Youth engagement jobs

Hitchin Youth Trust is a small charity with a big heart. We support local young people (up to the age of 26) through the award of individual grants and bursaries, and we provide grants to local charities and organisations carrying out vital work with young people across our community.

We are also home to the Hitchin Charity Youth Hub at our base on Walsworth Road in Hitchin — a shared space where several local youth charities work side by side, because we know that collaboration makes everyone stronger.

In addition, we provide a meeting space at the Charity Hub.  It is offered free of charge to local youth groups and charities, to help them to provide support and a wide range of other opportunities for the young people in our community.

As Youth Trust Manager — our sole employee — you’ll work closely with an engaged and forward-thinking Board of Trustees. The role is fabulously varied – one day you might be attending an investment meeting in London; the next, liaising sensitively with an individual or organisation enquiring about grant support; the next, checking toilet roll supplies and making sure the building is running smoothly. 

Your work will span six key areas:

• Financial management — keeping our accounts accurate, reconciling income and expenditure, liaising with our investment broker and auditors, and producing monthly reports using Sage.

• Grant applications — receiving and processing applications, supporting applicants, preparing summaries for Trustees, and managing award payments.

• Representing the Trust — networking with local and national organisations, keeping our website and social media fresh, and organising events.

• Trustee clerking — preparing agendas and minutes, managing Charity Commission and Companies House returns, and supporting the annual audit.

• Buildings & facilities — managing the Charity Hub, overseeing bookings, maintenance and H&S compliance, and being the go-to person for building users and contractors.

• General administration — first point of contact for the Trust, maintaining our annual calendar, and keeping us compliant with legislation and best practice (including GDPR).

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who has a genuine passion for supporting young people in our community.  In addition, you will need to offer:

· A great eye for detail.

· Be organised, proactive and self-motivated.

· Enjoy the variety a day will bring you, manipulating a spreadsheet, preparing Board papers, following up grant enquiries or representing the Trust at a local event.

· Have a warm manner.  Be equally comfortable liaising charity directors, educational professionals and individual parents who may be desperately reaching out to the charity for urgent support.

Lead a space that changes young people’s lives

We’re looking for a bold, strategic and hands-on leader to take ownership of our Middlesbrough Hub — a vital community space supporting young people facing real barriers to opportunity.

As Hub Manager, you won’t just run a service. You’ll shape a high-impact environment, design programmes that change lives, and build partnerships that open doors for young people who need it most.

What you’ll do

As Hub Manager, you will:

• Lead and develop the hub as a high-impact community asset, responding directly to local needs of young people.
• Design and deliver programmes that support young people’s physical, emotional and social development, using youth voice to shape provision.
• Build strong local partnerships with organisations, funders and community stakeholders
• Drive impact and sustainability, using data, insight and storytelling to evidence change and secure future financial support
• Lead and inspire a team, creating a positive, accountable and high-performing culture
• Oversee operations, including budget management, facilities, safeguarding and compliance

You will play a critical role in ensuring the hub not only delivers for young people today — but is built to sustain and grow its impact over time.

Who we’re looking for

You’ll bring:

• Strong experience leading youth, community or place-based programmes
• The ability to turn strategy into reality
• A track record of building partnerships and influencing stakeholders
• Confidence in leading teams, driving confidence and performance
• A clear commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and young people’s outcomes

Most of all, you’ll be someone who sees potential — in people, in places, and in what’s possible

Why join us?

At the KFC Youth Foundation, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive. This role offers the chance to:

• Lead a high-profile, purpose-driven community hub
• Shape innovative programmes that respond to real need
• Work as part of a mission-led organisation with national reach and growing impact
• Be part of a team committed to creating lasting change for young people

Benefits

• 28 days’ holiday + bank holidays
• Up to 9% employer pension contribution
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Private medical cover
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Ongoing training and development

Apply now

If you’re ready to lead a hub that makes a real difference — and help shape the future for young people in Middlesbrough — we’d love to hear from you. 

Interviews

This is a two stage interview process.

For Stage 1, this will focus on your experience, leadership style and approach to delivering impact.

