Centre Leader

Background Information

The Weir Link was established to replace what was a derelict laundry and community room with a new purpose-built building which opened on the Weir Estate in June 2010. The charity’s principal aim is to provide educational, training and social opportunities that ‘bring the community together’ from all areas and backgrounds across the streets and estates within the local area.

To date the building has been used as the base for a Children’s Centre, Nursery (currently operated by London Early Years Foundation (Leyf)), a Volunteer Project as well as a range of other Fun Days, coffee mornings, community meetings and social get togethers. In addition to the nursery, which occupies the largest rooms of the building, there are additionally two office spaces and a meeting room available for community use. 

We currently run a range of weekly after-school activities, including a homework club, two stay-and-play sessions, an arts and crafts club and a Pilates class. We also facilitate other community activities, including yoga classes, ante-natal classes and local residents’ meetings.

Job Description

Key responsibilities

1.    Ensure that all aspects of the management and operation of The Weir Link are carried out effectively and in keeping with the organisation’s mission, vision and values.

2.    Manage the delivery of a high-quality programme of activities and events for the local community.

3.    Manage current partnerships, both those organisations with long term rental agreements and those with whom we co-ordinate activities and services for the community.

4.    Continue to develop and manage new partnerships in keeping with the aims and objectives of the business plan.

5.    Line-manage the Facilities and Bookings Co-ordinator to ensure the building is well-maintained, safe and meets all statutory requirements.

6.    Manage the co-ordination of website updates and social media posts in collaboration with our team members.

7.    Work with the Trustees to implement the 3-5 year business plan, including a sustainable funding strategy.

8.    Ensure an effective marketing strategy to continue to promote our activities and events to the local community.

9.    Ensure all those who visit The Weir Link feel welcome, safe and encouraged and maintain systems for monitoring our users’ satisfaction and evaluating outcomes.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a range of skills and experience as follows;-

1.    Experience in business development and identifying potential development opportunities with other partners and organisations.

2.    Experience fundraising and researching and applying for grants and funding opportunities.

3.    Demonstrable success in project management, including experience of marketing and communications (both online and offline), as well as effective reporting and evaluation.

4.    Experience in community research with a wide range of individuals and community groups, including through the organisation of community events

We are looking for a motivated, organised and reliable individual who is happy to take on these responsibilities while working closely alongside others in our small team.  Above all you will be flexible, resourceful, efficient and committed to contributing in a meaningful way to our local community.  As with all small organisations, sometimes we have to go above and beyond what is expected on a daily basis, but in return we can offer greater flexibility than other larger organisations.

This is a part-time, maternity leave role for 12 months in the first instance. We are able to offer a flexible working pattern, which would comprise of 15 hours per week across three days a week. The hours can be between 9.30 and 4pm every day, with the possibility of hybrid working (combining office-based and remote working) during the school holidays.

This role would suit a parent or carer who would like their hours to work around the school day and have flexibility during school holidays. 

Ideally the person would also be a local resident who is prepared to build on our links with other community organisations that are local to The Weir Link.

Competitive and negotiable pay package.

Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining why you are suitable for the role and why you would like to work for The Weir Link.

Application Deadline: Monday 20th May, 2024

Interview Process: We will review applications on a rolling basis and may schedule interviews before the closing date. Exceptional candidates may prompt an early closure of the application process.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now!