At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop impactful youth services for young people aged 11-25.
- Company: Join YMCA St Paul’s Group, Europe's largest YMCA and a leading charity.
- Benefits: Enjoy free gym access, discounts, well-being services, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive, inclusive environment with excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: 3+ years managing youth services and a level 3 qualification in youth studies.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 36000 £ per year.
Do you have a passion for working and supporting young people? If yes, this could be a role for you. Lead youth work that changes lives!
YMCA St Paul’s Youth Project is looking for an ambitious, values-led Youth Work Development Manager to lead, grow and energise youth services for young people aged 11–25.
About YMCA St Paul’s Group:
YMCA St Paul’s Group is the largest YMCA in Europe and a leading provider of supported housing, youth and community services. The Youth Project is a registered charity and subsidiary of YMCA St Paul’s Group, delivering innovative youth services and programmes that support young people. Together, we create inclusive places where young people, families and communities can be safe, healthy, connected and confident. Our work empowers individuals to develop their potential, strengthen their wellbeing and make positive contributions to their communities.
By joining us, you will become an important part of a supportive and values-driven organisation that is committed to making a lasting difference. We offer learning and development opportunities.
Being part of YMCA St Paul’s Group means not only working for a great London-based charity that has supported young people and communities for over 150 years, but also being part of a national association and global movement. We are one of the UK’s Top 100 Best Workplaces 2026 and have also been recognised as one of the UK’s Top 100 Best Workplaces for Development 2026, Wellbeing 2026 and Women 2026.
About the Role:
This is a brilliant opportunity for an experienced youth work leader who can bring people together, turn ideas into action, and build safe, inclusive and high-impact services for young people, especially those facing disadvantage.
- Lead YMCA St Paul’s Youth Project services across multiple sites.
- Develop new youth services and funded projects from idea to delivery.
- Support, coach and motivate staff and volunteers.
- Manage budgets, performance, quality and impact reporting.
- Build strong partnerships with funders, local agencies and communities.
- Ensure a high level of quality and impact whilst adhering to budgetary limitations and business processes.
- Keep safeguarding, inclusion and young people's wellbeing at the centre of everything we do.
About You:
We are looking for a passionate, organised, and aspirational leader, who is looking to enhance, sustain and develop what we offer to young people living in London. You must have at least 3 years’ experience managing youth services across multiple sites. You will also hold a minimum level 3 qualification in youth-related studies. You will also have a proven track record of setting up and delivering funded projects from beginning to end ensuring the best outcomes are achieved for young people. This is a crucial role within the Youth team and is ideal for people who are looking to develop their career in the sector. We are looking for an inspirational and dedicated individual who has a genuine desire to transform lives.
What we offer:
At YMCA St Paul's Group, we prioritise improving diversity and inclusion in the workplace and our services. We value your authenticity and unique voice and encourage you to share your opinions. You will have the opportunity to be a catalyst for change by actively participating in our Employee Resource Groups. You can learn, grow, and reach your full potential as a team member. We are committed to your development and will support your personal growth journey. Our comprehensive learning and development programme includes training, qualifications, and on-the-job experience, ensuring that you have the skills necessary for your role while offering continuous development and advancement opportunities.
In addition, you will have access to a range of benefits which will support you in mind, body, and spirit, which include:
- Free gym access across our sites.
- Discounts from major retailers and supermarkets.
- Free access to well-being and counselling services.
- The ability to work from a range of outer London work locations.
- Career development programmes to help you thrive.
- Family-friendly policies to help you balance work-life, including enhanced maternity pay.
- Life Assurance (permanent contracts only).
Please note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship and can only accept applications from individuals who already have the right to work in the UK. As this role involves working with vulnerable members of society including regulated activity, a Basic, Standard or Enhanced Criminal Disclosure will be required following a conditional offer. We are making people aware of this because with Enhanced disclosures, spent convictions may appear. However, if you were appointed, we will consider all circumstances before making a final decision.
Previous applications: If you have applied for a similar role within the last six months and were unsuccessful, we encourage you to consider whether your experience has developed further before reapplying.
Accessibility & adjustments: We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know in advance if you require any support to participate fully. At YMCA St Paul’s Group, we actively promote equality of opportunity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, and value the diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives that make our workforce stronger.
The successful candidate will be expected to uphold and work in accordance with the Christian ethos and values of the YMCA.
Interview dates: 16th and 17th of September.
Youth Work Development Manager employer: YMCA St Paul's Group
YMCA St Paul’s Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where your contributions directly impact the lives of young people and communities. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to comprehensive training programmes and career advancement opportunities, all while enjoying a range of benefits including free gym access and family-friendly policies. Join us in our mission to transform communities and thrive in a supportive culture that values diversity and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Work Development Manager
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by YMCA St Paul's Group.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like YMCA St Paul's Group.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at YMCA St Paul's Group.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at YMCA St Paul's Group. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Work Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of YMCA St Paul's Group. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Youth Work Development Manager, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA St Paul's Group
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of YMCA St Paul's Group. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
