At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor grassroots groups to amplify their voices and drive community change.
- Company: Join Active Communities Network, a dynamic organisation making a real impact across the UK.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract with competitive pay and the chance to shape community initiatives.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and to make a difference in your community.
- Why this job: Be a catalyst for change and empower local communities in the North of England.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in leadership roles within the voluntary sector and strong networking skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Posted on: 25 June 2026
36 hours per week
Location: Manchester, England
Contract: Fixed Term subject to external funding and performance
About the role:
Active Communities Network has launched a new project, The ACN Way, which is being delivered across the UK. The project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund for five years, having started on 1 October 2024. It will build a network of 500 groups that are better connected, unified, and more vocal, with the aim of being actively involved in decision‑making and better understood by policy makers and commissioners. The Regional Network Lead will work with voluntary and community sector groups operating in North of England. The role involves specialist mentoring to organisational leaders and capacity‑building services to improve the skills, confidence, and positioning of youth and community groups that lack a voice. The post will support connections to others and broader systems, and work with strategic bodies, elected representatives, and funders to drive transformative system change based on a locality- and person‑centred approach. The post holder is expected to provide specialist support to 20 groups per annum in the region, developing organisational development action plans and leadership development.
Duties and Accountabilities:
- Develop and maintain relationships with grassroots groups who join the network to ensure they are supported.
- Work alongside each grassroots group to develop tailored organisational development action plans and leadership development, providing specialist mentoring to identify areas where organisations can be supported with training and development.
- Organise network events within the region with the aim of expanding the network and connecting groups.
- Manage multiple stakeholder relationships within the region, adapting to meet stakeholder needs.
- Work with the wider UK team and organisational partners to ensure groups receive the best support suitable to them.
- Continuously work with local stakeholders to understand changes within the local landscape that might impact on network groups, and adapt support as required.
Essential experience / knowledge:
- A minimum of 3 years’ experience of working within the VCS at a senior/leadership level, therefore being able to ‘lead by example’.
- Strong connections in the region across multi‑disciplines and proven ability at brokering and connecting groups.
- Previously delivered capacity building work, including mentoring organisational leaders.
- Track record in sustaining and building the strengths of local groups.
- Worked strategically with funders, statutory bodies, commissioners and decision‑makers to make positive change for the VCS.
- Demonstrated experience in measuring, monitoring, evaluating and communicating impact at a programme and community level.
- Managed a case load of VCS groups with diverse needs, experiences and development.
Essential skills and abilities:
- Extensive knowledge of the VCS in the North of England and key challenges faced by operational staff and organisational leaders.
- Broad understanding and experience of working with VCS groups from infancy through to well‑developed.
- Strong understanding and mastery of delivery models that support vulnerable young people, communities and residents.
- Ability to manage diverse and multiple stakeholder relationships from ministerial level to grassroots volunteers.
- Good business acumen and ability to interpret and manage all aspects of developing a grassroots VCS group.
- Working knowledge of how to connect, where to connect, and how to offer valuable practical advice and guidance to groups.
- Ability to interpret and speak on behalf of others with clarity, honesty and integrity to ensure a true voice and representation for grassroots groups in the targeted areas.
Additional information:
- Requires an enhanced DBS check in accordance with Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures.
- 6 months probationary period, extendable on performance and secured funding.
Regional Network Lead | North of England in Manchester employer: ACTIVE COMMUNITIES NETWORK
Active Communities Network is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that empowers its employees to make a meaningful impact in the community. With a focus on professional development, the Regional Network Lead role offers unique opportunities for growth through mentoring and capacity-building initiatives, all while working in the vibrant city of Manchester. Employees benefit from a collaborative environment that values their contributions and encourages innovative approaches to community engagement.
Contact Details:
ACTIVE COMMUNITIES NETWORK Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Network Lead | North of England in Manchester
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by ACTIVE COMMUNITIES NETWORK.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like ACTIVE COMMUNITIES NETWORK.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at ACTIVE COMMUNITIES NETWORK.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at ACTIVE COMMUNITIES NETWORK. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Network Lead | North of England in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of ACTIVE COMMUNITIES NETWORK. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Regional Network Lead | North of England, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at ACTIVE COMMUNITIES NETWORK
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of ACTIVE COMMUNITIES NETWORK. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