You can expect:

• A structured interview with key stakeholders
• Questions exploring your experience in programme design, partnerships, leadership and safeguarding
• An opportunity to talk through how you would approach leading and developing the Hub
• Space for you to ask questions about the role and organisation

Please ensure you can be available for first round interviews online w/c 6th July

For Stage 2, This stage is designed to reflect the reality of the role and how you operate in a live environment.

You will be asked to:

• Deliver a short practical session or activity with young people, demonstrating your ability to engage, communicate and create a safe, inclusive environment
• Complete a scenario-based exercise or presentation linked to hub leadership, programme design or local impact
• Take part in a follow-up discussion with the panel, reflecting on your approach and decisions

This stage allows us to see how you balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, and how you connect with young people — a critical part of the role.

Second stage interviews will be held 4-6pm on either Monday 14thJuly, Tuesday 15th July, Friday 17th July in person and you must be available for one of these dates.

ReachOut is a national youth development charity and a strategic partner for schools. Through collective mentoring and engaging activities, we build socio-emotional skills that transform outcomes for young people constrained by circumstance.

Our Youth Development Leads are the heart of our programme delivery and facilitate high quality and impactful sessions for our young people. Reporting to the Programmes and Impact Manager, you’ll work with autonomy to manage your school partners, develop your team of volunteer mentors and collaborate across our ambitious delivery team with a focus on evidence based continuous improvement.

Designed as a two-year experience for graduates and early-career professionals ready to take on real responsibility from day one. You’ll build the skills, confidence and experience to thrive in leadership roles across charities, education, social impact and beyond. 

Contract: Permanent, part-time (0.8FTE) with a probationary period of 6 months

Salary: £26,227.50 pro rata (£20,982 for 0.8 FTE) in line with the real living wage

Location: Manchester

• In-school project delivery Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday with travel costs covered
• Hybrid working for the remainder of your time – choose to work from home or access co-working spaces across the city
• Manchester team co-working days – currently twice a month but some team members choose to meet up more regularly

Hours: 30 hours per week, Tuesday – Friday

• Standard hours 9:00-17:30with flexibility offered where possible
• Working hours to shift, approximately 11:00-19:30, where schools prefer sessions in our later timeslot. We do not currently have any later projects and would not allocate more than 2 in a week

Annual Leave: 29 days plus bank holidays pro rata (23 days for 0.8 FTE) with a maximum of 4 days to be taken in school term time

Application Deadline

• 9am Tuesday 7th July 2026

For the full description, person specification, and background information, please download the Recruitment Pack found below or on our website.

We are looking for a strong organiser, someone who can collaborate with members of the team and wider colleagues to ensure projects are delivered on time and to a high standard.

You will support the Employer Engagement & Partnerships team to achieve ambition as part of their strategy to influence employer behaviour and practice to support more young people into employment.

This role is critical in:

• Supporting the team to manage internal and external facing projects and events, developing and maintaining operational processes to ensure we achieve our organisational targets.
• Project management and co-ordination, helping to develop our internal processes to plan and manage our work and bring more transparency across the organisation.
• Helping to develop and manage the operational process for the What Works in Recruitment and Retention (WWRR) programme.
• Engaging with employers and senior representatives from our employer networks, with a specific focus on supporting the recruitment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) onto the WWRR programme, as well as ensuring that we deliver high quality end-to-end relationship management.

This role can be based at our Birmingham, Leeds or London hub. We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.

For more information on this role, please download our recruitment pack.

Due to receiving high volumes of interest in our opportunities, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.

About the role:

For a young person who has experienced homelessness, care, uncertainty or trauma, night-time can feel like the hardest part of the day. As a Night Support Assistant in our Camden Young People’s Service, you will be part of the steady, trusted presence that helps young people feel safe, seen and supported when they need it most.

You’ll work in our supported accommodation service for young people aged 16 and over, helping to create a calm, nurturing and secure environment through the night. Day to day, this will include completing welfare checks, responding to incidents or emergencies, monitoring building safety, recording and handing over key information, supporting young people who may be distressed or struggling, and helping make sure the service runs smoothly until the day team arrive.

This is more than keeping a building open overnight. It’s about building meaningful, boundaried relationships with young people, responding with warmth and confidence, and knowing when to act, when to listen and when to escalate. You’ll be supported with training, guidance and opportunities to grow your skills, whether you’re building your confidence in youth support, developing your understanding of trauma-informed practice, or looking to take your next step in supported housing. Working closely with the wider team, you’ll help make sure our service remains a safe foundation for young people as they move towards independence, confidence and a future shaped by their own goals.

