Role snapshot
* Reports to: Managing Director
* Location: Belfast / Hybrid with client travel
* Hours: 37.5 hours per week
* Salary: £28,000–£34,000 per year (dependent on experience)
* Duration: Permanent
Job summary
Third Sector Connect (TSC) is seeking a motivated and experienced Programme and Development Manager to support the delivery of TSC programmes while helping community and voluntary organisations secure funding, develop strategies, and build capacity. This role combines hands‑on project management with consultancy assignments such as developing funding applications, delivering training, and producing strategic reports for councils, charities, and community groups.
About Third Sector Connect
At Third Sector Connect, our mission is to support and empower organisations to achieve their goals and make a lasting impact in their communities. Over the last four years we have supported the delivery of successful projects and programmes for councils, charities, community organisations and sports clubs in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, delivered training programmes to community groups and supported organisations to secure over £25 million in funding for community in the past two years. Join us to help shape the future of the third sector in Northern Ireland.
Job purpose
The Programme and Development Manager will play a key role in delivering TSC programmes, while also supporting community and voluntary organisations to develop funding applications, create business cases, deliver training, and strengthen their capacity. The role is client‑facing and combines programme management with consultancy assignments, requiring excellent organisational, communication, and relationship‑building skills.
Key responsibilities
* Lead the coordination and delivery of TSC’s programmes, ensuring objectives, outputs, and compliance requirements are met.
* Design and deliver workshops, training, and capacity‑building sessions for community and voluntary organisations.
* Monitor programme performance, prepare reports, and support evaluation processes.
Funding & strategic support
* Support organisations to prepare high‑quality funding applications, business cases, and strategic plans.
* Provide tailored consultancy support, including action plans, business cases, evaluations, and organisational development projects.
* Identify opportunities to expand TSC’s client base and services.
* Undertake research, consultation, and analysis to support feasibility studies, business cases, and strategic development projects.
* Prepare high‑quality written reports and client‑facing documents to a professional standard.
Stakeholder engagement
* Build and maintain strong relationships with councils, charities, community groups, funders, and statutory agencies.
* Represent TSC at external meetings, networks, workshops, and events.
Administration & reporting
* Manage programme budgets and ensure effective use of resources.
* Produce accurate records, reports, and evaluations in line with funder and client requirements.
* Contribute to internal business planning and development activities.
* Draft strategic documents.
* Undertake analytical/report writing, feasibility/business case work, and client consultancy.
Qualifications
* Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject (e.g. Community Development, Business, Education, Social Policy).
* At least two years’ experience in programme or project management within the third sector, consultancy, or a related field.
* Proven track record in designing and delivering training programmes.
* Experience in developing funding applications and securing grants for organisations.
* Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage confidently with diverse stakeholders.
* Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, meet deadlines, and deliver high‑quality reports.
* Ability to work independently and manage multiple client assignments simultaneously.
* Commercial awareness and an entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to spot and develop opportunities.
* High level of IT literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
* Full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
* Experience in delivering or managing PEACEPLUS programmes.
* Experience of grant writing.
* Experience in evaluation, business case development, or impact measurement.
* Volunteering or lived experience within the community and voluntary sector.
What we offer
* Competitive salary with potential for performance bonus.
* 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays).
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
* Home working equipment support.
* Pension contributions.
* Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
* Opportunities for progression within a growing consultancy business.
* Performance‑related progression.
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