Programme Manager – UK Reads

Job Description: Programme Manager – UK Reads

Location: Remote (must be based in London)
Contract: Freelance, 12 months
Hours: Part-time
Rate: £130 per day

About UK Reads

UK Reads is dedicated to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to develop strong literacy skills. We work with children and young people in low-income communities, delivering school partnerships, literacy workshops, writing activities, and parent advocacy sessions that empower families to support their child’s learning journey.

As the UK branch of the World Literacy Foundation, our mission is to tackle educational inequality by providing children with books, literacy resources, and the skills needed to succeed. Our work helps children develop a love for reading, improve academic outcomes, and build confidence in their communication abilities.

We partner with schools, youth organisations, and community groups to deliver high-quality literacy interventions that engage children and young people, promote creativity, and strengthen their ability to express themselves.

The Role

UK Reads is looking for a highly organised, proactive, and motivated Programme Manager to take ownership of the administration, coordination, and growth of our literacy programmes. This role involves recruiting schools, managing relationships with educators and facilitators, ensuring the smooth delivery of literacy support activities, and expanding our programme reach across the UK.

You will play a critical role in ensuring our programmes run efficiently, align with our strategic goals, and have a measurable impact on children’s literacy development. You will be the main point of contact for schools and delivery partners, ensuring our interventions are well-coordinated, effective, and engaging.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with a small dynamic literacy charity and play a key role in helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds access the literacy support they need to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Coordination & Administration

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of UK Reads’ literacy programmes.
• Working closely with the Communities and Delivery lead to manage logistics, including scheduling workshops, coordinating facilitators, and ensuring programme materials are delivered on time.
• Ensure smooth execution and delivery of all workshops, school-based activities, and parent support sessions.
• Maintain accurate records of school partnerships, programme participation, and impact data.
• Provide regular progress updates to the leadership team and funders.

School & Stakeholder Engagement

• Actively recruit and onboard schools to participate in UK Reads’ literacy programmes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with educators, facilitators, and community organisations.
• Act as the main point of contact for schools, ensuring they receive the necessary support.
• Work closely with facilitators to ensure effective programme delivery and engagement.
• Develop partnerships with youth organisations, libraries, and local community groups to increase the programme’s reach.

Programme Growth & Development

• Identify opportunities to expand and enhance the programme’s impact.
• Develop new partnerships and initiatives to broaden UK Reads’ reach in underserved communities.
• Work with the fundraising team to provide impact reports, case studies, and data to support grant applications.
• Contribute to the development of new programme formats and content to engage different age groups and literacy levels.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact Measurement

• Track programme effectiveness through data collection and feedback from schools, pupils, and facilitators.
• Develop and implement evaluation frameworks to measure the success of literacy interventions.
• Conduct post-programme assessments to understand the impact on children’s literacy skills and engagement.
• Use insights from evaluation to make programme improvements and enhance delivery.
• Ensure all reporting meets funder requirements and internal organisational goals.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience

• Based in London with the ability to work remotely and travel when required.
• Strong programme coordination and administrative experience, ideally in education, literacy, or the charity sector.
• Experience working with schools, community groups, or youth organisations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder relationships simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage different audiences.
• A proactive and self-motivated approach, capable of working independently.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot challenges in programme delivery.
• Experience in data collection, impact measurement, and programme evaluation.
• Passion for literacy development and a strong commitment to supporting children and young people.
• Valid DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance or willingness to undergo DBS checks.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Knowledge of education systems and challenges in low-income communities.
• Experience in programme development and partnership building.
• Familiarity with fundraising, grant reporting, and impact storytelling.
• Experience working in a freelance or remote capacity.
• Understanding of youth engagement strategies and innovative learning approaches.

Additional Information

• This is a part-time freelance role working 2-3 days per week on an initial 12 months contract.
• The role offers £130 per day.
• The position is remote, but candidates must be based in London to engage with schools and stakeholders.

Why Join UK Reads?

• Work with a fast-growing, mission-driven charity making a real impact on children’s literacy.
• Play a key role in expanding a vital literacy programme that reaches children in underserved communities.
• Have the freedom to shape and grow the programme, with opportunities to develop innovative approaches.
• Be part of a supportive and collaborative team passionate about making literacy accessible for all.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter   outlining your experience and motivation to by Tuesday 18th March

If you are passionate about literacy education and making a positive impact in the lives of children and young people, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.