Rolling Rota pattern (subject to change according to business need)

Week 1 40 hrs: Mon, Tues, Sat, Sun: 10pm-8.30 am

Week 2 30 hrs: Wed, Thur, Fri: 10pm-8.30 am

About you:

• You have experience supporting young people or young adults facing homelessness, risk, trauma or multiple disadvantage, ideally within accommodation or frontline support settings.
• You’re confident working awake night shifts and helping to keep the service safe, calm and welcoming overnight.
• You’re able to respond calmly to challenging behaviour, safeguarding concerns or incidents, adapting your approach to the needs of each young person.
• You’re comfortable keeping accurate records, using basic IT systems and working with numerical information as part of safe service delivery.
• You bring a reliable, resilient and thoughtful approach, with the flexibility to work a night rota that includes weekends and bank holidays.

About us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important info:

Closing date: Sunday 5th July at midnight

Interview date: Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th July at a Young Person's Service 

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed for the successful applicant. 

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications with insufficient/without current right to work or requiring sponsorship will not be accepted for this role. 

Accountable to:  Service Manager 

Responsible for:  None 

Location:  Baca office, Loughborough, England with occasional travel to Cambridge and locations where Baca’s services are delivered. 

Hours:  37.5 hours per week (evening and weekend as required and be part of the on-call team to deliver out of hours emergency support as part of a rota.)

Salary:  £30,000 a year 

Help Change Young Lives 

At Baca, we support young people who have fled war, persecution, and trafficking, providing safe housing, education, and therapeutic care to help them rebuild their lives. 

We are seeking a passionate and committed Youth Engagement & Opportunities Coordinator to deliver engaging programmes and meaningful opportunities for young people seeking refuge. 

In this rewarding role, you will help young people build confidence, independence, and pathways into education, employment, and community life. You’ll also work closely with partners, alumni, and colleagues to ensure young people’s voices shape the services they receive. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Coordinate opportunities that support young people’s independence, wellbeing, and life skills 

• Enable access to education, employment, volunteering, and community activities 

• Build partnerships with employers, charities, and local organisations 

• Support youth voice, participation, and co-production across services 

• Develop and engage an active alumni network 

• Deliver safe, inclusive programmes and activities 

• Monitor outcomes and continuously improve services 

• Maintain accurate records and uphold safeguarding standards 

About You 

• Experience in youth work, community development, or a related field 

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills 

• Ability to coordinate multiple programmes and partnerships effectively 

• A compassionate and professional approach when working with vulnerable young people 

• A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting wellbeing 

Desirable: 

• Experience working with asylum seekers or vulnerable groups 

• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches (e.g. PACE, Trauma Recovery) 

• Additional language skills 

• Experience in partnership development or programme delivery 

Additional Information 

• Occasional evening and weekend work required 

• Participation in an on-call rota 

• Travel between service locations 

What We Offer 

• The chance to make a meaningful difference 

• A supportive, values-driven team 

• 33 days’ holiday (pro rata), pension, wellbeing support, and more 

Apply Now  

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young asylum seekers and have the skills and attributes we are looking for, we would love to hear from you.  

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK for this role. You must also be able to legally drive in the UK for this role.

Successful candidates will be asked to apply for an Enhanced DBS Certificate including a check of the children’s barred list.  

Children’s and Youth Ministry Intern
Canterbury and across the Diocese
Up to £12,239 pa (Living Wage Foundation rate) plus excellent benefits
Part-time (17.5 hours a week) for 11 months (1 September 2026– 31 July 2027)

Are you passionate about working with children and young people, exploring your faith, and discovering how your gifts can contribute to ministry? The Diocese of Canterbury is seeking a Children’s and Youth Ministry Intern to join our Education/CYP Team and gain hands-on experience in ministry across a variety of churches.

As our Intern, you’ll support, plan, and lead activities for children and young people, help organise events and trips, and contribute to projects that make a real difference. You’ll also take part in Catalyst, a dynamic training programme delivered by Ridley Hall, equipping you with practical skills and theological understanding for ministry.

