At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community development initiatives and drive impactful change for ethnic minorities and migrant communities.
- Company: Join a non-profit dedicated to social justice and community empowerment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and innovation in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be a strategic leader and help shape a more inclusive society.
- Qualifications: Proven management experience with a focus on strategic outcomes and financial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Diversity Resource International (DRI) is a Sussex-based non-profit community development organisation dedicated to empowering ethnic minorities and migrant communities. They deliver community development programmes, community-led research, leadership and enterprise support, and training for equity and inclusion. Working in partnership with communities and stakeholders, they centre lived experience, generate evidence for change, and co-create solutions that respond to real needs. Their approach is collaborative, reflective, and grounded in social justice.
The Service Manager is a strategic leadership position responsible for translating DRI's organisational strategies and Theory of Change into impactful practice. This is a senior management position focused on leadership, accountability, and organisational sustainability.
The Service Manager ensures that DRI’s four core pillars are delivered effectively:
- Community Development and Health and Wellbeing
- Community-Based Research
- Training, Education, Leadership and Enterprise
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership and Planning
- Strategic Implementation: Translate strategic goals and the Theory of Change into clear, deliverable actions and organizational outcomes.
- Operational Alignment: Plan and coordinate activities aligned with the five-year strategic plan, ensuring services are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
- Director Liaison: Act as a key bridge to the board of Directors, providing regular briefings on organisational performance, financial position, and strategic risks.
- Sustainability: Support long-term growth by aligning service delivery with emerging funding opportunities.
- People and Performance Management
- Direct Management: Line manage project leaders and staff, including recruitment, supervision, appraisals, and professional development.
- Strategic Delegation: Appropriately delegate responsibilities to project leads holding them accountable for outcomes and reporting.
- Performance Culture: Set clear objectives, manage team wellbeing, and address underperformance/conduct issues in line with organizational policies.
- Funding and Income Generation
- New Revenue: Act as a primary lead for securing new funding, identifying a pipeline of opportunities, and developing bids.
- Relationship Management: Build and maintain strategic partnerships with existing and new funders, stakeholders, and partners.
- Volunteer Development: Oversee the recruitment and development of volunteers to enhance DRI’s operational capacity.
- Impact, Monitoring and Evaluation
- System Design: Implement simple yet effective systems to track outputs, outcomes, and impact across all organisational pillars.
- Evidence-Based Improvement: Use gathered data and learning to improve services and provide robust evidence for future funding applications.
- Complex Issue Resolution: Handle escalated complaints and complex service delivery issues professionally.
- Operational Excellence and Technology
- Tech Integration: Lead the use of technology (CRM systems, digital tools, AI) to streamline operations and reduce manual administration.
- Compliance: Ensure all services comply with relevant legislation, internal policies, and quality standards.
- Resource Management: Manage service budgets to ensure value for money and effective resource allocation.
Qualifications
- Strategic Leadership - Proven experience in a management role where focus was on strategic outcomes.
- Financial Acumen - Experience in budget management, financial forecasting, and successful income generation (grants/contracts).
- Change Management - Ability to implement a 'Theory of Change' and lead a team through organisational transitions.
- Digital Proficiency - Strong ability to use technology and AI tools to increase organisational efficiency and report on impact.
- Communication - Exceptional stakeholder management skills with the ability to represent DRI to external partners and funders.
Please send both a CV and a Cover Letter to training@driorg.com
Service Manager in Lewes employer: Vandu Languages
Diversity Resource International (DRI) is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises the empowerment of ethnic minorities and migrant communities. Located in Sussex, DRI provides meaningful opportunities for professional growth and development, ensuring that employees are supported in their roles while contributing to impactful community-led initiatives. With a strong focus on social justice and sustainability, DRI fosters an environment where innovative ideas thrive, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager in Lewes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up social media platforms like LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that Service Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research is key! Dive deep into DRI’s mission and values. Understanding their community development programmes and how they empower ethnic minorities will help us tailor our conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to strategic leadership and performance management. We can even do mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost our confidence and refine our answers.
✨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 we’re serious about joining the team and contributing to DRI’s impactful work.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager in Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Service Manager role. Highlight your strategic leadership experience and any relevant achievements in community development or funding generation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about empowering ethnic minorities and migrant communities. Share specific examples of how you've made an impact in similar roles.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen:Since budget management and income generation are key parts of the role, be sure to include any relevant experience you have in these areas. We want to see how you've successfully managed finances in past positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vandu Languages
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Diversity Resource International's mission and values. Understand their core pillars and how they translate their Theory of Change into practice. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Service Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your strategic leadership skills. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams, managed projects, or implemented change. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Prepare for Funding Discussions
Since securing funding is a key responsibility, be ready to discuss your experience with income generation and relationship management. Think of successful bids you've developed or partnerships you've built, and be prepared to explain how you can bring that expertise to DRI.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to EDI
Given DRI's focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion, it's crucial to articulate your understanding and commitment to these principles. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that promote EDI, and how you plan to integrate these values into your role.
