Head of Youth Work & Partnerships

Are you motivated, energetic, and organised with the ability to connect with both young people and staff/volunteers?

If you are looking for a leadership position that requires creativity, that will enable you to flourish, be ambitious, operate both strategically and operationally, and drive success then this is the position for you!

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

As an equal opportunities’ employer, the organisation welcomes applications from under-represented groups; in particular from Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and members of LGBTQ+ communities.  The dedicated Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group, with support from the Senior Leadership Team, is actively promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion, ensuring a culture where everyone can be themselves and thrive.

About the Role

As the Head of Youth Work & Partnerships, you’ll take the lead in shaping the future for young people, guiding a dynamic team of Youth Workers to create a youth work experience that stands out. We’re looking for someone who’s creative, driven, and all about making things happen for young people. You’ll be hands-on, with a positive vibe, ready to bring fresh ideas to the table and see them through to success.

No two days will be the same! You’ll be at the forefront, designing the new Youth Work Offer, building partnerships, recruiting and developing a passionate team, and ensuring our programs run smoothly. From junior and senior clubs to holiday clubs and events, you’ll make sure everything is on point.

You’ll be a crucial part of this new Youth Zone for Barnsley, welcoming up to 250 young people each session and creating a space where they can thrive. Ready to make a difference? Join us!

Key responsibilities include:

• Staffing
• The Offer (Programme)
• Young People
• Policy, Compliance and Quality Assurance
• Leadership
• External Partnerships

Before the Youth Zone opens and during its construction, there will be elements of hybrid working in place.

About You

You will:

• Be driven, hardworking, organised and equally comfortable engaging with young people and staff/volunteers.
• Have a sense of fun, plenty of energy but also a calm temperament and the ability to operate at a senior level
• Believe in young people’s potential and be proactive and can-do.

You won’t be afraid to get stuck in leading sessions yourself if needed, and you will lead on safeguarding within the organisation.

You will have experience of:

• Youth work, including in open access environments with young people aged -8 -19 (up to 25 with additional needs/disability)
• Leading and managing youth work activities
• Networking and establishing partnerships that enhance the youth work offer
• Managing staff and volunteers, leading a team to achieve targets and key performance indicators (for example membership & attendance)
• Managing budgets
• Managing conflict between young people and establish clear behaviour standards
• Developing opportunities for young people to participate in decision making processes

To apply, you will be asked to submit a CV and cover letter.

About Barnsley Youth Zone

Barnsley Youth Zone is a brand-new locally run youth charity, set to provide thousands of young people with the opportunity to have fun, make new friends, try something new and feel safe. With community centric values and located in the heart of Barnsley, it will be an inspiring place for young people aged 8 – 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, to enjoy their leisure. The building is due to be completed in 2025.

The charity is committed to the safeguarding of young people. In accordance with their Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures, this position requires an Enhanced DBS check.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Youth Work, Head of Youth Work, Director of Youth Work, Youth Work Director, Head of Community Youth Work, Community Youth Work Director, Youth Worker.

Click here to view the role profile

Application process

We recognise our workforce is under-represented in certain areas and are committed to addressing this. We strongly encourage applicants to submit anonymous applications; in practice this means removing your name & email address from your CV & cover letter. Only these documents will be shared with the selection panel. To apply, please email a CV and cover letter (no more than one page) in response to the person specification and questions below to: hr@onsideyouthzones.org

We look forward to receiving your application. Please be aware that due to the Christmas period, there may be delays in processing applications and responses. Applications will remain open into the new year, with interviews scheduled for early January 2025. We encourage you to apply early, as the role may close early if we receive a high volume of applications.