The Director of Operations will provide the results-focused, energetic leadership required for OnSide to deliver our strategic goals of refining our Youth Zone model, and to grow the OnSide Network with at least two Youth Zones opening a year in support of our 2035 Goal to have developed a flourishing Network of 35 Youth Zones, supporting over 150,000 young people per year, while encouraging the wider rebuilding of the youth sector.
Please note, we are only accepting applications from internal candidates (OnSide or the Youth Zone Network)
About the role:
- To contribute as a member of the Strategy Team to the development and delivery of the Charity’s vision, values, strategy and business plans, ensuring that a clear understanding of what is required to develop new Youth Zones informs OnSide’s decision making.
- To have primary oversight of OnSide’s key ambition to open new Youth Zones, with line management responsibility for the Head of Property & Construction; the Head of New Project Development; the Heads of Opening; and the Relationship Development Manager.
- To provide advice, challenge and support to the Relationship Development Manager, while developing effective relationships with key Council, Combined Authority and private sector figures, to deliver two new Youth Zones each year, extending our reach to the developed nations.
- To oversee the development, costing and promotion of the Youth Zone 2.0 design and operating model to ensure Councils commit to their development in new towns across the UK.
- To provide advice, challenge and support to the Head of New Project Development and Heads of Opening to resolve any issues when they occur and so that each new Youth Zone has the best possible start to life, with personal involvement where appropriate.
- To hold overall oversight for delivery of all Youth Zone projects, supporting the Head of New Project Development to ensure effective communication, coordination and working across OnSide teams.
- To support new Youth Zones’ fundraising through encouraging sufficient Board focus, helping to remove any blockages, and through personal involvement with key donors and at key events as required.
- To develop strong and effective relationships with the Chairs of the in-development Youth Zones to build their trust in OnSide and the Network, before handing on these relationships to OnSide’s Director of Network Support and Engagement after opening
- To work with the Chairs, the Head of New Project Development and Heads of Opening to develop strong, effective, and diverse Boards, drawing on the recent Network Governance Review.
- To create an open and innovative environment where each new opening is used as an opportunity for continuous improvement.
- Promote equity, diversity, fairness and inclusion in all aspects of staff development.
- Be an ambassador of the OnSide culture; consistently defining ways to identify and reinforce behaviours that align with OnSide values.
Application process
- We encourage you to discuss your interest with your line manager in the first instance.
- If you would like an informal chat, please contact Jamie Masraff or by phone on 07867 456192.
- Following this, please send a copy of your CV together with a covering letter outlining why you are a suitable candidate for this role by 5pm on Tuesday 18 March to hr@onsideyouthzones.org.
- OnSide will contact your line manager/Chief Executive for a supporting statement/discussion.
- Professional discussions/interviews will be held with candidates on the dates below –
- Stage 1 (virtual) – Wednesday 26 March
- Stage 2 (in-person) – morning of Wednesday 2 April
