At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative programmes helping ex-prisoners find meaningful work and rebuild their lives.
- Company: Mission-driven organisation focused on rehabilitation and community support.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, training opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme coordination or community services; strong communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible working with travel to prisons and partners; full driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 36000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager to oversee the delivery of two innovative rehabilitation and employment initiatives supporting people leaving prison into meaningful, sustainable work.
Location: Hybrid. Ideally based in or around Birmingham, but applicants based in London will also be considered.
Salary: £38,000 to £42,000
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 28th November 2025
About the Role
This is a hands-on delivery and coordination role working across the organisations two flagship programmes, Inside Job and Choirs Beating Time. You will ensure high quality and consistent delivery across prisons and in the community, supporting people with convictions into employment and purposeful lives. The role is hybrid, with time split between home working, our Birmingham or London office, and planned visits to prisons and partners. Travel expenses are covered and visits are scheduled in advance. You must hold a full driving licence and have access to a car.
Working closely with the CEO and COO, you will coordinate delivery activity, support Community Consultants, maintain strong relationships with prisons and partners, and use data and insight to help improve outcomes. If you have experience in programme coordination, employability, rehabilitation or community services and want to work in a mission-driven environment, this could be a great fit.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the successful delivery of Inside Job and Choirs Beating Time across prisons and in the community
- Coordinate delivery activity, logistics, partner relationships and reporting
- Maintain positive working relationships with prisons, probation services, employers and community partners
- Support Community Consultants with resources, scheduling, communication and problem solving
- Monitor programme performance, gather data and help translate insights into improvements
- Work with the CEO and COO on planning, scheduling and programme development
- Represent the organisation at meetings, events or partner visits when required
About You
You will be proactive, organised and confident working with a wide range of people and partners. You do not need to have worked in a prison setting before. Training and guidance will be provided and the organisation will support you through the Ministry of Justice security vetting process.
Essential skills and experience:
- Experience coordinating or delivering programmes within justice, employability, rehabilitation, community, homelessness, youth or similar environments
- Strong organisational and project coordination skills
- Good communicator able to build relationships with a range of partners and stakeholders
- Data literate with the ability to track progress and update reports
- Empathetic, non judgemental and comfortable working with people with convictions
- Full driving licence and access to a car for prison visits
Desirable:
- Experience supporting or managing staff or volunteers
- Experience working within prisons, probation or other regulated environments
- Experience in employment support, coaching or case management
About the Programmes
Inside Job is the UKs first peer-led employment initiative supporting people leaving prison into sustainable work. It empowers people with lived experience to support others, improving confidence and reducing reoffending. Choirs Beating Time uses music to build confidence, communication and connection both in prison and in the community, helping people develop skills and a renewed sense of purpose.
What We Offer
- Hybrid working with flexibility between home, office and planned prison visits
- Training, professional development and sector networking opportunities
- Supportive team environment with a strong mission and values
- The chance to shape and grow two high impact programmes
Other roles you may have experience of could include: Programme Coordinator, Operations Coordinator, Employment Coach, Caseworker, Rehabilitation Worker or Project Manager.
Programme Manager employer: NFP People
Contact Detail:
NFP People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential employers on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Programme Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its programmes. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When discussing your experience, use specific instances where you’ve successfully coordinated programmes or built relationships with partners. This will demonstrate your capability and make you memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Programme Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in programme coordination, employability, or rehabilitation, and show us how you can contribute to our mission.
Showcase Your Skills: We want to see your organisational and communication skills shine through! Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've successfully built relationships with partners or managed projects.
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value empathy and a non-judgemental approach, so share your passion for supporting people with convictions and how you connect with diverse communities.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at NFP People
✨Know the Programmes Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Inside Job and Choirs Beating Time programmes. Familiarise yourself with their goals, target audience, and how they operate. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Coordination Skills
As a Programme Manager, you'll need strong organisational skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully coordinated projects or managed relationships with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Communication
This role involves working closely with people with convictions, so it's crucial to convey your empathetic approach. Think of instances where you've effectively communicated with diverse groups and how you built trust. Highlight your ability to connect with individuals from different backgrounds.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's future plans for the programmes, team dynamics, or how success is measured. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to the organisation's growth.