Job Description

YMCA Manchester has an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional with an understanding of working with disadvantaged young people and who is passionate about making a difference to their lives. Applicants should have a background in improving prospects for vulnerable young people and wider communities, a comprehensive understanding of project management, and be able to co-ordinate and manage provision for young people across Manchester and Salford.

‪Who are we?

YMCA is the oldest and largest youth charity in the world, set up by Sir George Williams in England in 1844. YMCA Manchester has worked with the local community for over 170 years and provides: training and education, health and wellbeing, and support and advice opportunities for young people and the wider community.

YMCA Manchester operates the Y Club, a health and fitness facility and the Castlefield Hotel (a subsidiary company) on the same site in the Castlefield area of Manchester City Centre. 

Whilst all YMCAs work independently, we are part of a federation of 116 YMCAs in England and Wales and a worldwide movement that together helps more than 58 million people in 119 different countries, offering many opportunities beyond our local work for those that want to get involved.

Job Purpose

The Youth and Community Manager is part of the senior management team and has overall responsibility for the operational and strategic leadership of the youth and community department. He/she is responsible and accountable to the Chief Executive for the development of an operating strategy, its policies and business planning, and the continued delivery of high quality services to young people. He/she will work in partnership with funders, regulators and other stakeholders; lead the youth and community team within the value, behavioural and performance management framework of YMCA Manchester; and maintain a service centred approach to the needs of disadvantaged young people in Salford and Manchester.

Duties and Responsibilities

Overall

• Lead the strategic direction, growth and development of the youth and community department.
• Lead the delivery of high quality user-focused youth and community services.
• Support and supervise the staff and volunteer team.
• Maintain excellent communication with the senior management team and the Board of Trustees.
• To have a flexible and positive attitude.
• To be committed to learning both as an individual and as part of a team.
• Undertake own administrative services and report writing.
• Prioritise work load.
• To work to agreed individual, team and organisational objectives and to work towards the organisation's performance targets.
• Sharing information and expertise with colleagues, and working together to deliver a high quality service.
• To be committed to quality assurance and continuous development
• Uphold and develop our Equal Opportunities Policy of anti-discriminatory practices across all services. 

The specific areas of responsibility are set out in the job description

‪What we are looking for?

Required knowledge, skills and abilities

• Educated to Degree level in youth work or associated discipline.
• Understanding of and commitment to performance management.
• Knowledge of charity / youth sector.
• Able to work collaboratively with a wide range of people and organisations.
• Creative problem solving.
• Significant senior level management experience.
• Proven track record of project management and delivery.
• Demonstrable understanding of working with young people who are disadvantaged and passionate about making a difference to young people’s lives.
• Demonstrable track record in developing people, processes and policy.
• Creative and innovative approach to business planning and strategic development.
• Proven success at building lasting partnerships.
• Experience of developing and managing safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Excellent leadership and motivational skills.
• Decisive and driven to succeed.
• Well-developed communication skills, including influencing.
• Able to manage and control substantial budgets.
• Willingness to work flexibly in response to changing organisational requirements.
• Exceptional personal integrity to act as an ambassador for the organisation.
• High energy levels, resilience and tenacity.
• Able to respect the Christian ethos of the YMCA and uphold its values.

‪Desired knowledge, skills and abilities

• Broad educational experience and studied beyond first degree level
• ‪Level 3 Award in Education and Training
• Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance‪

What we will offer?

• ‪Friendly working environment.
• ‪Free parking.
• ‪An attractive benefits package including a free gym membership for you and a close family member.
• ‪28 days holiday (inclusive of public holidays)

‪Application forms only. No CVs will be accepted.

The post holder will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 5th September and second interviews on Wednesday 6th September