Operations Officer Maternity Cover x 2, 1 x Leicestershire, 1 x Nottinghamshire Maternity cover.

We are recruiting for two maternity roles (12 month Contracts). 1 x Nottinghamshire area, 1 x Leicestershire area. We're looking for two passionate, proactive and relationship-focused Operations Officers to join our England Operations team and support the delivery and growth of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE). This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with schools, colleges, charities, youth groups and other organisations, helping them deliver high-quality DofE programmes that inspire and develop young people.

As a key member of our Operations team, you'll build strong partnerships, provide expert support and training, and help ensure more young people, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds, can access the life-changing benefits of the DofE. Working remotely and within your local area, you'll manage a portfolio of Licensed Organisations while collaborating with colleagues across England to drive participation, quality and growth.

As an Operations Officer, you'll be the primary contact for a portfolio of Licensed Organisations (LOs), supporting them to successfully deliver the DofE programme and achieve their development goals:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, colleges, charities, local authorities and other Licensed Organisations.
• Provide day-to-day guidance, support, induction and training to DofE staff and volunteers.
• Create and implement development plans to help organisations grow and enhance their DofE provision.
• Monitor performance, analyse data and use online management tools to track targets and opportunities.
• Support organisations in effectively using eDofE and other DofE systems.
• Conduct licence reviews and contribute to onboarding new Licensed Organisations.
• Increase participation amongst young people who face barriers to opportunity, helping to create a more inclusive programme.
• Attend regular online and face-to-face meetings across your portfolio area.
• Support regional and national DofE events, including occasional weekend work and overnight stays.
• Contribute to projects, working groups, funding applications and reporting activities across the charity.
• Support the delivery of the DofE strategy and England Business Plan.

What we are looking for:

• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong communication and influencing abilities.
• Experience working independently while contributing effectively within a team.
• Outstanding organisational and administrative skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Strong written communication skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience facilitating meetings, delivering training or presenting to groups.
• A solution-focused mindset and confidence to challenge poor practice constructively.
• The ability to analyse and interpret data to support decision-making.
• Competency in Microsoft Office applications.

It would be great if you also have:

• Knowledge of experience of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
• An understanding of education, youth work or related sectors.
• Experience supporting programmes that promote inclusion and participation.

What you will need:

• To live within, or very close to, Nottinghamshire or Leicestershire.
• A willingness to travel regularly across your portfolio area using public transport or your own vehicle.
• Flexibility to work occasional early mornings, evenings and weekends to support meetings and events.

How to apply and interview dates:

If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply. The deadline for applying for this role is: Sunday 15th November - Midnight. 1st interviews will take place on: WC 23rd November - Virtual to be held via MS Teams. 2nd interviews will take place on: WC 30th if required.

If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if you would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us by email recruitment@dofe.org.

Benefits:

We offer excellent staff benefits including a generous pension contribution, an employee assistance programme, healthcare cash plan and volunteer leave. Also, 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and the New Year. Buy additional annual leave, benefits discount website, death in service benefit 4 x salary, incapacity benefit, generous family leave and sick leave.

The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.