At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the day-to-day operations of a vibrant community centre and develop engaging activities.
- Company: South Oxford Community Centre, a charity dedicated to community connection and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and help create a welcoming space for all.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a beloved community hub and foster connections among diverse groups.
- Qualifications: Experience in management, strong communication skills, and a passion for community development.
The predicted salary is between 17 - 17 £ per hour.
South Oxford Community Centre has been at the heart of our community for over 100 years. As a registered charity, we provide a welcoming, inclusive space where people of all ages and backgrounds can meet, learn, create and take part in a wide range of activities. Our ethos is simple: to strengthen our community by providing affordable, accessible facilities that bring people together.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised and community-minded Centre Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of the Centre and help shape its future.
Position: Community Centre Manager
Location: South Oxford Community Centre, Lake Street, Oxford
Hours: 28 hours to be worked over 5 days (open to flexible working/job share)
Salary: £30,940 FT Pro rata for working hours (£17 per hour)
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 30 August 2026
About the role
We are looking for a Community Centre Manager to lead the day-to-day running and future development of South Oxford Community Centre. This new role at the centre is a varied and rewarding role, working closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure the Centre is welcoming, well managed, financially sustainable and responsive to the needs of the local community.
You will lead staff and volunteers, oversee the Centre's operations and facilities, develop community activities and partnerships, manage budgets and support fundraising, while ensuring the charity meets its governance, safeguarding, Health & Safety and other compliance responsibilities.
Main responsibilities and duties
- Lead the day-to-day management of the Centre, ensuring it is welcoming, safe, well organised and responsive to community needs.
- Manage and support staff and volunteers, helping to create a positive, inclusive and effective working environment.
- Oversee facilities, bookings, maintenance, suppliers and contractors to ensure the smooth running of the building and services.
- Develop relationships with community groups, hirers, local partners and stakeholders to increase use of the Centre and strengthen its community impact.
- Manage budgets, income and expenditure, and support fundraising, grant applications and long-term financial sustainability.
- Work closely with the Board of Trustees, providing updates, advice and practical support to help deliver the Centre's aims.
- Ensure appropriate policies, procedures and records are maintained, including in relation to safeguarding, Health & Safety, data protection and charity governance.
About You
We are looking for an organised, confident and community-minded manager who can lead the day-to-day running of South Oxford Community Centre while helping it grow as a welcoming, inclusive and sustainable space for local people.
You will bring experience of managing people, volunteers, services or day-to-day operations, with the ability to motivate others and create a positive working culture. You will be a strong communicator and organiser, able to balance operational detail with the bigger picture and work effectively with Trustees, staff, volunteers, hirers and local partners.
You will be comfortable working with budgets, income, expenditure and financial information, and able to support the Centre's long-term financial sustainability. You will be confident building positive relationships with community groups, partner organisations, funders and local stakeholders.
You will understand the importance of running a safe, well-managed and compliant organisation, including responsibilities relating to Health & Safety, safeguarding, data protection and relevant legislation. You will be able to work independently, use sound judgement and provide practical support to a voluntary Board of Trustees.
Most importantly, you will share our commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and community development.
It would also be helpful, but not essential, if you have experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Managing a community centre, charity, social enterprise or similar organisation.
- Fundraising, grant applications or grant management.
- Facilities management, building maintenance or managing contractors.
- Working with Trustees or supporting charity governance.
- Developing community programmes, activities or services.
How to apply
To apply for this role please submit a CV with a covering letter (of no more than 500 words) setting out how you meet the person specification for the role. Please ensure that you have included all relevant contact details and let us know if you require any special provision should you be called for interview.
Community Centre Manager in Oxford employer: All The Top Bananas
My Four Wheels is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Trainee Driving Instructor with flexible working hours and the potential to earn up to £50,000+ annually. With comprehensive training provided through our new Training Academy, employees benefit from ongoing support and resources, ensuring a fulfilling journey towards becoming a qualified instructor while enjoying the satisfaction of teaching locally in Westfield, Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Centre Manager in Oxford
✨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 All The Top Bananas.
✨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 All The Top Bananas.
✨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 All The Top Bananas.
✨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 All The Top Bananas. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Centre Manager in Oxford
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 All The Top Bananas. 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 Community Centre Manager, 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 All The Top Bananas
✨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 All The Top Bananas. 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!
