Community Centre Manager

We are a small, volunteer-led charity dedicated to enriching the quality of life for local residents by providing accessible, inclusive facilities to meet the evolving needs of the community.

This will be achieved by establishing a community centre with indoor and outdoor spaces where a wide variety of activities and community welfare services will be delivered, alongside a new early years and childcare setting.

Join our team and make a difference!

Are you passionate about supporting and contributing to your local community? Would you like to play a part in making a real, positive difference to people’s lives?

An exciting opportunity exists to be in at the start of a new enterprise. Little Dunmow Community Building is being built with the intention of opening to the public in Autumn 2027. The Community Centre Manager is the main driver of the Little Dunmow Community Building, establishing and working with a team to put in place strategies and policies to enable the Centre to become an efficient and sustainable business. Initially the work will be mainly remote with regular face-to-face meetings.

About the role:

As the Community Centre Manager, you will play a pivotal role in assembling a team, preparing for the opening of the centre then managing the centre as its activities ramp-up. Responsibilities include: 

● Work closely with the Transition Manager prior to opening

● Establish a meaningful management structure

● Actively participate in recruitment (staff and volunteers) and, using planned pathways, allow colleagues to reach their full potential

● Manage room hire, marketing, business development, fundraising, purchasing, cost control, HR, facilities, strategic planning and volunteers. Advise trustees of resources required for these tasks

● Work closely with trustees, employees, consultants, contractors, volunteers and local organisations

● Manage finances within specified budget and thresholds

● Maintain business continuity through constant monitoring of performance against procedures, policies and plans. Periodic review of performance and suggest amendments to policies if required

● Keep the Board of Trustees informed of progress through periodic reports. Subject matter and frequency to be agreed

Skills

We value life experience and local knowledge just as much as formal qualifications. Experience of community centre management is desirable but not essential. 

We are looking for people who live or work in the local area or have a connection with it and have:

● A commitment to the aims of the Trust and the role 

● An ability to think independently and to manage a team

● Understanding of Health & Safety and safeguarding

● A willingness to devote the necessary time (estimated an average of 16hrs per week) and effort 

● Excellent customer-facing communication skills, confident in social media use

● A broad range of skills and an ability to keep accurate records 

● An enquiring mind and ability to spot opportunities