At a Glance
- Tasks: Create a welcoming space and coordinate inspiring creative activities for the community.
- Company: Join Ark-T, an arts and wellbeing charity making a difference in Oxford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to be part of a vibrant team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by fostering creativity and connection in your community.
- Qualifications: Passion for community engagement and experience in arts or charity settings.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 27000 £ per year.
Job Title
Welcome Space Programme Manager
Salary
£27,000 per annum, pro rata 15 hours per week (approx £10,800 per annum)
Hours
15 hours per week
Location
The Welcome Space, Templars Square, Oxford
Line Manager
Head of Operations
Contract
- 12 months fixed term – with the potential to renew until 2028
- Pension is offered to all employees
- About Ark-T
Ark-T is an Oxford-based arts and wellbeing charity that uses creativity to support mental health, connection and community resilience.
The Welcome Space is at the heart of our community work.
Based in Templars Square, it is a welcoming, creative space where local people can connect with others, take part in arts activities, access low-level wellbeing support and feel part of their community.
We believe creativity can change lives and that everyone deserves to feel they belong.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Ark-T, we are passionate about creating a welcoming, inclusive organisation where everyone feels valued and respected.
We warmly encourage applications from people from Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ communities and others who are currently underrepresented within the arts and charity sectors.
We value lived experience alongside professional experience and are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve.
Purpose of the Role
The Welcome Space is the heart of Ark-T’s community work.
We are looking for someone warm, creative and full of ideas to help it flourish.
This is a hands‑on, community‑facing role.
You will help create a welcoming space where everyone feels they belong, coordinate inspiring creative activities, support volunteers, work alongside colleagues and local artists, and help demonstrate the impact of the Welcome Space through effective monitoring and reporting.
Working closely with the wider Ark‑T team, you will help the Welcome Space become a vibrant hub for creativity, connection and community in East Oxford.
No two days will be the same.
Key Responsibilities
- Welcome Space Coordination & Community Engagement
- Create a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong.
- Build positive relationships with visitors, volunteers, artists and organisations using the Welcome Space.
- Encourage participation in creative activities and provide information and signposting where appropriate.
- Support the day‑to‑day running of the Welcome Space, ensuring it remains safe, calm and welcoming.
- Monitor attendance, visitor engagement and day‑to‑day use of the space.
- Follow Ark‑T’s safeguarding procedures, maintaining accurate records and escalating concerns appropriately.
- Work flexibly as part of the wider Ark‑T team, supporting organisational priorities and community events when required.
- Creative Programming & Collaboration
- Coordinate creative workshops, exhibitions and community activities within the Welcome Space.
- Work with artists, volunteers, community members and Ark‑T colleagues to deliver inspiring, inclusive and community‑led creative activities.
- Gather ideas and feedback from visitors to help shape future activities and ensure the programme continues to evolve in response to community need.
- Ensure activities are well organised, appropriately resourced and reflect Ark‑T’s values.
- Work collaboratively with Ark‑T staff to support the planning and delivery of activities, workshops, exhibitions and events taking place in the Welcome Space.
- Community Relationships
- Help ensure everyone who uses the Welcome Space feels welcomed, included and supported.
- Work with Ark‑T colleagues to support community groups and organisations delivering activities in the Welcome Space.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen community engagement and share ideas with the Head of Operations and CEO.
- Monitoring, Communications & Reporting
- Collect attendance, monitoring and evaluation data, including visitor feedback, case studies and photographs.
- Maintain accurate records and provide information to support funding reports and organisational evaluation.
- Support promotion of the Welcome Space through social media and other communications.
- Keep organised records and contribute to demonstrating the impact of the Welcome Space.
- Volunteers & Team Working
- Support volunteers so they feel welcomed, valued and confident in their roles.
- Work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure appropriate volunteer support and cover.
- Work collaboratively with the Head of Operations and wider Ark‑T team, contributing positively to Ark‑T’s culture and shared objectives.
- Operations & Resources
- Help maintain a safe, well‑organised and inspiring environment.
- Report maintenance, health and safety or operational issues promptly.
- Maintain art materials, equipment and displays, ensuring the space remains creative, welcoming and functional.
- Monitor stock levels and support the sustainable use of resources.
- Assist the Head of Operations with monitoring the Welcome Space budget and associated administration where required.
Person Specification
Essential
- A warm, friendly and approachable person who genuinely enjoys meeting and talking with people from all backgrounds.
- Passionate about creativity, community and helping people feel they belong.
- Creative, proactive and full of ideas.
- Able to build positive relationships with a wide range of people.
- Able to work independently and use initiative.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills.
- Experience working in community, arts, wellbeing or charity settings.
- Experience coordinating activities, workshops or community programmes.
- Experience gathering monitoring or evaluation information and maintaining accurate records.
- Comfortable using digital systems including email, spreadsheets and online databases.
- Excellent communication and listening skills.
- Able to remain calm and professional when dealing with challenging situations.
- An understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- A strong commitment to equality, inclusion and community wellbeing.
- Flexible and willing to contribute as part of a small, supportive team.
Desirable
- Experience working with volunteers.
- Experience supporting funding reports or grant monitoring.
- Experience using social media to promote community activities.
- Understanding of trauma‑informed or wellbeing‑focused approaches.
- Knowledge of East Oxford communities.
- First Aid or Mental Health First Aid qualification (or willingness to undertake training).
- Additional Information
- This role requires regular on‑site working in the Welcome Space.
- Occasional evening or weekend working may be required to support events.
- The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
- Ark‑T is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
- As a growing community project, the Welcome Space will continue to evolve.
The responsibilities within this role are therefore intended as a guide and may develop over time in discussion with the postholder.
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Welcome Space Programme Manager in Oxford employer: Ark T
Ark-T is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant community-focused environment at The Welcome Space in Templars Square, Oxford. With a strong commitment to creativity, mental health, and community resilience, employees benefit from a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion, alongside opportunities for personal and professional growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a flexible work schedule and the chance to collaborate with passionate individuals dedicated to fostering connection and belonging.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Welcome Space Programme 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 Ark T.
✨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 Ark T.
✨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 Ark T.
✨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 Ark T. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Welcome Space Programme 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 Ark T. 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 Welcome Space Programme 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 Ark T
✨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 Ark T. 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!
