We’re looking for a CEO who is inspiring, values-driven, and a confident fundraiser to lead the next exciting chapter for one of Manchester’s most ambitious youth charities
Manchester Youth Zone is much more than a youth centre. Yes, we have state-of-the-art facilities (climbing walls, gym, dance studios and football pitches), but we’re also a safe space, a hot dinner, a place where young people of North Manchester can feel seen and heard and be inspired.
Based in Harpurhey, our big yellow building has an exceptional track record for making a positive impact on the lives of young people and we want to hear from people who are ready to join us on our mission to level the playing field and lead a new, strategic chapter for youth work in North Manchester.
What Success Looks Like
* A safe inspiring place for young people to go.
* Opportunities for young people in an area where outlooks are often limited.
* A secure and diverse income pipeline covering operational costs, with a focus on multi-year funding and excellent donor stewardship.
* Strong financial controls, clarity and confidence, with new income streams actively developed.
* A motivated, supported and high-performing staff and volunteer team that feels valued and connected to the Youth Zone’s vision.
* High quality open-access youth provision with strong reach, scale, quality and demonstrable impact.
* A strong safeguarding culture with robust risk management embedded in decision-making.
* A safe, vibrant and well-maintained facility that meets the needs of young people
The Role
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead one of Manchester’s most ambitious youth charities at a pivotal moment in its journey. As Chief Executive of Manchester Youth Zone, you will combine inspirational leadership with a strong, hands-on approach to fundraising and commercial direction.
Acting as a visible ambassador for Manchester Youth Zone, you will build trust with partners across the city, influence at a regional and national level, and lead with integrity, creativity and purpose to ensure lasting impact for young people and the communities we serve.
We are looking for a proven leader with significant fundraising experience who can demonstrate success in building long-term relationships with major donors (£25k+), corporate partners, trusts and statutory funders, and who can confidently translate ambition into a diverse, resilient income pipeline that secures the future of the organisation.
Alongside fundraising leadership, you will provide strategic direction, financial clarity and cultural leadership to a values-driven organisation focused relentlessly on young people. You will empower a talented Senior Leadership Team and wider workforce to deliver high-quality, inclusive youth work, while ensuring strong safeguarding, and a safe, inspiring facility that remains fit for purpose
JOB DESCRIPTION
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy & Governance
* Work with the Board to maintain, review and strengthen Manchester Youth Zone’s overall strategic plan ensuring aligned to the wider priorities of Manchester and OnSide.
* Ensure successful implementation of the strategic plan.
* Support effective governance and provide timely, accurate information to enable informed decision-making.
Fundraising & Financial Sustainability
* Alongside the Head of Fundraising, develop and lead an ambitious fundraising strategy
* Show personal leadership on high-value fundraising, including securing and stewarding major donors, corporate partners, trusts and statutory partners.
* Translate financial information clearly and confidently, ensuring strong financial planning, monitoring and control.
* Ensure high-quality impact reporting and strong relationship building to funders and donors to support stewardship, renewal and long-term engagement.
Leadership & Culture
* Provide clear, inclusive and inspirational leadership to the organisation, leading a team of approximately 50 people.
* Line manage and support the Senior Leadership Team (Director of Operations, Head of HR, Head of Finance and Head of Fundraising and Communications).
* Empower teams to deliver high-quality universal and targeted youth work provision with measurable impact.
* Foster an inclusive, learning-focused organisational culture that is young-people-centred and values based.
Partnerships, Profile & Influence
* Maintain and promote Manchester Youth Zone’s reputation with a wide range of stakeholders including Manchester City Council, corporate donors, statutory agencies, VCSE organisations and the OnSide network.
* Act as a visible ambassador for the Youth Zone locally, regionally and nationally.
* Add value to the OnSide network and actively contribute to shared learning and collaboration.
Youth Work Quality & Safeguarding
* Strategically lead high-quality youth work provision in North Manchester responsive to the needs and voices of young people.
* Ensure a strong safeguarding culture, risk management and decision-making with young people’s welfare at the heart of the organisation.
Building and Facilities
* Provide strategic oversight of the Youth Zone’s facilities, ensuring they remain safe, compliant, welcoming and fit for purpose.
* Take a forward-looking approach to asset management and maintenance of the building.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Applicants will be expected to demonstrate the experience, skills, knowledge and aptitudes listed below throughout the recruitment process. However, if you don’t meet every single requirement but feel you have strong and relevant transferable skills or lived experience to draw from, we encourage you to apply anyway. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, please tell us how your experience is transferrable.
EXPERIENCE
* Successful senior leadership experience within a charity or similar complex organisation.
* Significant experience of hands-on fundraising, such as securing and stewarding major donors (£25k+), corporates, trusts and statutory funding.
* Proven track record of developing and delivering organisational strategies and business plans.
* Experience of leading financially sustainable organisations with strong governance and controls.
* Experience of developing and overseeing high-quality youth-focused services or programmes.
* Experience of working within multi-agency environments, particularly around safeguarding.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ATTRIBUTES
* Strong financial literacy with the ability to interpret and communicate financial information clearly.
* Strong leadership, people management and communication skills.
* Ability to influence, negotiate and act as an ambassador for Manchester Youth Zone
* Ability to motivate, coach and challenge senior leaders to deliver high performance.
* Good understanding of safeguarding, risk management and safe practice.
* Well organised, strategic and able to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
* Passionate about improving outcomes for young people and communities.
* Values-driven, authentic and aligned with Manchester Youth Zone’s mission.
* High standards with a strong focus on opportunity and impact.
* Sound judgement, resilience and integrity.
* Commitment to continuous learning, reflection and development.
* Respectful and informed approach to working within diverse communities.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The normal hours of work are 40 per week, or those necessary to fulfil the requirements of the position. There will be a requirement to work outside the normal 9 to 5, Monday to Friday, working week, including frequent evenings and weekends. This will mean working flexibly throughout the week, to suit the needs of both the role and the individual.
SUPPORT
* You will report to the Chair of the Board, through a high support and high challenge relationship, managing an annual budget of approx. £1.2-£1.5m p.a. ensuring the Youth Zone delivers a high-quality offer to local young people.
* OnSide will also provide support, via an OnSide nominated Trustee on the Board
* There is a dedicated Network Chief Executives group – with ongoing quarterly meetings plus informal peer support including buddying arrangements.
* Access to OnSide services: HR (incl. Learning & Development), Fundraising, Systems, Finance, Communication, Safeguarding and Facilities.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please submit a CV and a one-page cover letter to hrteam@manchesteryz.org
Whilst we appreciate that use of AI can be helpful in supporting applications, your cover letter should be personally written and clearly set out how you meet the person spec.
In addition, please provide the following information:
* Confirmation you are eligible to work in the UK (documentary evidence will be required before a job offer is confirmed)
* Any reasonable adjustments we can make to assist you in your application or the selection process
* How you demonstrate your commitment to equity, diversity & inclusion.
As this role is based in a youth zone, this position requires an Enhanced DBS check In accordance with our Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures,
ABOUT ONSIDE
Manchester Youth Zone is part of the OnSide youth network. OnSide is a national charity that believes all young people should have the opportunity to discover their passion and their purpose to find what they’ve got and where it could take them. OnSide funds and builds state-of-the-art, multimillion- pound Youth Zones in the country’s most economically disadvantaged areas. They train the amazing people that run them and they offer continuing support via the nationwide OnSide Network where they can learn and grow, share their stories, and celebrate their success together. Manchester Youth Zone is part of this growing and vibrant Network of 18 Youth Zones across the country.