At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful community development initiatives and drive strategic organisational change.
- Company: Join a non-profit dedicated to empowering ethnic minorities and migrant communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and innovation in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong financial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Diversity Resource International (DRI) is a Sussex-based non-profit community development organisation dedicated to empowering ethnic minorities and migrant communities. They deliver community development programmes, community-led research, leadership and enterprise support, and training for equity and inclusion. Working in partnership with communities and stakeholders, they centre lived experience, generate evidence for change, and co-create solutions that respond to real needs. Their approach is collaborative, reflective, and grounded in social justice.
Role Description
The Service Manager is a strategic leadership position responsible for translating DRI's organisational strategies and Theory of Change into impactful practice. This is a senior management position focused on leadership, accountability, and organisational sustainability. The Service Manager ensures that DRI’s four core pillars are delivered effectively:
- Community Development and Health and Wellbeing
- Community-Based Research
- Training, Education, Leadership and Enterprise
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership and Planning
- Strategic Implementation: Translate strategic goals and the Theory of Change into clear, deliverable actions and organisational outcomes.
- Operational Alignment: Plan and coordinate activities aligned with the five-year strategic plan, ensuring services are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
- Director Liaison: Act as a key bridge to the board of Directors, providing regular briefings on organisational performance, financial position, and strategic risks.
- Sustainability: Support long-term growth by aligning service delivery with emerging funding opportunities.
- People and Performance Management
- Direct Management: Line manage project leaders and staff, including recruitment, supervision, appraisals, and professional development.
- Strategic Delegation: Appropriately delegate responsibilities to project leads holding them accountable for outcomes and reporting.
- Performance Culture: Set clear objectives, manage team wellbeing, and address underperformance/conduct issues in line with organisational policies.
- Funding and Income Generation
- New Revenue: Act as a primary lead for securing new funding, identifying a pipeline of opportunities, and developing bids.
- Relationship Management: Build and maintain strategic partnerships with existing and new funders, stakeholders, and partners.
- Volunteer Development: Oversee the recruitment and development of volunteers to enhance DRI's operational capacity.
- Impact, Monitoring and Evaluation
- System Design: Implement simple yet effective systems to track outputs, outcomes, and impact across all organisational pillars.
- Evidence-Based Improvement: Use gathered data and learning to improve services and provide robust evidence for future funding applications.
- Complex Issue Resolution: Handle escalated complaints and complex service delivery issues professionally.
- Operational Excellence and Technology
- Tech Integration: Lead the use of technology (CRM systems, digital tools, AI) to streamline operations and reduce manual administration.
- Compliance: Ensure all services comply with relevant legislation, internal policies, and quality standards.
- Resource Management: Manage service budgets to ensure value for money and effective resource allocation.
Qualifications
- Strategic Leadership - Proven experience in a management role where focus was on strategic outcomes.
- Financial Acumen - Experience in budget management, financial forecasting, and successful income generation (grants/contracts).
- Change Management - Ability to implement a 'Theory of Change' and lead a team through organisational transitions.
- Digital Proficiency - Strong ability to use technology and AI tools to increase organisational efficiency and report on impact.
- Communication - Exceptional stakeholder management skills with the ability to represent DRI to external partners and funders.
Deadline to send CV and a Cover Letter to training@driorg.com is the 18th May 2026.
Service Manager in Lewes employer: Diversity Resource International
Diversity Resource International (DRI) is an exceptional employer that champions social justice and community empowerment in Sussex. With a strong focus on professional development, DRI fosters a collaborative work culture where employees are encouraged to innovate and lead impactful community programmes. The organisation offers unique opportunities for growth through strategic leadership roles, ensuring that staff can contribute meaningfully to the lives of ethnic minorities and migrant communities while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
Contact Detail:
Diversity Resource International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager in Lewes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the community development sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former employees at DRI. A friendly chat can open doors!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for social justice! When you get the chance to speak with someone from DRI, make sure to highlight your commitment to empowering ethnic minorities and migrant communities. Share your experiences and how they align with DRI's mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding DRI’s Theory of Change. Think about how your skills can translate into their strategic goals. We want to see you articulate how you can contribute to their community-led initiatives and organisational sustainability.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager in Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Service Manager role. Highlight your strategic leadership experience and any relevant achievements in community development or management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about empowering communities and how your background makes you a perfect fit for DRI's mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past roles, focus on the impact you've made. Use specific examples of how you've led teams, managed budgets, or secured funding. We love seeing evidence of your contributions to organisational success!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diversity Resource International
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Diversity Resource International's mission and values. Understand their core pillars and how they translate their Theory of Change into practice. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Service Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your strategic leadership skills. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed teams, implemented change, or driven organisational outcomes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Highlight Your Financial Acumen
Since the role involves budget management and income generation, be ready to discuss your experience in these areas. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or secured funding in previous positions. This will reassure them that you can handle the financial aspects of the role.
✨Prepare for Complex Issue Resolution Scenarios
Think about challenging situations you've faced in previous roles, especially those involving complaints or service delivery issues. Be prepared to discuss how you approached these challenges and what the outcomes were. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain professionalism under pressure.