This is a unique opportunity to grow in leadership, creativity, and confidence while serving in local churches and at diocesan level. You’ll attend monthly training sessions, join a residential, and receive ongoing mentoring and supervision throughout the year.

We’re looking for someone who:

· Is a practising Christian (GoR applies under Equality Act 2010)

· Communicates confidently with children, young people, and adults

· Is organised, proactive, and able to work collaboratively

· Has experience volunteering or leading activities with young people

· Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

· Sympathetic to and supportive of the mission, aims and objectives of the Diocese of Canterbury, including our churches, parishes and church schools, is essential.

Canterbury Diocese is the oldest in England and spans a diverse region from Maidstone to Thanet and the Isle of Sheppey to Romney Marsh. With coastal towns, rural communities and urban areas side by side, it offers a rich and challenging mission context.

At the heart of all we do is a vision of transformation for ourselves and our communities: no one can encounter God and remain unchanged. In the Diocese of Canterbury, we want to increasingly become a Christian community transformed through encounter with Christ, growing and overflowing to transform and bless the families, homes and communities we serve: Changed Lives, Changing Lives.

All appointments are subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks inclusive of Right to Work in the United Kingdom, References and relevant background checks applicable to the role. This role requires an enhanced DBS check.

Deadline: 12 July 2026.

Lead a nationally significant youth development and outdoor learning programme that changes young lives at sea.
Join Tall Ships Youth Trust in a senior leadership role shaping pathways, partnerships and life-changing opportunities for young people across the UK.

Tall Ships Youth Trust is looking for an exceptional Director of Youth Development & Outdoor Learning to lead and grow our youth development offer at a pivotal moment in our strategy. This is a rare opportunity to combine mission, leadership and commercial thinking in a role that directly expands opportunities for young people, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds.

You will shape the journey young people take with us, from their first voyage to longer-term development, training, employment and progression opportunities.

Through a combination of outdoor learning and sail training frameworks you will engage educational and youth leaders, apprenticeship providers and sector corporate partners to establish multiple pathways for young people in the UK. You’ll identify and create networks across the UK with education and youth development clients, outdoor learning providers and national organisations that offer leadership and development opportunities for young people. Ensuring that our three-voyage programme and space in between is employed as their preferred option for the personal and social development of the young people that they are responsible for.

This includes trading income generation for groups and individuals, while also supporting fundraising by developing business in geographies and communities that align with geographically restricted funding secured by the Trust.

You will also lead Tall Ships Youth Trust on its journey towards appropriate Kite marks, accreditation and quality marks to establish our credentials in the youth development and outdoor learning sectors. 

Accountable to: Head of Fundraising and Communications

Responsible for: No line management responsibility

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (with some evening and weekend hours)

Contract type: Permanent

Salary: £34,500 a year

Location: Baca office, Loughborough. With local community travel expected in Leicestershire and Cambridgeshire, Occasional travel across England as required.

Help Change Young Lives

At Baca, we support young people who have fled war, persecution, and trafficking, providing safe housing, education, and therapeutic care to help them rebuild their lives.

We are looking for a passionate and proactive Partnerships and Engagement Manager to join our Fundraising and Communications team. This is a key role focused on building meaningful partnerships that increase awareness, engagement, and income to support unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people. You will act as an ambassador for Baca, working with businesses, community groups, universities, schools, and faith organisations to grow a diverse and committed supporter base.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver Baca’s community fundraising and engagement strategy
• Develop and manage partnerships that generate income and awareness
• Build and steward long-term supporter relationships
• Represent Baca at events, presentations, and external engagements
• Produce engaging content (stories, presentations and digital communications)
• Work collaboratively across teams to maximise impact
• Maintain accurate CRM records and reporting
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, fundraising regulations, and data protection

About You

You will be an excellent communicator who is confident building relationships and engaging a wide range of stakeholders.

You will have:

• Experience in fundraising, partnerships, or stakeholder engagement
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills
• Confidence speaking publicly and representing an organisation
• Excellent organisational and planning skills
• A collaborative, team-oriented approach
• A strong commitment to safeguarding and ethical practice
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity

Desirable:

• Experience within the charity or social impact sector
• Additional language skills

What We Offer

• The chance to make a meaningful difference
• A supportive, values-driven team
• 33 days’ holiday (pro rata), pension, wellbeing support, and more

How to Apply

If you are passionate about creating lasting change for young people and have the skills to build meaningful partnerships, we would love to hear from you.

