Graduate Development Manager (Legal) in Oxted

About the opportunity

Voluntary Action Surrey East (VASE) helps local organisations build capacity, navigate change and connect with opportunities and support. We are seeking an experienced, practical manager to lead this work and support our small staff team. You will combine direct advice and development support with service planning, staff supervision and reliable internal systems. You will build relationships with local groups and stakeholders to improve access to VASE's services, with particular attention to smaller and grassroots organisations.

Purpose of the role

• Lead organisational development support, coordinate VASE's volunteering and administrative functions through the two direct reports, and maintain clear plans, service standards and evidence of impact.
• Provide practical advice and development support to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations across East Surrey on their governance, leadership, organisational planning, funding readiness and sustainability.
• Work with the trustees, staff and volunteers of these organisations to identify their needs, agree achievable development actions and review progress.
• Help local VCSE organisations strengthen their own policies, systems and decision-making, recognising the limits of general advice and referring specialist legal, financial or other enquiries appropriately.
• Plan and deliver accessible training, workshops, resources and peer learning that build the skills and capacity of local VCSE organisations.
• Proactively reach smaller, grassroots and less-connected VCSE organisations, identifying unmet needs and gaps in the support VASE offers them.

Volunteering and local connections

• Support the Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator to deliver VASE's volunteering services, with clear priorities, consistent enquiry handling and appropriate follow-up.
• Help local organisations improve volunteer recruitment, support and retention through VASE's advice, resources and learning opportunities.
• Develop VASE forums and networks that enable local organisations to share knowledge and access support, avoiding duplication.
• Maintain operational relationships with councils, NHS colleagues, funders and community organisations where these help deliver VASE's services.
• Represent VASE within delegated authority and refer strategic commitments to the Chief Executive.

People management and operations

• Line manages two staff, with clear objectives, regular one-to-ones, feedback, appraisals and development support.
• Coordinate workloads, leave and cover so that office administration, volunteering services and organisational support remain reliable.
• Address performance concerns within VASE policy and delegated authority.
• Oversee practical office workflows, enquiries, record keeping and service information, working through the Office Administrator and improving processes where needed.
• Maintain a proportionate service plan with priorities, milestones, responsibilities and risks.
• Monitor delivery and resource use, and alert the Chief Executive when capacity or funding commitments are at risk.
• Monitor any delegated service budget within agreed limits; obtain approval for spending, recruitment or contractual commitments outside those limits.

Impact and service improvement

• Maintain accurate, secure records of support, reach, outcomes and feedback, including which groups VASE is reaching and where barriers remain.
• Coordinate monitoring and evidence for VASE's own funding commitments and prepare clear reports for the Chief Executive as required.
• Use feedback, case studies and local intelligence gathered through VASE's work to improve services and inform recommendations on future priorities.

Accountability

The manager takes day-to-day decisions within agreed plans, policies, budgets and delegated authority. Agree priorities and decision limits with the Chief Executive, bring clear options when approval is needed, and escalate significant safeguarding, staffing, financial, delivery or reputational concerns promptly. Changes to organisational policy, staffing establishment, major bids or strategic commitments require the appropriate approval.

Person specification

We value capability, judgement and transferable experience.

Essential

• Strong experience supporting VCSE organisations with organisational development, volunteer management, governance, funding or sustainability, or closely related infrastructure work.
• Strong experience in people management, including supervision, feedback, development and appropriate handling of performance concerns.
• Ability to plan and coordinate several services or projects, manage workloads and turn complex issues into practical action.
• Understanding of VCSE and the pressures facing charities and community groups, including small and grassroots organisations.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills with trustees, staff, volunteers and stakeholders; ability to facilitate learning and produce clear reports.
• Sound judgement, initiative and ability to work independently within delegated authority, identifying when to seek advice or escalate.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, use everyday digital systems and monitoring information, and manage resources responsibly.
• Commitment to inclusion, confidentiality, safeguarding and accessible services.
• Ability to travel reliably across East Surrey, with reasonable adjustments considered.

Desirable

• Experience developing volunteering services or advising on volunteer management.
• Experience designing training, supporting networks or using impact evidence to improve services.
• Knowledge of East Surrey's VCSE sector and relevant local public-sector services.

How you work

You bring calm, practical judgement, build trust and handle difficult conversations constructively. You balance a supportive approach with clear accountability, welcome feedback and help a small team focus on achievable priorities.

Working at VASE

Working arrangements

The role is based at VASE's Oxted office, with regular visits, meetings and activities across East Surrey. Plan time to balance service delivery, staff support and office responsibilities. Some meetings or events may occasionally take place outside normal office hours. Time off in lieu or other arrangements will be managed in line with VASE policy.

General responsibilities

• Work in line with VASE policies, values, safeguarding procedures, equality commitments and information governance requirements.
• Represent VASE professionally within the responsibilities delegated by the Chief Executive.
• Contribute flexibly to the work of a small organisation and undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the level and purpose of the role.