Opportunities manager in Saffron Walden

To attract people who might not otherwise consider journalism, widen access to the profession and support career progression, with equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of the role. The opportunities manager will lead the hands‑on management and continuous improvement of the NCTJ’s opportunity programmes, including the Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF), Community Reporting Fund (CRF) and internship schemes, careers and outreach activity, and the ambassador network.

The postholder will contribute to programme design, feasibility, costings and delivery partnerships, and take responsibility for implementation once programmes are approved and funded. The role combines programme management and development with hands‑on administration and responsive support for participants, partners and colleagues.

Key responsibilities

Programme portfolio and development

• Manage and continually improve the JDF, CRF and internship schemes, careers and outreach activity, and the NCTJ ambassador network, translating priorities into practical plans, budgets, timetables and measurable outcomes.
• Contribute to the design and feasibility assessment of new programmes, including target audiences, delivery models, costings, risks, evaluation and delivery partnerships; make evidence‑based recommendations and lead implementation once activity is approved and funded.
• Build effective relationships with participants, alumni, education providers, employers, community organisations, ambassadors and other delivery partners.

Delivery and administration

• Deliver substantial hands‑on administration across the portfolio, including enquiries, applications, eligibility and selection processes, onboarding, agreements, payments, records, databases, schedules, meetings and participant communications.
• Manage the JDF application and recipient journey, mentoring and development opportunities, and support the JDF advisory group, maintaining an organised, inclusive and reliable service.
• Plan and prioritise work across competing deadlines, especially during busy JDF periods and the introduction of new initiatives.

Governance, authority and assurance

• Embed robust JDF and programme procedures, including consistent eligibility and selection processes, accurate decision and authorisation records, appropriate checks on important communications, and prompt escalation of complaints, exceptional cases and safeguarding concerns.
• Make routine operational decisions within agreed policies, budgets and delegated authority. Seek approval for bursary awards, unbudgeted or higher‑value expenditure, material exceptions, and commitments to external partners before they are communicated or made.
• Maintain accurate and confidential programme, participant, financial and decision records in line with data protection, safeguarding and NCTJ policies.

Budgets, evaluation and communication

• Develop costings with relevant colleagues, monitor agreed expenditure, process invoices and payment information accurately, and report risks or variances promptly.
• Track reach, participation, experience, progression and impact; use data and feedback to improve programmes and provide clear updates for senior colleagues, funders and partners.
• Work with marketing and communications colleagues to promote opportunities and maintain accurate, accessible and inclusive careers and programme information.
• Undertake other duties consistent with the purpose and level of the role.

Person specification

Essential experience, skills and knowledge

• Experience of managing and improving programmes, projects or services involving multiple participants, partners and stakeholders.
• Strong programme‑management, organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to maintain accurate databases, budgets, records and processes while retaining oversight of wider objectives.
• Experience of supporting people from varied backgrounds with empathy, sound judgement and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Strong written and verbal communication and relationship‑management skills, with confidence working with participants, partners, funders and senior colleagues.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, assess practical risks and resource needs, and know when approval or escalation is required.
• A demonstrable passion for equality, diversity and inclusion and an understanding of barriers to entering and progressing in journalism.
• A genuine interest in journalism and its future; direct industry experience is not required.
• Experience of developing a new programme, service or pilot from initial need through design, costing, delivery and evaluation.
• Knowledge of journalism, journalism training, the NCTJ or routes into the media industry.
• Experience of bursary, grant, scholarship, mentoring, careers, outreach, internship or widening‑participation programmes.
• Experience of funding proposals, donor reporting, safeguarding, data protection or working in a charity, education, membership or not‑for‑profit environment.
• Approachable, inclusive and able to build trusted relationships.
• Strategic enough to see how programmes contribute to wider goals, while willing to take responsibility for detailed delivery.
• Calm, resilient and solutions‑focused.
• Conscientious and dependable, with high standards of accuracy and follow‑through.
• Proactive, collaborative and comfortable recommending better ways of working.

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