Community Centre Manager

South Oxford Community Centre; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

South Oxford Community Centre is seeking a proactive Centre Manager to lead day-to-day operations, develop the Centre's future, and work with the Board of Trustees to deliver inclusive, community-focused services.

You will manage staff and volunteers, oversee facilities and bookings, monitor budgets and support fundraising, ensuring governance, safeguarding and Health & Safety compliance across the centre.

Qualifications

• Experience of managing people, volunteers, services or day-to-day operations.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Comfortable working with budgets, income/expenditure and financial information.
• Ability to build positive relationships with community groups, partners and funders.
• Understanding safeguarding, Health & Safety, data protection and charity governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day management of the Centre, ensuring it is welcoming, safe, well organised and responsive to community needs.
• Manage and support staff and volunteers, creating a positive, inclusive working environment.
• Oversee facilities, bookings, maintenance, suppliers and contractors.
• Develop relationships with community groups, hirers and local partners to increase use and impact.
• Manage budgets and support fundraising and long-term financial sustainability.
• Work with the Board of Trustees to provide updates and practical support.
• Ensure policies and records cover safeguarding, H&S, data protection and governance.

Skills

People management

Budget management

Fundraising

Communication

Governance

Job description

South Oxford Community Centre has been at the heart of our community for over 100 years. As a registered charity, we provide a welcoming, inclusive space where people of all ages and backgrounds can meet, learn, create and take part in a wide range of activities. Our ethos is simple: to strengthen our community by providing affordable, accessible facilities that bring people together.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised and community-minded Centre Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of the Centre and help shape its future.

Position: Community Centre Manager

Location: South Oxford Community Centre, Lake Street, Oxford

Hours: 28 hours to be worked over 5 days (open to flexible working/job share)

Salary: £30,940 FT Pro rata for working hours (£17 per hour)

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 30 August 2026

About the role

We are looking for a Community Centre Manager to lead the day-to-day running and future development of South Oxford Community Centre. This new role at the centre is a varied and rewarding role, working closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure the Centre is welcoming, well managed, financially sustainable and responsive to the needs of the local community.

You will lead staff and volunteers, oversee the Centre’s operations and facilities, develop community activities and partnerships, manage budgets and support fundraising, while ensuring the charity meets its governance, safeguarding, Health & Safety and other compliance responsibilities.

Main responsibilities and duties

• Lead the day-to-day management of the Centre, ensuring it is welcoming, safe, well organised and responsive to community needs.
• Manage and support staff and volunteers, helping to create a positive, inclusive and effective working environment.
• Oversee facilities, bookings, maintenance, suppliers and contractors to ensure the smooth running of the building and services.
• Develop relationships with community groups, hirers, local partners and stakeholders to increase use of the Centre and strengthen its community impact.
• Manage budgets, income and expenditure, and support fundraising, grant applications and long-term financial sustainability.
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees, providing updates, advice and practical support to help deliver the Centre’s aims.
• Ensure appropriate policies, procedures and records are maintained, including in relation to safeguarding, Health & Safety, data protection and charity governance.

About You

We are looking for an organised, confident and community-minded manager who can lead the day-to-day running of South Oxford Community Centre while helping it grow as a welcoming, inclusive and sustainable space for local people.

• You will bring experience of managing people, volunteers, services or day-to-day operations, with the ability to motivate others and create a positive working culture.
• You will be a strong communicator and organiser, able to balance operational detail with the bigger picture and work effectively with Trustees, staff, volunteers, hirers and local partners.
• You will be comfortable working with budgets, income, expenditure and financial information, and able to support the Centre’s long-term financial sustainability.
• You will be confident building positive relationships with community groups, partner organisations, funders and local stakeholders.
• You will understand the importance of running a safe, well-managed and compliant organisation, including responsibilities relating to Health & Safety, safeguarding, data protection and relevant legislation.
• You will be able to work independently, use sound judgement and provide practical support to a voluntary Board of Trustees.

Most importantly, you will share our commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and community development.

It would also be helpful, but not essential, if you have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Managing a community centre, charity, social enterprise or similar organisation.
• Fundraising, grant applications or grant management.
• Facilities management, building maintenance or managing contractors.
• Working with Trustees or supporting charity governance.
• Developing community programmes, activities or services.

You may have experience of the following: Community Hub Manager, Community Centre Coordinator, Charity Centre Manager, Community Venue Manager, Community Services Manager, Facilities and Community Manager, Community Development Manager, Community Building Manager, Centre Operations Manager, Community Association Manager