remote (work from home) with UK-wide flexibility.

• Structure: A supportive 16-week programme offering structured training, hands-on project involvement, and direct mentorship.

Key Responsibilities

As a Bid Writing Operations Manager, you will work collaboratively with our team to drive our fundraising and operational capabilities by:

• Turning organisational funding priorities into a clear, structured pipeline of grants, tenders, and other funding opportunities.

• Planning comprehensive research, drafting, review, and submission schedules to ensure bids progress efficiently against strict deadlines.

• Leading and supporting Bid Managers and writers, helping them coordinate research, evidence, and proposal development.

• Reviewing cases for support, proposals, and supporting evidence to elevate quality and minimise rework before final approval.

• Maintaining complete visibility of work in progress, priorities, risks, and deadlines using our project-management systems.

• Providing clear, accurate updates to Directors on submitted, current, and upcoming funding opportunities.

• Maintaining consistent standards across the department so all proposals perfectly reflect Quilombo UK's core objectives, tone, and professional expectations.

What You Will Gain (Volunteering Benefits)

• Real-World Experience: Work on genuine, live organisational projects rather than simulations.

• Meaningful CV Enhancement: Demonstrate concrete responsibilities, delivered projects, and tangible social impact.

• Comprehensive Training: Develop practical, role-specific competencies and advanced professional skills.

• Progression Pathways: High-performing participants can take on greater strategic responsibility and access leadership opportunities.

• Potential Earnings: Participants may receive commission where their work directly contributes to successful bids and other eligible income-generating outcomes (subject to applicable commission structures and separate from the unpaid core programme).

Requirements & Skills

We are looking for a dedicated, collaborative individual who brings:

• Strong written English and substantial confidence in producing or reviewing bids, grant applications, tenders, or other professional proposals.

• Sound planning and organisational skills, with the proven ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities effectively.

• The capability to lead, coach, and coordinate others while maintaining clear personal ownership of delivery.

• Strong research and analytical skills, with the talent to transform complex evidence into a persuasive case for support.

• Excellent attention to detail and confidence in carrying out rigorous quality assurance.

• Familiarity with modern project-management and document tools such as MeisterTask, Microsoft Word, and/or Google Workspace.

• A professional, collaborative approach and a genuine willingness to take responsibility for departmental outcomes.

Previous bid-writing, grant, tender, or technical-writing experience is strongly preferred, while leadership or coordination experience represents a distinct advantage.

How to Apply

If you are ready to build impactful experience while helping to drive positive social change, please submit your application through CharityJob today. Please include an up-to-date CV and a brief cover note outlining your relevant professional background and why you would like to support Quilombo UK.