Responsible to: Deputy CEO (Director of Practice and Operations)
Contract: Fixed Term until March 2029
DBS Required: Enhanced
This advert reflects CoLab’s commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and equity. The full duties, responsibilities, and the essential and desirable criteria for this role are set out in the accompanying job description and person specification.
The STaR (System, Treatment and Recovery) project is a pioneering, OHID-funded initiative transforming how Exeter supports people experiencing rough sleeping, living in temporary accommodation, and facing substance misuse challenges. Its trauma-informed, person-centred, and genuinely trying to do things differently.
At the heart of it all is a powerful alliance: CoLab, Waythrough, IncluDe, BtheChange, Real Life Psychology, BCHA, and Devon County Council Public Health; all working together toward shared goals. And we’re looking for someone exceptional to keep it all moving.
Project Summary
Demonstrating our values of welcome, compassion and collaboration, we are looking for people who are good communicators with the ability to relate and communicate easily with individuals at all levels in a friendly, professional and inclusive way.
We value people’s unique backgrounds, experiences, and lived experience, and recognise that diverse perspectives strengthen our work and our communities.
Role Summary & Key Responsibilities
This is a strategic coordination role; you won’t be on the frontline, but your work will directly enable the people who are. You’ll be the connective tissue of the STaR Alliance, making sure seven organisations are pulling in the same direction and that the project delivers real impact.
Day-to-day, you’ll be:
1. Keeping all Alliance partners aligned, accountable, and collaborative
2. Overseeing a Team Leader and Data Analyst, helping them do their best work
3. Monitoring programme delivery and getting ahead of risks before they become problems
4. Managing governance processes; risk registers, action logs, board reports; with confidence and clarity
5. Turning data into meaningful insight that drives better decisions
6. Leading on STaR’s communications strategy and making sure learning gets shared far and wide
7. Building and nurturing relationships across health, housing, local authority, criminal justice, and community partners
8. Leading on the strategic vision for STaR, seeking new income streams and collaborations
Who are we looking for?
You’re someone who thrives in complexity who can hold the big picture in mind while keeping an eye on the detail. You’re a natural relationship-builder and a calm, solutions-focused presence when things get tricky.
You’ll need:
9. Proven experience coordinating or working within multi-agency partnerships or alliance-based delivery
10. The ability to provide strategic oversight within complex programmes
11. Strong communication and relationship-building skills across all levels
12. Confidence managing risk registers, governance processes, and action logs
13. The ability to interpret data and turn insight into practical action
14. Strong facilitation skills and a knack for brokering shared solutions
Bonus points if you have:
15. Knowledge of trauma-informed or MEAM-aligned approaches
16. Experience in substance misuse, health, housing, homelessness, or complex-needs services
17. Experience supervising staff or specialist functions like data and insight
Our kind of person
We live by the values of welcome, compassion, collaboration, ambition, and social justice. We’re looking for someone who genuinely shares those values. Someone who’s non-judgmental, inclusive, adaptable, and committed to making a real difference for some of the most marginalised people in our community.
(Detailed duties and responsibilities are outlined in the accompanying job description.)
Employee Benefits at CoLab
At CoLab, we value our team and offer a range of benefits, including:
18. Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support for your wellbeing
19. Pension Scheme – Helping you plan for the future
20. Annual Leave – 27 days per year, plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time). Increases after five years of continuous service
21. Birthday Celebration Day – Enjoy an extra day off for your birthday
22. Volunteering Days – Two paid days per year to volunteer with a registered organisation of your choice
23. Blue Light Card – Access to exclusive discounts and offers
24. Learning & Development – Training opportunities through our in-house learning platform to develop your skills and career
25. CoLab Hub Breakfast Mornings – A chance to connect and catch up with colleagues over breakfast
Inclusive Recruitment
CoLab is committed to fair, transparent, and inclusive recruitment practices. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.
We actively work to remove barriers to recruitment and selection, and all decisions are made using objective, role-related criteria.
CoLab welcomes applications from people with convictions or lived experience of the criminal justice system.
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, including for candidates with disabilities, health conditions, or caring responsibilities. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to apply or attend interview.
How to Apply
CoLab Exeter is committed to promoting a positive approach to equality, diversity and inclusion, and values the benefits of employing a diverse range of talented people.
To apply, please visit our website
Some roles may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Any check required will be proportionate to the role and carried out in line with relevant legislation.
Application Deadline: 29 March 2026.