Programme Manager

The Catalyst Collective is an innovative and rapidly growing non-profit organisation. Since our pilot programme launched in January 2021, we have expanded significantly. As we enter our fourth year of operation, we are seeking an organised and proactive Programme Manager to play a pivotal role in driving our growth and ensuring the successful delivery of our mentoring programmes.

The Programme Manager will work closely with the Programme Director to lead and manage key components of our mentoring programme. This includes building strong relationships with mentors, mentees, and partner schools, as well as coordinating training, enrichment activities, and programme delivery. The ideal candidate will have excellent organisational skills, a passion for empowering young Black women, and the ability to foster a supportive and inclusive environment.

Key Responsibilities: 

Mentee Recruitment and Induction

• Work closely with partner schools to finalise mentee cohorts.
• Visit schools to deliver induction sessions familiarising mentees with the programme.
• Lead mentor-matching sessions with support from Mentoring Coordinators.

Mentor Training and Onboarding

• Develop and deliver training sessions for mentors.
• Collaborate with the Recruitment Coordinator to ensure a diverse mentor pool.
• Support mentors to maximise the impact of their relationships.

Mentor Coordination

• Support a cohort of up to 30 mentoring pairs.
• Conduct monthly check-ins with each mentor.
• Facilitate mid and end-of-year reviews for mentoring pairs.

Enrichment Delivery and Planning

• Plan and deliver enrichment activities like career trips and work experience days.
• Evaluate the impact of enrichment activities and gather feedback.
• Collaborate with partners and vendors for enrichment events.

School Liaison

• Serve as the primary contact for partner schools.
• Regularly update schools on programme developments and mentee progress.

Safeguarding

• Act as a point of contact for safeguarding matters.
• Maintain accurate safeguarding records and ensure confidentiality.

Communications

• Produce a monthly mentor newsletter.
• Contribute to social media content.

Reporting

• Support the Programme Director in preparing updates for the Advisory Board and funders.
• Produce the End-of-year report showcasing the programme’s achievements.

Administration

• Review and approve in-person mentoring meeting requests.
• Conduct risk assessments.

Staff Management

• Line manage Mentoring Coordinators and the Programme Assistant.
• Provide task management to other team members as required.

Person Specification:

Essential Experience and Skills

• Proven experience in programme management, education, charity work, or volunteering.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including young people, schools, and professionals.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present to groups.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to multitask and manage competing priorities.
• Proficiency in IT tools and platforms, including Google Workspace, Zoom, and project management software.

Essential Knowledge

• Understanding of mentoring or coaching practices, especially for young people.
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices and procedures.
• Awareness of issues facing young Black women in education and employment.

Essential Personal Attributes

• Passionate about tackling educational and employment disadvantage.
• Organised, proactive, and able to work independently.
• Effective time management skills.

Other Requirements

• A clean enhanced DBS check (The Catalyst will carry this out).
• The right to work in the UK.
• Flexibility to travel to partner schools in London.

Desirable

• Previous experience in mentoring, coaching, education, charity work, or volunteering.
• A university degree or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge/experience of working or volunteering in schools or the education sector.
• An understanding of the non-profit sector.