Programme Manager

Universify Education is looking for an organised and adaptable Programme Manager. This is a great opportunity for someone experienced in project management and working with young people to expand the charity’s programmes and work in a small charity.

Job Summary

• Contract type: Permanent, full-time.
• Start date: May/June 2024 or as soon as possible
• Salary: £27,000-30,000 based on experience
• Location: Hybrid working with office space in Oxford and London. Willing to travel to Oxford 1-2 times a week, and, during course delivery for 2 months a year, be resident in Oxford (preference for an Oxford-based candidate). There may also be some ad hoc travel to other areas of the UK. This is not expected to be more than once a month.

The Charity

Universify exists to create a fairer, more equal society where every young person can fulfil their potential regardless of their background. We equip young people from low socio-economic and underrepresented backgrounds with the skills, knowledge, and belief to fulfil their potential through education.

We work with Year 10-11 students (aged 14-16) to increase their aspirations, improve GCSE attainment and to gain a greater understanding of post-18 pathways, particularly university, to make a more informed decision about their future. We run a year-long programme, starting with a week-long summer residential at partner universities, monthly coaching sessions with Universify coaches and a 3-day GCSE-focused revision residential at Spring.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As the Programme Manager, you will manage the Programme Team to deliver the charity’s annual residential and coaching programme and impact reporting. You will act as the primary relationship holder for all existing major programme partners, including universities and other third sector organisations. During programme delivery, you will be a part of the team’s Safeguarding Leads and work with the Programme Team to ensure the safety and care of our participants.

You will report to the CEO and work with them to build relationships with new partners, and develop the charity’s ability to expand the programme by considering its impact data, needs of partners and stakeholders, and any changes to its programme model. You will also maintain the charity’s CRM and improve programme efficiency. As the Programme Manager, you will be involved in events, fundraising activities and publicity, including supporting the Comms officer.

Main Duties  

• Oversee programme delivery, including line managing the Programme Team (3 staff)
• Manage existing programme partnerships (universities, third sector organisations) and build new relationships alongside the CEO
• Manage and deliver external programmes including the Royal National Children’s Springboard Foundation partnership programme
• Project manage impact reporting, defining data requirements, overseeing data collection and analysis, and writing the impact report
• Work with the Communications Officer and CEO to enhance the charity’s publicity including social media, in-person events, and publicity campaigns
• Provide expertise as a Level 3 safeguarding lead as part of the safeguarding team
• Maintain the charity CRM (Salesforce) and coordinate with developers to update the CRM

What we're looking for

We are looking for someone who has the following skills and characteristics

• Excellent line management and team management skills 

• Ability to create and maintain relationships with a range of external stakeholders

• Good working knowledge of recruitment processes, especially within the voluntary sector

• Excellent at coordinating a range of projects simultaneously; organised, adaptable, prioritises well and has good attention to detail

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to cover a range of audiences and purposes (including impact reporting, written and verbal communication with schools, students, parents; PR; training)

• Some data analysis skills and an understanding of charity impact reporting, or a willingness to learn about impact reporting

• Works well in a small team and is interested in working in a small organisation

Required experience

We are looking for candidates with the following experience

• At least 2 years’ experience of working with young people, particularly vulnerable groups, including delivering programmes
• At least 2 years of project management experience
• At least 1 year’s experience of team management and line management
• Experience of managing and recruiting a range of stakeholders involved in programme delivery, particularly schools and volunteers
• Secure knowledge and experience of child safeguarding policy and practice. Level 3 Safeguarding Lead qualification or a willingness to obtain this as part of the role

Ideally, candidates would have experience in a few of the following areas:

• Experience managing residential programmes or large-scale events. Experience of designing educational programmes
• Experience working with schools and universities
• Coaching expertise and ability to train coaches
• Knowledge of recruitment strategies, especially in the voluntary sector
• Experience expanding programmes and identifying new opportunities to expand programmes
• Impact report writing and data analysis expertise 

For more details please see the job description attached. 

Additional benefits

• 25 days paid holiday, plus 8 bank holidays
• Employer contribution to pension scheme
• Flexible working hours outside delivery periods
• Hybrid working (in-person and online) outside delivery periods
• Individual training budget and dedicated time with your line manager to create a personal training and development plan, following a strong coaching approach
• Regular team days, socials, and team welfare initiatives

How to apply

Please complete an application form below. We are happy to discuss any adjustments to the application process or role that you may require or any queries about the role. Applications close at midday on Friday 19th April 2024.