Social Impact Manager (Community/Partnerships) in Manchester

This role is specifically for our Sister team based in Renold Building in the centre of Manchester. Sister is a joint venture between The University of Manchester and Bruntwood SciTech that will transform the University's former north campus into a new neighbourhood and innovation platform.

Based in the heart of Manchester City Centre and set over 4m sq ft, Sister will be recognised internationally as one of the world’s leading applied innovation districts. It will enable resilient and sustainable growth across the city region, creating over 10,000 jobs and delivering over 2m sq ft of office, innovation, retail and leisure spaces, new homes and a variety of nature-led public spaces.

Job purpose: You’ll take the lead role in developing key partnerships and connecting with local communities to help build an inclusive and sustainable innovation ecosystem. If you are passionate about helping people and excited about working in a dynamic start-up environment, then this role is for you.

What we’re looking for:

• Someone who is deeply committed to social impact and excited about making a tangible difference for our partners and the Manchester community.
• Proactive in developing key strategic partnerships across the local community around Sister, collaborating with and updating them regularly.
• Ability to work collaboratively across diverse groups, from school teachers and residents to corporate joint venture partners.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required to chair panels, lead meetings, and coordinate with the wider team.
• Comfortable with a hands-on role, including the logistics of supporting on-site community events and managing community spaces.
• A proactive problem-solver who thrives in an ambitious, growing environment.
• A sense of shared values and outlook aligned to the Sister Team Principles.
• Able to track social value data and translating activities into formal quarterly achievements.

What you’ll be doing:

• You’ll work closely with our marketing & Innovation teams at Sister to collaboratively drive the eco-system forwards.
• Build on existing relationships and manage partnerships with key organisations such as Black Creative Trailblazers, Young Manchester and Butterfly Futures.
• Develop and manage connections with local communities through community outreach, including hosting the Community Panel, engaging with local residents associations and schools.
• Encourage and support collaboration by managing the ‘access to community space’ initiative at the Renold Innovation Hub, providing free/discounted facilities to local groups and charities.
• Curate community representation on the website, updating event and community pages to highlight the partnership-based activity and the ecosystem’s impact.
• Liaise with local government and educational institutions to align on regional skills, work, and civic engagement agendas.
• Act as the ‘voice of the community’ by hosting monthly drop-ins and responding to partnership enquiries to ensure the project remains accessible and inclusive.
• Organise "Cares Day" opportunities and seasonal charitable activities, such as foodbank donations, to drive employee volunteering and partner engagement.
• You’ll shape and implement the Social Value Strategy for Sister by collecting data on grants and in-kind support to produce high-quality quarterly impact reports.

Benefits:

• 28 days holiday plus you get your Birthday off work - and you can buy & sell holidays.
• Company bonus - paid annually.
• 24 hours a year volunteer time - opportunities to support causes you care about.
• Sabbatical of up to 12 months after five years with us.
• Healthcare cash plan for all colleagues, with optional private healthcare cover.
• Life assurance for all colleagues.
• Up to 8% matched pension scheme.
• Discounts & cashback at leading retailers.
• Enhanced maternity / shared parental leave - 26 weeks fully paid leave.
• Interest free loans to pursue your passions and apply for up to £2000 towards learning a new skill.