Community Centre Manager

hireful; Oxford; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

hireful is assisting a client in Oxford to recruit a Community Centre Manager. The role leads the day-to-day running and future development of the Centre, working closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure a welcoming, well-managed and financially sustainable space for the local community.

You will lead staff and volunteers, oversee operations, develop community activities and partnerships, manage budgets and support fundraising while ensuring governance, safeguarding and health & safety

Qualifications

• Experience managing people, volunteers, services or day-to-day operations with ability to motivate others and create a positive working culture.
• Strong communication and organisational skills to balance detail with the bigger picture and work with Trustees, staff, volunteers and partners.
• Comfort with budgets, income, expenditure and financial information, to support long-term sustainability.
• Ability to build positive relationships with community groups, funders and stakeholders.
• Understanding of safeguarding, Health & Safety and charity governance responsibilities.

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 and effective working environment.
• Oversee facilities, bookings, maintenance, suppliers and contractors for smooth operation.
• Develop relationships with community groups, hirers and local partners to increase use and impact.
• Manage budgets, income and expenditure, and support fundraising and grants.
• Work with the Board of Trustees, providing updates and practical support to achieve Centre aims.
• Maintain policies and records related to safeguarding, Health & Safety, data protection and governance.

Skills

People management

Budgeting

Communication

Organisation

Job description

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

Our client is 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: Oxford (South Oxford area)
• 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

Our client is looking for a Community Centre Manager to lead the day-to-day running and future development of the 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

Our client is looking for an organised, confident and community-minded manager who can lead the day-to-day running of the 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 their 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.