Community Manager

Role Summary

The Community Manager will play a crucial role in delivering our new strategy, with responsibility for the development, management, and expansion of Brightstar’s community projects, programmes and partnerships.

Our community programmes include short and long term projects working with young people who struggle with their mental health, refugees, looked after children, young people at risk of exploitation and people not in education, employment or training.

Currently, there is a team of 2 community coaches and several volunteers that would be directly supported by the community manager. The community programmes mainly cover the Shropshire area but are expanding wider across the West Midlands.

We have been successful in securing 3 years funding for the Community Manager role through the National Lottery, and the goal is for the successful candidate to make this role fully sustainable beyond this period.

Key Responsibilities

1. Community Project Management
   * Develop, manage, and oversee community engagement projects and team in line with Brightstar’s new strategy.
   * Monitor and evaluate project outcomes, ensuring high standards of delivery. Embed impact and monitoring to all programmes.
   * Identify opportunities for new projects that align with Brightstar’s mission and values.
2. Community Staff Management
   * Recruit, train, and support a team of community coaches.
   * Ensure delivery staff are delivering high-quality sessions that engage and inspire people.
   * Provide ongoing professional development opportunities for the coaching staff.
3. Grant Funding & Bid Writing
   * Identify opportunities for funding from local authorities, trusts, and foundations to sustain and develop community programmes.
   * Lead modest (4-5 figure) grant applications and funding bids to support community projects.
   * Manage and report on grant-funded programmes, ensuring compliance with funder requirements.
4. Youth Voice & Engagement
   * Develop and manage the Brightstar Youth Voice Group, ensuring young people have an active role in shaping services.
   * Facilitate regular meetings and workshops to gather youth input.
   * Implement youth-led initiatives that empower young people to influence their communities.
5. Community Growth & Development
   * Expand and enhance existing community programmes.
   * Develop new initiatives that address local needs and provide opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
   * Work closely with partners to create collaborative community solutions.
6. Partnerships & Stakeholder Management
   * Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, schools, sports organisations, funders and community groups.
   * Develop strategic partnerships that align with Brightstar's mission, values and objectives.
   * Represent Brightstar at networking events, meetings, and public engagements.
7. Holiday Programmes Management and Club
   * Plan, coordinate, and oversee Brightstar Holiday Programmes, ensuring a high-quality experience for participants.
   * Secure funding and partnerships to sustain and grow holiday initiatives.
   * Utilise the Brightstar premises to maximise engagement and use of space for community programmes.
   * Co-ordinate volunteer recruitment strategies and volunteer management for club volunteers.
8. Increasing Brightstar Awareness
   * Develop and implement community outreach strategies to increase awareness of Brightstar.
   * Work with the marketing manager to promote community projects through social media, local press, and events.
   * Engage local stakeholders and residents to build a strong, supportive community network.

Person Specification

Skills & Experience:

• Experience in community project management within sports, education, or youth work.
• Experience in managing staff or volunteers, ideally in a coaching or mentoring setting.
• Experience in securing grant funding and writing successful funding applications.
• Ability to build and manage partnerships with external organisations.
• Knowledge of youth engagement strategies and experience in working with people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Passion for community development and youth empowerment.
• Experience delivering sport-based community programmes.
• Understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures.

Key Benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working options.
• Professional development opportunities and training.
• Healthcare Cash plan.
• A chance to make a real impact on people's lives through sport, education, and mentoring.

Successful applicants will need a DBS, UK driving licence, and references.