Community Centre Manager

Job purpose

Toynbee Hall s community centre delivers a variety of community projects for people of all ages who live in Tower Hamlets. It s a vibrant place, full of energy, activities and friendships. We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Community Centre Manager (CCM) to lead our team of community participation officers. The CCM will oversee the day-to-day operations of our community centre, oversee community programmes such as our play programme and pursue opportunities to strategically expand our offering to best serve the local community. The ideal candidate will be a community-focused individual who can create a welcoming and inclusive space where residents can access vital resources and participate in activities co-designed with them to meet their needs and interests. Experience of working with vulnerable, at-risk people and an understanding of safeguarding is essential.

Scope of role

This role oversees the development and delivery of a range of programming delivered through the community centre or as part of our broader community programme, working alongside community members, colleagues and partners. The CCM will ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the programmes and will line manage a team of 4-6 community centre staff and volunteers. In light of our commitment to co-production, the CCM will ensure a vibrant programme of community centre activities addressing community needs. This can be carried out in collaboration with Toynbee Hall s research team which is specialised in participatory methodolgies. The CCM will undertake outreach to ensure community access to the centre. As well as holding responsibility for overseeing the centre s day-to-day operations, the role will monitor the budget, help evaluate impact and assist in grant writing and reporting.

Key working relationships

The CCM reports to the Head of Communities and Social Change. The role works in close collaboration with the Community Partnerships Manager as well as the research team. The CCM line manages a team of 4-6 community centre staff and volunteers. Maintaining excellent external relationships is vital to this role. The CCM will liaise with local a range of relevant local networks and organisations. Community engagement is vital: the CCM will also regularly build in consultation and engagement with community members.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership: Lead our community workstream including programming through the community centre; fostering a collaborative environment that recognises the strengths of our team

2. Delivery: Oversee the day-to-day operation of the community centre, ensuring it is a safe and welcoming space with well-run programmes of activities and appropriate staffing, including programmes, such as the play programme, which occur outside of the community centre space

3. Resource management: Efficiently manage the resources and budget allocated to the community centre and our funded community projects in line with funding requirements and budgets while maximizing the impact on the community. Lead on designing, monitoring, evaluating and reporting on community projects, in collaboration with the fundraising team

4. Management: Lead, manage, coach, support and develop the community centre s team; providing the level of management expected of colleagues across the organisation and in line with internal policies and procedures. Work toward an agreed annual work plan meeting targets and milestones, prioritising workload and planning activity. Take responsibility for your personal development and seek out opportunities for support and development.

5. Outreach and inclusivity: Implement outreach strategies to engage community members who may be experiencing isolation or limited access to resources. Ensure that the community centre is a welcoming and inclusive space for people of all ages and backgrounds. Connect with services and organisations that complement our provision.

6. Needs assessment: In collaboration with the research team, conduct thorough needs assessments to identify the specific challenges and barriers faced by at risk individuals in accessing local services. Use this information to inform the development of targeted programs and initiatives.

7. Advocacy for children, young people, older adults and people at risk: Advocate for the needs and rights of the community, raising awareness about issues related to isolation and working towards solutions with partners at a local level.

8. Providing a safe environment: Be an effective leader in implementing our Safeguarding, Health and Safety and code of conduct to ensure the community centre is a safe, inclusive and supportive space and to ensure the safety of community programming which occurs outside of the community centre.

9. Strategic understanding: Play a key role within Toynbee Hall s staff team, ensuring the work of the community centre is celebrated and delivers in line with our organisation strategy now, while helping to inform future strategic direction.

About Us

Based in the East End of London since 1884, Toynbee Hall is a charity working alongside people facing poverty, injustice, and inequality to build a fairer East London. We provide vital advice and support, working in partnership to tackle unfairness and ensure everyone has an equal chance to thrive.

We have recently launched a new strategic plan which reinforces that our purpose is to build a fairer future with an end to poverty, injustice and inequality.

We work towards this by:

• Addressing poverty and injustice through advice and support and influencing systemic change.
• Shifting power to people and communities affected by injustice and inequality.
• Collaborating to end poverty and build fairer systems and institutions. What we want to see in the world starts with our community and our organisation.

This means:

• Working together to build a thriving local community where people have the resources they need, feel their voices are heard and are optimistic about the future.

• Being a good employer, where people are treated fairly, feel engaged and empowered, and work together to achieve our shared vision.

• Acknowledging the role Toynbee Hall has historically played in civic society while recognising that our role now is to shift power, to be an effective partner, and to amplify voices that are less likely to be heard.

What we learn from our work in east London we use to inform and influence wider policy working to influence change in structures, systems and policies.