We are looking for someone who can live and breathe our values; to work in partnership, deliver quality, adapt, be positive and be inclusive. You will be a self-starting, proactive individual with strong operational ability and a passion for supporting communities and strengthening the local voluntary sector.
Purpose of the Job:
This role leads the day-to-day delivery of Communities 1st s support for voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations and volunteer centre engagement. You will play a key role in supporting community groups to be welcoming, accountable, effective and sustainable, and lead engagement with both new and established organisations.
We re looking for a confident and capable leader who combines strong values with practical delivery skills. This role is ideal for someone experienced in the sector, ready to take on a broader management remit, with potential to grow into a future senior leadership role
General Responsibilities
* Act as a key point of contact for VCFSE organisations seeking support, advice and partnership.
* Lead the planning and delivery of multiple services, projects and programmes in line with agreed objectives.
* Line manage and support staff and volunteers across the team, ensuring clear workplans, regular supervision, and high performance.
* Ensure your team meets key deadlines, outputs and targets set by funders or Communities 1st.
* Promote the voice and value of the VCFSE sector in meetings, networks and forums.
* Champion inclusive practice and equitable access in all areas of delivery.
* Ensure accurate records, timely reporting, and continual quality improvement.
* Support income generation through identifying new opportunities, contributing to bids, and building relationships with funders and stakeholders.
* Work collaboratively across departments to ensure a joined-up organisational approach.
Key Responsibilities
Strengthen the Local VCFSE Sector
* Provide high-quality advice, support and guidance on governance, funding, volunteering, project planning and service development.
* Support start-up groups and help existing organisations adapt and thrive.
* Design and deliver practical resources, events, training and workshops that strengthen organisations capacity and leadership.
* Work with colleagues and partners to ensure the sector has access to good quality, up-to-date information and funding opportunities.
Develop Volunteering Locally
* Lead the delivery of our Volunteer Centre services.
* Promote inclusive, flexible volunteering that meets community needs and individual motivations.
* Support local organisations to improve their volunteer recruitment, retention and management.
* Promote and embed volunteer recognition and celebration across the community.
Drive Community Engagement and Partnerships
* Build strong relationships with local organisations, public services, community leaders and funders.
* Facilitate connections and collaboration between organisations, networks and systems partners.
* Represent Communities 1st in local forums, networks and multi-agency partnerships.
* Support development of collaborative projects and joint funding bids where appropriate.
Management and Leadership
* Lead and support a team of staff and volunteers, ensuring high performance, wellbeing and development.
* Ensure clear workplans, supervision, and evaluation are in place for your team.
* Contribute to organisational planning, funding proposals and reporting.
* Model a collaborative, supportive and values-led approach.
Data, Evaluation and Continuous Improvement
* Ensure robust monitoring and evaluation of your team s work.
* Track performance against funder outcomes and organisational objectives.
* Use data and feedback to improve delivery and demonstrate impact.
* Contribute to organisational reporting, storytelling and case study development.