Operations and Programmes Manager at Blaydon Youth and Community Centre CIO
Contract Type: Fixed term
Role Type: Employment
Hours: Full time
Application deadline:
Based: Gateshead
Salary: £32,000 to 40,000 Per Annum
Salary Type: Fixed Salary
Location: Tyne and Wear
Role description: Manager
Responsible To: CEO
Responsible for: Centre Manager & any project/sessional delivery staff
Hours: Full-time (flexible working can be considered)
Salary: £32,000-£40,000 negotiable depending upon experience
Contract: 3-year fixed term (with intentions to continue contract subject to funding)
About us:
Situated in western Gateshead, Blaydon Youth & Community Centre are here “To enhance the quality of life and fill the unmet needs of our local community” by “Becoming an enabling hub for the Blaydon community, through promoting and providing quality activities and services that will contribute to local peoples’ physical, social, economic and emotional well-being”.
We are a fast paced and diverse local charity which was originally set up in the early 50’s. We moved into our current premises on Shibdon road in 2014, and are now able to offer even more support to our local community by utilising our brilliant, recently renovated facilities, which currently includes; a Community cafe, three multi-purpose rooms, a very large sports hall, and a large outdoor nature/garden area. We have a small, but very motivated and hard-working team of staff, and we work with a diverse variety of groups, allowing us to drive forward with our vision of ‘Healthy hearts and Minds’ in and around Blaydon.
Demand for our services continues to grow and we have ambitious plans to put people and families at the heart of everything we do by; tackling inequality, so people have a fair chance; supporting our community to support themselves and each other; investing in our local community to provide sustainable opportunities for employment, innovation and growth, and work together to ensure a better future for our local community.
As we continue to grow and develop, we have been fortunate enough to have received funding support from the National Lottery through the National Lottery Community Fund, which has allowed us to recruit for this very exciting, new role.
Job Description:
Job Summary:
We are seeking a dynamic, pro-active, and experienced Operations and Programmes Manager to support our CEO and oversee the day-to-day operations and strategic development of our charity. The successful candidate will join an exciting and energetic organisation with a supportive culture that is going through a pivotal time of growth. This role requires a strong leader who is passionate about making a positive impact on the community through effective management, community engagement, and innovative programme delivery, utilising an asset and community-needs led approach. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent team management skills, a solid understanding of income generation and fundraising, and the ability to develop and expand both centre-based and outreach community programmes. You will be instrumental in ensuring our charity’s long-term sustainability and growth, recruiting and empowering volunteers, and strengthening our relationships within the community. The ideal candidate will be passionate about social impact and committed to improving the lives of our local community.
Key Responsibilities:
Day-to-Day Operations Management:
• Oversee the smooth running of the charity’s operations, ensuring that services and programmes are delivered efficiently and meet organisational objectives.
• Alongside the Centre Manger, coordinate and manage all administrative functions, ensuring compliance with organisational policies, procedures, and health and safety requirements.
• Develop and maintain effective operational systems to streamline processes and ensure high-quality service delivery.
Strategic Development:
• Collaborate with the CEO and Trustees to develop and implement the charity’s long-term strategy, ensuring that our mission and vision are reflected in every aspect of the organisation’s work.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on, the effectiveness of existing programmes and operations, providing recommendations for improvements and growth.
• Identify new opportunities for expansion and innovation in service delivery, both within existing areas of work and new community-based initiatives.
Leadership and Team Management:
• Provide strong leadership to a small multidisciplinary team, ensuring that staff and volunteers are motivated, supported, and working towards common goals.
• Deputise in the absence of the CEO.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture that encourages continuous professional development and high levels of performance where individuals excel solo and as a team.
• Ensure transparency, best practice and growth via staff feedback channels and appraisals.
• Lead recruitment, training, and retention strategies for staff and volunteers.
Income Generation and Fundraising:
• Work alongside the CEO to lead the charity’s fundraising strategy, including the development of funding proposals, grant applications, and income generation initiatives.
• Cultivate positive and long-term relationships with donors, stakeholders, and funding partners to secure sustainable income and financial support for current, new, and key projects.
• Develop and manage fundraising campaigns, events, and activities to support ongoing operations and programme development.
Community Programme Development:
• Lead the development and implementation of impactful community programmes that address the needs and aspirations of diverse community groups.
• Manage both centre-based and outreach programmes, ensuring accessibility, inclusivity, and responsiveness to community needs.
• Develop partnerships and networking with local organisations, community groups, and service providers to strengthen the charity’s community presence and impact.
• Create a robust and dynamic M&E framework to demonstrate programme impact, effectiveness, and transparency to beneficiaries.
Volunteer Programme Development:
• Design, implement, and manage a volunteer programme that recruits, trains, and retains a motivated volunteer workforce.
• Ensure volunteers are effectively integrated into operational and community programmes, providing clear guidance, support, and recognition.
• Monitor volunteer performance and satisfaction, making adjustments to enhance the volunteer experience.
Community Consultation and Engagement:
• Lead regular community consultations and engagement activities to ensure programmes are aligned with community needs and priorities.
• Establish channels for community feedback and actively use this information to improve services and ensure the charity remains relevant and responsive.
The post holder must be flexible to meet the needs of the service. This may include covering staff absence, annual leave, and evenings and weekends when/if necessary (events).
BYCC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to obtain an Enhanced Certificate of Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
All employees have a responsibility of care for their own and others health and safety.
The above list is not exhaustive and other duties may be attached to the post from time to time. Variation may also occur to the duties and responsibilities without changing the general character of the post.
Person Specification
Key Skills, Attributes, and Qualifications:
Essential:
• Proven experience in operations management, programme delivery, and strategic planning.
• Strong leadership and team management experience, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop staff and volunteers.
• Experience in income generation, fundraising, and managing donor relationships.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrable experience in community consultation and the development of community-based programmes.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a proactive approach to addressing challenges.
• Knowledge of best practices in programme management and delivery, fundraising, volunteer management, and strategic development.
• Ability to manage budgets and resources efficiently, ensuring financial sustainability.
• A passion for social impact and community development, with a commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
Personal attributes:
Some of the personal attributes we are looking for include being; pro-active, highly organised and productive, personable, calm, creative, committed to equality and inclusion, community minded, and able to see the bigger picture even when stuck in the detail.
Desirable:
• Experience working in the VCSE sector, particularly in a similar role.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations pertaining to charity operations and programme delivery.
• Relevant qualifications in management, youth & community development, or a related field.
Application Process:
If you would like to find out more about this role, please email our Chief Executive, Chris Marr, at chrismarr@blaydonycc.org,uk for an informal chat.
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) outlining your experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role to chrismarr@blaydonycc.org.uk.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you need assistance or adjustments during the application process, please contact us via email.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant difference within a thriving charity, working at the heart of our community-focused programmes and operations.
Team BYCC