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK. You must also be able to legally drive in the UK. 

Successful candidates will be asked to apply for an Enhanced DBS Certificate including a check of the children’s barred list.

Accountable to:  Head of Fundraising and Communications  

Responsible for:  No line management responsibility 

Hours:  22.5 hours per week (with occasional evening and weekend hours) 

Salary:  £25,500 (pro rata equivalent to £15,300 for 22.5 hours a week) 

Location:  Baca office, Loughborough. Occasional travel in Leicestershire and Cambridge may be required.

Help Change Young Lives 

At Baca, we support young people who have fled war, persecution, and trafficking, providing safe housing, education, and therapeutic care to help them rebuild their lives. 

We are looking for a Fundraising, Engagement and Communications Administrator to join our team and play a key role in supporting our fundraising activities and sharing our impact. 

About the Role 

This varied role sits at the heart of our fundraising and communications work. You will help deliver excellent supporter care, manage key systems, and create engaging content that inspires our community. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver outstanding supporter stewardship for donors and volunteers 

• Manage fundraising enquiries and maintain CRM records 

• Administer donations and support fundraising events 

• Produce fundraising reports 

• Create and schedule social media content 

• Develop engaging communications using tools like Canva 

• Gather and share stories that highlight Baca’s impact 

• Ensure compliance with data protection and fundraising regulations 

About You 

• Passionate about supporting vulnerable young people 

• Highly organised with strong admin skills 

• A confident communicator with excellent attention to detail 

• Comfortable using CRM systems and social media platforms 

• Proactive, collaborative, and eager to learn 

A second language is welcome but not essential. 

What We Offer 

• The chance to make a meaningful difference 

• A supportive, values-driven team 

• Flexible, part-time working 

• 33 days’ holiday (pro rata), pension, wellbeing support, and more 

Apply Now 

If you’re motivated to make a real impact in the lives of young asylum seekers, we’d love to hear from you. 

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK. 

Successful candidates will be asked to apply for an Enhanced DBS Certificate including a check of the children’s barred list.  

The National Youth Orchestra is the UK’s leading organisation championing orchestral music as a powerful agent for teenage development. We activate teenagers’ confidence, optimism and skills to play their part in the world today, through performing and sharing extraordinary music.

We are looking for a Youth Support Manager to deliver outstanding pastoral care and safeguarding across NYO’s national programme. This role is central to ensuring that young people feel happy, listened to and secure while participating in NYO activities. 

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting young people’s wellbeing and development through music. You will manage the year-round processes, people and routines that enable consistent safeguarding and welfare practice, champion NYO’s ethos and help young people thrive on every project. You will also be a visible and responsive point of contact for young people and staff during NYO activity, during residential courses and non-residential and online delivery.

You will line manage the Youth Support Co-ordinator and manage the freelance Support Team workforce. Working closely with colleagues across the Programmes team, you will ensure that pastoral needs are embedded into project planning, risk assessment, delivery and debrief processes.

The ideal candidate will combine strong team management skills with a rigorous approach to administration. You will be confident handling conversations with teenagers and their parents/carers, managing sensitive information, and co-ordinating practical logistics in a busy residential environment. You will also be a visible and responsive point of contact for young people and staff during NYO residentials and other activity.

At NYO, you’ll join a values-led, mission-driven organisation where people care deeply about the impact of their work. Our staff team is supportive, friendly and ambitious, united by a shared belief in the potential of young people and the power of orchestral music.

Our offices near Holborn in central London are a lively base for collaboration and creativity. NYO offers hybrid working, health cash plan, a cycle-to-work scheme, retail and entertainment discounts, and a 24/7 counselling and support helpline. Most NYO projects take place during school holidays or at weekends, and the postholder will be expected to attend the majority of residential activities. The role will include some weekend and statutory holiday working, for which a TOIL policy is in place. Outside project periods, the core office days are Tuesday and Wednesday.

Visit our website to find out more and apply.

