Youth Support Manager

Youth Support Manager

Full-Time 36000 £ / year No working from home possible
The National Youth Orchestra

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support young people's wellbeing and development through music, ensuring their happiness and security.
  • Company: Join the National Youth Orchestra, a leading organisation in orchestral music for youth.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, health cash plan, discounts, and a supportive team environment.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for creativity and collaboration in a vibrant London office.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in teenagers' lives while fostering their love for music.
  • Qualifications: Strong team management skills and experience in handling sensitive conversations with young people.

The National Youth Orchestra is the UK’s leading organisation championing orchestral music as a powerful agent for teenage development. We activate teenagers’ confidence, optimism and skills to play their part in the world today, through performing and sharing extraordinary music.

We are looking for a Youth Support Manager to deliver outstanding pastoral care and safeguarding across NYO’s national programme. This role is central to ensuring that young people feel happy, listened to and secure while participating in NYO activities. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting young people’s wellbeing and development through music.

You will manage the year-round processes, people and routines that enable consistent safeguarding and welfare practice, champion NYO’s ethos and help young people thrive on every project. You will also be a visible and responsive point of contact for young people and staff during NYO activity, during residential courses and non-residential and online delivery. You will line manage the Youth Support Co-ordinator and manage the freelance Support Team workforce.

Working closely with colleagues across the Programmes team, you will ensure that pastoral needs are embedded into project planning, risk assessment, delivery and debrief processes. The ideal candidate will combine strong team management skills with a rigorous approach to administration. You will be confident handling conversations with teenagers and their parents/carers, managing sensitive information, and co-ordinating practical logistics in a busy residential environment.

At NYO, you’ll join a values-led, mission-driven organisation where people care deeply about the impact of their work. Our staff team is supportive, friendly and ambitious, united by a shared belief in the potential of young people and the power of orchestral music. Our offices near Holborn in central London are a lively base for collaboration and creativity.

NYO offers hybrid working, health cash plan, a cycle-to-work scheme, retail and entertainment discounts, and a 24/7 counselling and support helpline. Most NYO projects take place during school holidays or at weekends, and the postholder will be expected to attend the majority of residential activities. The role will include some weekend and statutory holiday working, for which a TOIL policy is in place. Outside project periods, the core office days are Tuesday and Wednesday.

Visit our website to find out more and apply.

Deadline for applications: 10am, Monday 29 June 2026

First round interviews: Monday 6 July 2026

Youth Support Manager employer: The National Youth Orchestra

The National Youth Orchestra is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises the wellbeing and development of young people through music. Located in the vibrant heart of central London, our team enjoys a values-driven culture with opportunities for professional growth, alongside benefits such as hybrid working, health cash plans, and a cycle-to-work scheme. Join us in making a meaningful impact while being part of a passionate community that believes in the transformative power of orchestral music.

The National Youth Orchestra

Contact Details:

The National Youth Orchestra Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Youth Support Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the music and youth support sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Show your passion for youth development and music! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and how they align with NYO’s mission. Let them see your enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference in young people's lives.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching NYO’s projects and values. Think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. Practise answering common interview questions, but also be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've made an impact in similar roles.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the NYO team. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and why you’re the perfect fit for the Youth Support Manager role.

We think you need these skills to ace Youth Support Manager

Pastoral Care
Safeguarding
Team Management
Communication Skills
Administrative Skills
Logistics Coordination
Risk Assessment

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Music:When writing your application, let your love for orchestral music shine through! We want to see how you connect with the mission of NYO and how you can inspire young people through music.

Highlight Your Experience with Young People:Make sure to showcase any relevant experience you have working with teenagers. We’re looking for someone who can relate to them and support their wellbeing, so share those stories that demonstrate your skills!

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us see your qualifications quickly!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting role. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at The National Youth Orchestra

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you understand the National Youth Orchestra's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their programmes and how they support young people's development through music. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their goals.

Showcase Your People Skills

As a Youth Support Manager, you'll be working closely with teenagers and their families. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed sensitive conversations or resolved conflicts in the past. Highlight your ability to create a safe and supportive environment for young people.

Demonstrate Team Management Experience

Be ready to discuss your experience in managing teams, especially in busy environments. Share specific instances where you've led a team effectively, ensuring everyone felt valued and supported. This will illustrate your capability to manage the Youth Support Co-ordinator and freelance Support Team.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the organisation. Inquire about their approach to safeguarding and pastoral care, or how they measure the impact of their programmes on young people's wellbeing. This shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the position.