Community Centre Manager

Heathhall Community Centre; Dumfries; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Heathhall Community Centre seeks a proactive Community Centre Manager to provide professional leadership, coordination, and operational management. You will support volunteers, manage bookings and partnerships, and ensure high-quality services for Heathhall residents.

The role requires experience in community programmes, safeguarding, and governance, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends to meet community needs.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing or coordinating community programmes, services, or facilities.
• Experience working with children, young people, families, or community groups.
• Experience supporting volunteers or staff teams.
• Experience of partnership working across agencies and sectors.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the centre, ensuring smooth operations.
• Manage facility maintenance, safety, and security.
• Recruit, train, and supervise staff and volunteers.
• Promote a positive, collaborative working environment.
• Develop governance, risk and policy compliance with trustees.

Skills

Leadership

Organisational skills

Community engagement

Volunteer management

Report writing

Safeguarding knowledge

Staff development

Education

Community Development / Social Work / Youth Work qualification

Tools

IT systems

Job description

Community Centre Manager

Responsible to: Heathhall Community Centre Trustees

Salary: Up to £18hpw (experience dependent)

Hours per week: Up to 36

Base: Heathhall Community Centre

Contract: To 31.03.27 with possible extension

Level of PVG check: Enhanced

The Organisation

Heathhall Community Centre provides a local point in the community for activities that support the health and wellbeing of people locally, with a focus on Heathhall residents. The committee’s main role is the day to day running and maintenance of the Centre, with most activities delivered by outside groups and organisations who hire the facilities. The committee also runs its own volunteer led groups and activities, including crafts, after school club, bingo, quiz nights, race nights, and an annual community event.

Main Aim of the Role

To provide professional leadership, coordination, and operational management of Heathhall Community Centre, ensuring high quality services, strong community engagement, and effective support for volunteers and partners. The role will strengthen the Centre’s capacity to deliver activities and services that address local needs, particularly for those affected by poverty and inequalities.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the centre, ensuring smooth operations.
• Manage facility maintenance, safety, and security.
• Support in the development of vision and business planning.
• Schedule and coordinate bookings, programs, and events.

Staff and Volunteer Management

• Recruit, train, and supervise staff and volunteers.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide support and development opportunities.
• Promote a positive, collaborative working environment.
• Ensure all staff and volunteers are aware of and comply with charity policies, safeguarding, health and safety, and equality legislation.
• Develop volunteer recruitment, induction, and recognition processes to maintain engagement and retention.
• Support the committee in maintaining good governance and accountability across all centre operations.

Community Engagement

Working with the Community Development Worker and Trustees

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local residents, groups, and service providers.
• Promote the centre’s services and activities through outreach, social media, and local events.
• Encourage community involvement and feedback to help shape programming.
• Collaborate with local authorities, voluntary organisations, and funders to strengthen partnerships and deliver joint initiatives.
• Contribute to strategic planning and community consultation to ensure the centre’s activities reflect local needs and priorities.

Financial and Administrative Duties

• Manage budgets, monitor expenditure, and maintain accurate financial records working with the charity treasurer.
• Seek funding opportunities and prepare grant applications and reports.
• Ensure compliance with charity law, GDPR, and financial control policies.
• Develop systems for monitoring and evaluating programmes, collecting data and feedback to measure impact and inform future planning.
• Prepare reports for trustees and funders, highlighting outcomes, challenges, and learning.
• Support the committee in risk management and policy implementation.

Strategic Development

• Work with the board and Community Development Worker to develop long-term strategies.
• Evaluate programmes and services, ensuring they meet community needs and organisational goals.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for growth and innovation.

General Role Related Expectations

• Work within the Centre’s values, ethos, and vision.
• Recognise the complexities of working with volunteers and approach this with empathy, understanding, and patience.
• Commit to personal development and attend training as required.
• Undergo regular supervision and appraisal.
• Work flexibly, including evenings and weekends, according to the needs of the Centre.
• Based within the Community Centre, support daily operations as required.
• To contribute to the development of the Community Centre.
• To work in accordance with all policies and procedures of the Community Centre, particularly (but not exclusively) Health and Safety, Information Governance and Safeguarding.
• To work in accordance with all relevant legislation.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role.

Person Specification – Community Centre Manager

Experience

• Experience in managing or coordinating community programmes, services, or facilities.
• Experience working with children, young people, families, or community groups.
• Experience supporting volunteers or staff teams.
• Experience of partnership working across agencies and sectors.
• Experience of developing community participation and overcoming barriers to engagement.
• Experience of project planning, delivery, and reporting.

Skills

• Strong leadership and motivational skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to build strong community relationships and links.
• Ability to engage with diverse groups, including those who do not usually access services.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including report writing.
• Ability to develop ways to measure service impact.
• Confidence in facilitating groups and meetings.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Patience, tact, sincerity, and the ability to earn trust.
• Ability to establish boundaries and challenge inappropriate behaviour.

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of the Heathhall area and local services.
• Understanding of barriers faced by individuals accessing mainstream services.
• Knowledge of running community projects, activities, and reporting.
• Knowledge of grant applications and funding processes.
• Knowledge of IT systems, administration, and creative technology for promotional purposes.

Education / Qualifications

• Qualification in Community Development, Social Work, Youth Work, Community Education, or similar.

Personal Qualities

• Positive outlook and a “can do” attitude.
• Personal resilience and flexibility.
• Have empathy and patience to understand the challenges of working with volunteers.
• Commitment to the Centre’s mission, values, and non judgemental approach.
• Commitment to personal development and ongoing learning.
• Ability to work autonomously when required.
• Driving licence desirable but must be able to travel independently.