Operations Officer - Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Role Summary

We are looking for a team player who has a passion for the development of young people and who will be enthusiastic, engage and influence a variety of stakeholders and serve as an authentic ambassador for the DofE. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills are required to inspire and influence stakeholders to enable young people to participate in DofE. You will need to be exceptionally organised, prioritise workloads, meet deadlines and possess excellent administrative skills, being computer literate and competent in MS Office applications. The role will be a mixture of home‑based and field‑based. The successful application should live within or be easily commutable to the portfolio area and hold a valid driving licence with access to a vehicle.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) is a world‑leading youth charity which gives young people the chance to develop skills for work and life. Through a licensing process, we partner with youth organisations and support them in delivering our programmes to their young people, ranging from schools and colleges to local authorities, charities, secure units and community organisations. This is a 24‑month fixed‑term contract looking to start August/September 2026.

Responsibilities

• Closely manage relationships of licensed organisations (LOs) within the portfolio area, ensuring the delivery of quality and inclusive DofE programmes.
• Identify and develop new relationships with educational and community organisations to widen access of the DofE to young people, particularly those who experience marginalisation.
• Plan and conduct regular meetings, in person and virtually, engaging with a wide variety of stakeholders at different levels within organisations across the portfolio area.
• Maintain accurate records and administrative reports to support funding and statutory requirements.
• Provide feedback and support to the wider team so that policy and programme delivery can be continually improved.

Qualifications

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to engage with internal and external stakeholders and inspire them to support young people in the DofE.
• Exceptionally organised, able to prioritise workload, meet deadlines and deliver high quality administrative work.
• Computer literate and competent in Microsoft Office applications.
• Flexible, positive outlook and a commitment to teamwork.
• Valid driving licence with access to a vehicle, and residence within or commutable to the portfolio area.
• Experience working with a diverse range of stakeholders, ideally within educational or community settings.

Other Requirements

• All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.
• Geographical allowance based on a member of staff having a home or office–based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.

Benefits

• Generous pension contribution.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Healthcare cash plan and volunteer leave.
• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and the New Year.
• Option to buy additional annual leave.
• Benefits discount website.
• Death in service benefit of 4× salary.
• Incapacity benefit.
• Generous family leave and sick leave.