Manchester Cares are seeking our very first full time Head of Programmes – to lead our team, to deepen our strategic partnerships, and to help take our programmes and our vision to the next level.

We need someone who can inspire and motivate others, with the personality to bring older and younger neighbours together through our four engaging programmes, with the experience and determination to manage a young and fast changing charity with everything that entails, and to lead our systems and processes to stay on top of the myriad opportunities you create.

We are looking for an exceptional Head of Programmes to anchor and drive Manchester Cares – to double the size of our network over the next year; to bring in new partners; and to achieve our strategic vision.

We need someone full of ideas, with versatility, technical know-how, perseverance and strong leadership credentials and responsibility. And we need someone who knows Manchester like the back of their hand – who has the networks, experience and passion to inspire more people to take Manchester Cares to their hearts.

You will need to be a powerful communicator, in writing and in person, and someone who can talk to and relate to people from all backgrounds, no matter their circumstances – someone equally comfortable discussing illness and isolation with a housebound 95-year-old in Harpurhey as you are talking about work and weddings with a 25-year-old volunteer in the Northern Quarter.

You will be outgoing and tenacious; a professional with an organised approach, a clear, authentic communication style and an intrinsic understanding of the power of networks and digital media. The stand-out candidate will also have knowledge of and a passion for the unique communities and culture of Manchester’s various neighbourhoods, alongside experience managing projects or programmes.

Crucially, we need a real people-person: someone who can build trusted partnerships including with corporations, Councils and long-established community groups. We also need a numbers person, someone methodical, target focused and strategic, who can work with our national Director of Programmes to drive a shared vision. And we need a self-starter: someone committed, tough, and focused working alone as well as collaboratively; who is passionate about developing Manchester Cares over the coming years.