Ablaze is looking for a talented individual to manage and deliver our Employment and Skills Programme.

Are you passionate about supporting young people struggling to gain meaningful employment?

Are you someone with a good understanding of the needs of vulnerable young people and confident to deliver workshop content to this group?

Do you want a role where you can be autonomous, choose your own flexible working pattern and have access to a great office space in central Bristol?

If you think this role is right for you, please read on.

Job Description

Ablaze is an independent charity that exists to tackle inequality of opportunity for young people in the West of England region. We do this by utilising the skills and commitment of business volunteers to deliver a variety of programmes for young people aged 7-25. We work to support those who are under-served, under-estimated, disengaged and lack social collateral.

Our Employment & Skills Programme is a grassroots, community-based project that has tangible impacts on the lives of NEET young people aged 16 to 25. It delivers employability skills workshops, group visits to varied businesses, work placements and mentoring. The programme is designed to offer young people a fully supported pathway aimed at changing mindsets, fostering positive growth and building key skills to propel them towards meaningful employment.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person to manage and deliver all aspects of the programme, supported by a Project Assistant. The successful candidate will be confident to deliver workshops to small groups and willing to engage with potential business partners and other stakeholders. Experience of Project Management, although desired is not essential. We are open to applicants who want to develop these skills.

•  Salary                  £28,000-30,000 FTE depending on experience (£22,400 to £24,000 actual salary for 0.8 of full time)
• Location              Bristol
• Working hours   28 hours/week
• Job type              Part time - 0.8, initial contract for 1 year. Flexible working
• Sector                 Education/Charity

The Project Manager, working to the Ablaze CEO, supported by the Project Assistant, will manage and deliver the Employment & Skills Programme for Ablaze.

Duties and responsibilities:

• To manage, deliver and report on the Employment & Skills Programmes in accordance with the mission and objectives of the charity
• To build and maintain relationships with businesses to attract and recruit work placements, industry days and volunteer mentors
• To support businesses and other stakeholders to ensure co-ordination arrangements are effective
• To maintain databases and records in support of the delivery of the programme and to enable timely and accurate reporting
• To carry out a regular risk assessments and safeguarding checks
• To carry out regular reviews of outcomes and progress, and ensure evaluation processes take place, are summarised and fed back to relevant parties
• To work with the CEO on the development of the programme, refining a bespoke package that can be adapted to suit a variety of partners, corporate and public
• Look for and take part in networking opportunities, actively working on business development strategies to bring in new business partners and income
• Work with the Ablaze fundraiser to identify and apply for funding opportunities
• Attend bi-weekly team meetings, provide regular verbal and written updates on progress and delivery and an end of year strategic plan

Person Specification

Essential

• Demonstrable understanding of the issues currently facing vulnerable young people and a commitment to widening aspirations and promoting social mobility in this cohort
• An enthusiasm for working with young people
• Knowledge of the local education, youth services and/or voluntary sector and the regional economy
• A proven ability to deliver workshop content to small groups
• Ability to work to and meet challenging targets and outputs
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team
• Excellent communication skills with a variety of audiences
• Proficient IT skills
• Initiative, flexibility and enthusiasm for the task
• Eligible to work in the United Kingdom

Desirable

• Experience of working within education, careers guidance and/or employment support services
• Own transport and a willingness to travel
• Knowledge of impact data collection, reporting and analysis
• Sales experience, both face to face and cold calling
• Proficient using Canva to create resources and promotional materials

Why work with us

• Flexible working
• Office in central Bristol (BS1) with fantastic views across the city
• One compulsory office day on a Monday then option for remote working, or office space available throughout the week
• 28 days holiday (pro-rata) plus bank holidays and time off between Christmas and New Year.
• Fortnightly one-to-one check in meetings with CEO to support you and your professional development

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to enquiries@ablazebristol.org

• Application deadline: Friday 16^th August

• Interviews scheduled for week beginning 26^th August

• Current start date: Tuesday 17^th September 2024.