Deadline for applications: 10am, Monday 29 June 2026
First round interviews: Monday 6 July 2026

YES care about young people's mental health, sexual health and wellbeing. The Outreach and Support Officer will deliver knowledgeable, high-quality, youth-centred support to young people in various settings.

You will get out into the community via outreach engagement, offering groups, 121 support and workshops.  You will be a key part of our Information and Guidance team, delivering wellbeing programmes for YES. 

This role is frontline and delivery-focused, supporting the development of responsive, inclusive, and professionally delivered services in outreach settings such as schools, youth clubs, social spaces and groups and will be pivotal within our small team of young people's support staff. 

• ​Job Title - Communications & Engagement Lead
• Responsible to - Chief Executive Officer
• Salary - £23,000 actual (based on £31,500 full time)
• Contract - Part-Time (28 hours per week) - From time to time, you may be required to work some evenings and weekends. These are usually communicated well in advance and the time will be given back to you in lieu. We expect team members to work in-person 60% of the time whether that’s at our office in MediaCity or at our delivery locations in Greater Manchester. This is a one-year fixed-term contract, with the likelihood of renewal subject to funding availability.

Important dates

• Applications to be received by 11pm on Sunday 5 July 2026 
• Video Screening to be complete by 11pm on Thursday 9 July 2026 
• Interviews held on Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 July 2026.

ABOUT YOUTH LEADS UK

Youth Leads UK is an award-winning charity that believes young people matter. We support young people furthest from opportunity to build skills, create change, and shape the decisions that affect their lives – from classrooms to communities to boardrooms. We run leadership programmes, deliver social action projects, and publish Youth Leads Magazine – a platform for youth voice and creativity.

Working with thousands of young people across Greater Manchester for over a decade, we are experts in enabling young people to step outside their comfort zones, build real-world skills and grow in confidence. We back young people to lead, in our programmes, in policy spaces and in shaping Britain's future.

Please see our website ‘About Us’ page for more information about our vision, mission and values.

WHY WORK WITH US?

At Youth Leads UK, we believe in creating an environment that helps you thrive both personally and professionally. We offer 30 days of annual leave (including bank holidays) and a part-closure over Christmas and New Year. Our wellbeing programme includes regular socials and time for mental health initiatives, and our base at MediaCity, one of Greater Manchester's most vibrant and sustainable locations, ensures a positive and connected working environment.

We are deeply committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion. That’s why we are a Living Wage Employer, signed up to the Greater Manchester Good Employer’s Charter, and the #ShowTheSalary campaign. It’s important to us that our staff team reflects the communities we serve. We guarantee interviews for our Youth Leads UK alumni, care experienced or disabled individuals, so please let us know in your application if you meet this criteria. We promote equal opportunities and we value the unique perspectives of diverse team members.

As a youth-led organisation, we prioritise employing individuals under 30, aligning with our mission to foster strong connections and relatability with the young people we support. This is in accordance with the Equality Act and reflects our belief in empowering young voices to shape our work. 
 

ROLE SUMMARY

This is the lead communications role at Youth Leads UK - the person who holds our voice, shapes our stories, and makes sure the world hears what our young people are doing and why it matters.

Working closely with the CEO and eventually supported by two Youth Content Creators, you will own the communications and engagement function across all channels and audiences. You will set the tone, maintain the brand, lead our campaigns, and ensure everything we put out reflects who we are and what we stand for.
 

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Strategy and brand

• Own the Youth Leads UK communications strategy, ensuring our channels, campaigns, and content are coherent, consistent, and purposeful
• Act as the guardian of our brand — maintaining voice, tone, and visual identity across everything we produce
• Work closely with the CEO to align communications activity with organisational priorities and the Generation:NOW strategy
• Analyse performance across channels and use insight to inform what we do next

Campaigns and content

• Lead the development and delivery of youth-led campaigns on issues that matter to our communities - from mental health and civic participation to cost of living and representation
• Oversee the planning and production of Youth Leads Magazine - three editions per year, created by and for young people
• Lead on long-form and strategic content including press releases, impact reports, website articles, and stakeholder communications
• Set the brief for social media content and oversee delivery by the Youth Content Creators, ensuring quality, consistency, and brand alignment
• Manage email communications including newsletters and stakeholder updates

