Programme Coordinator - Future Charity Leaders Programme

Equal Opportunities

upReach is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate in employment matters on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, sexuality, social background or any other protected class. We advocate for workplace diversity and believe it creates dynamic and effective organisations. We are working hard to increase diversity in our team and would particularly welcome applications from ethnic minority candidates. All of our applications are marked blind to address unconscious bias in the recruitment process.

Key Information:

Location: Bristol, Newcastle, Nottingham, London and Manchester (hybrid working pattern).

We will be prioritising applications for the Nottingham, Bristol and Newcastle locations in line with our regional development strategy.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (flexible working around core hours of 10am-4pm)

Start Date: 13th January 2025

Duration: 18-month graduate programme with optional apprenticeship opportunity upon completion. Permanent contract from January 2025. 

Salary: £26,575 per annum (Bristol, Manchester, Nottingham and Newcastle), £29,150 (London).

Deadline: Wednesday 23rd October 2024 at 12pm (noon).

Early applications are encouraged as we will be assessing them, and inviting candidates for assessment centres on an ongoing basis.

Assessment Centres will be taking place in November. They will take place on Zoom and consist of 3 tasks across 2 hours: An interview, a written exercise and a group task (with up to 3 other candidates).

About upReach

Do you think that your socio-economic background should determine your career prospects?  

upReach’s vision is of a society in which everybody has an equal opportunity to realise their full career potential. Our work is important because right now a student from a disadvantaged background who gains a first-class degree from a top university is less likely to secure an elite job than a more privileged student with a 2.2.  

We are an award-winning charity employer working to address this issue in partnership with employers and universities. We help undergraduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds achieve their career potential by providing an intensive programme of support that addresses socio-economic barriers to graduate employment. 

To find out more about how we support our students, visit our website and read our Annual Report, and Impact Report. 

About the Role

upReach is recruiting for our unique Future  Charity  Leaders  Programme (FCLP). This is a great opportunity for anyone who is passionate about social mobility, and looking to gain exposure to  various aspects of charity management whilst working with university  students who are exploring their career options. We welcome applications from those in the corporate world who are looking for a career change as well as recent graduates wanting to kick-start their career in the third sector.

About the FCLP

upReach’s Future Charity Leaders Programme (FCLP) is a graduate programme combining delivery work (supporting our Associates) with exposure to a range of aspects of charity management. 

As a Programme Coordinator on the FCLP you will be delivering personalised employment-focused support to a cohort of approximately 80 Associates, helping transform their lives by equipping  them with the necessary skills to secure a top graduate job. During a typical week, you should expect to be working across a range of projects including 1:1 undergraduate coaching, group workshops, webinars (we refer to them as Video Forums), partnership management (both with university partners or employer partners) and more!

In addition to this, the programme offers the opportunity to develop skills in key areas of charity management by participating in 3 rounds of six-month rotations. After your initial 18 months and the completion of 3 six-month rotations, you will have the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship to further develop your leadership skills.

Throughout the programme, you will receive dedicated internal training developing your leadership skills building your confidence in the role.

Through our partnership with The Circle Line, you will be part of a supportive peer group, offered regular personal development training workshops online and in-person on their '12 Tools for Life'. You will also be able to choose your own practitioner to support you with 1:1 sessions throughout the programme to help you unlock more of your unique potential.

What will I be doing?

The FCLP is a fast-paced but rewarding role. Programme Coordinators spend 80% of their time (4 days per week) working directly with associates to enhance their career knowledge and skills and 20% (1 day per week) on a charity management rotation (or an apprenticeship after 18-months). No two days are the same, but your responsibilities may include:

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with Associates, helping them to achieve their career goals 

• Developing and delivering professional development-focused support

• Individual and small group work with Associates 

• Assisting Associates with their applications to undergraduate positions and graduate jobs 

• Developing sector and/or employability skill knowledge while building resources to aid all Associates 

• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with university and/or employer partners 

• Delivering informative workshops to enhance sector knowledge and employability skills

• Planning, delivering and reporting on events and workshops with partners

When applying for this role we ask that applicants are able to commit to the full 18-month training programme and we encourage participation in the apprenticeship scheme beyond this. As you will be working directly with our beneficiaries throughout their degree, this consistency will allow you to build bonds with your Associates and ensure continuity, thus allowing us to have the most impact for the young people we work with.

What Skills and Experience do I need?

This programme would be suited to individuals who are committed to upReach’s mission and are interested in learning about, and gaining experience in, charity management. We are looking for people who are passionate about social mobility and believe that background should not be a barrier to graduate employment. 

Essential Skills/Experiences:

• Working in a fast-paced environment and working independently to find solutions to problems

• Strong organisational and time management skills with a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage a varied workload

• A University degree in any discipline, or equivalent experience

• Self-motivation and an ability to work in a small team as well as solo

• Excellent communication skills and strong written English

• The ability to engage and communicate confidently with undergraduates, corporate volunteers (mentors) and employers via phone, email, and in person

Desirable Skills/Experiences:

• Knowledge of the graduate labour market in the UK and experience supporting individuals through an application process 

• Strong negotiation skills and experience in roles requiring influence

• Public speaking or facilitating workshops 

• Working in one or more of the career sectors that upReach support Associates in applying to.

Team Culture & Benefits: 

By joining the upReach team, you will be joining a team who are dedicated to encouraging you in your career journey and fostering an inclusive culture. 

We offer: 

• Flexible and hybrid working

• Statutory Holiday Entitlement of 25 days, plus bank holidays. This increases to 27 days entitlement after 2.5 years and then to 30 days after 5 years of working with us

• Enhanced Parental Leave beyond statutory requirements for all team members

• Birthday leave

• Optional extended unpaid leave during summer months

• 3% Pension Contribution, this increases to 5% after 5 years of working with us 

• Cycle-to-work scheme

• Flu jab vouchers

• Monthly socials

• Dedication to Staff Wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aid Training and Ethnic Minority Mentoring Scheme

• A range of discounts through the Charity Workers Discount website

• The opportunity to participate in our fantastic staff networks: 

  • Disability and Inclusion Network

  • Ethnic Minorities Network 

  • Green Network 

  • LGBTQ+ Network

  • Mindfulness Network

  • Parents and Carers Network

  • Socio-economic background Network

Ready to apply?

We are dedicated to making our recruitment process inclusive. All applications will be blind screened, and our job packs are available in Braille, large text or another format upon request. We can provide reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment application process and on the job, and we'll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible.

Applications close at 12pm, Midday, Wednesday 23rd October