Developing young people

• Provide day-to-day communications direction to two Youth Content Creators — setting briefs, reviewing content, and ensuring brand consistency
• Actively mentor and develop the Youth Content Creators, helping them build skills, confidence, and understanding of professional communications practice. The youth content creators will be line managed by the Head of Programmes, who you will work closely with
• Champion youth voice across all communications output, ensuring young people are authentically represented and genuinely involved in how we tell our story

Media and public profile

• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and media contacts across local, regional, and national outlets
• Draft and issue press releases, media statements, and reactive comments
• Identify and pursue opportunities to place youth voice in public debate - through opinion pieces, broadcast appearances, panel contributions, and more
• Support the CEO and young people to prepare for media appearances and public-facing engagements

Communicating our impact

• Work with the wider team to translate programme outcomes, data, and young people’s stories into compelling content for a range of audiences
• Produce materials that communicate Youth Leads UK’s impact clearly and powerfully to partners, funders, and the public
• Ensure our digital presence - website, social channels, email - reflects the quality and ambition of our work

OTHER AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Ensure young people play a strong leadership role across our work
• Keep up to date on new developments and trends within the youth sector
• Administrative duties as required, such as minute-taking, arranging travel and booking venues
• Representing Youth Leads UK at conferences and events
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation
• Ensure Youth Leads UK’s Health and Safety and Safeguarding and any other appropriate policies are adhered to where necessary
• Take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of others who might be affected by your work as required by law and described in the relevant operating policies and procedures
• Be committed to safeguarding principles and be willing to put the welfare of children and young people at the forefront of your work
• An understanding and belief in the inclusion of all staff, partners and young people irrespective of race, gender, sexuality, age, religion, ability, identity and experience
• Actively promotes and embeds an understanding of equality, diversity, and an inclusive culture
• Able to take personal accountability for key work areas

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

ESSENTIAL

• Strong writing skills - able to produce compelling content across formats, from social media captions to press releases to long-form articles
• Experience developing and delivering communications strategies or campaigns
• Solid understanding of brand, voice, and audience - and how to maintain consistency across channels
• Experience managing or overseeing social media channels for an organisation or campaign
• Ability to use analytics to evaluate performance and make informed decisions about future activity
• Experience writing press releases or supporting media and press engagement
• Confidence building relationships with journalists, media contacts, or external stakeholders
• Excellent organisational skills - able to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain quality under pressure
• Genuine commitment to youth empowerment, social justice, and amplifying underrepresented voices
• Experience with video content production or editing
• Understanding of safeguarding principles when working with young people (training provided)

DESIRABLE

• Proficiency in Canva for creating and adapting branded content
• Experience with email marketing tools and understanding of what makes an effective newsletter or stakeholder communication
• Experience using Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or similar tools (training available)
• Experience working in or with the charity, public, or youth sector
• Understanding of civic leadership, social action, or community engagement
• Experience directing, briefing, or supporting others to deliver communications work
• Familiarity with website content management systems
• Experience mentoring or developing junior colleagues or young people

We recruit based on potential, not polish - so don’t worry if one or two of the above are missing - most things can be taught!

ORGANISATIONAL INFORMATION

Youth Leads UK has a small yet mighty team, so you may be required to take on other duties and responsibilities from time to time.

All staff are expected to:

• Adhere to the policies and procedures in the Youth Leads UK staff policy handbook.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times in line with organisational policies.
• Successfully complete an enhanced DBS check and provide two independent references before appointment.
• Actively promote an inclusive and diverse culture within the organisation.

The post holder must have confirmation of eligibility to work in the UK (the successful candidate will be required to provide documentary evidence before a job offer is confirmed).

Fearless Youth Coordinator - Cardiff

As a Fearless Youth Coordinator, you will help young people to understand different crime topics and break down the barriers to reporting crime. This will be done through the delivery of workshops in schools and other youth settings. The Fearless Youth Coordinator will also build partnerships locally with other organisations, to provide a coordinated response to youth crime and exploitation across Cardiff.

Reports to: Regional Manager

Location: Cardiff with travel

Contract: Fixed term until 31st March 2027

Salary: £28,186 per annum

Hours: 37.5.hours – full time, fixed term contract

DBS required: Yes

Closing date: Wednesday 24th June 2026