Young Craft Citizens (YCC) Network Manager

Crafts Council; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Crafts Council is seeking a dedicated lead for the Young Craft Citizens (YCC) Hub network, based in Islington with hybrid/home working. You will oversee development of the London flagship and drive national reach, community engagement and high‑quality programme delivery.

In this role you will build partnerships, manage stakeholders, monitor impact and support fundraising, as YCC marks its 10th anniversary in May 2027. Expect growth of UK membership and regional hubs.

Qualifications

• Experience developing and delivering education, learning or participation programmes.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Evidenced administrative and organisational skills.
• Experience monitoring and reporting against programme targets.
• Passion for championing craft and creative, hands‑on learning in education and career progression into the creative industries.
• Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships across education, culture and community sectors.
• Experience growing and supporting networks, communities and practitioner groups.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience creating engaging content and resources.
• Confident facilitator, presenter and advocate for learning and participation.
• Experience using data, evaluation and insight to improve programmes and demonstrate impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead the London Hub as a centre of excellence and best practice.
• Shape and implement the national Hub model.
• Build and manage partnerships with regional organisations.
• Grow and engage the YCC membership nationally.
• Ensure high-quality, inclusive and impactful programme delivery.
• Deliver robust administrative processes and reporting.
• Capture the impact of the programme through evaluation.
• Support fundraising in support of YCC programme ambitions.

Skills

Education programme development

Project management

Administration

Monitoring & reporting

Partnerships

Communication

Facilitation

Data & evaluation

Fundraising

Networking

Job description

Looking ahead to the festive season? Host an unforgettable gathering at the Crafts Council Gallery

Contract and Hours - Permanent, full-time, 36.25 hours per week. Role to commence ASAP from January 2027 onwards.

Salary - £30,000 to £40,000 gross per annum, dependent on experience and based on full-time working (pro rata for part-time / annualised working).

Location - Crafts Council Office and Gallery is based on the Pentonville Road in Islington, London, with some hybrid / home working.

Reporting to – Senior Learning and Skills Manager (line manager) with some reporting to Senior Communities and Membership Manager.

Managing – The role will provide day-to-day supervision and support for YCC Paid Placements and coordinate YCC Maker Facilitators, as required.

Working Closely With – Learning and Skills team, Craft Ecology team including Membership, Communications team, YCC Maker Facilitators.

About the Role

Young Craft Citizens (YCC) works with young people to open up pathways into craft and the wider creative sector. Together, we build creative, professional and leadership skills, with a clear focus on supporting those affected by racism, classism, ableism, and their intersections.

In May 2027, YCC marks its 10-year anniversary. This milestone is an opportunity to expand the programme’s reach and impact through the development of a national YCC Hub network, connecting and supporting members across the UK.

The YCC programme has a strong, established London-based core. This acts as a national flagship, creating a safe, inclusive space for learning, connection, joy and community. National membership is expected to reach circa 1,000 individuals this year and grow rapidly as we approach the 10-year anniversary.

Building on the London flagship, YCC aspires to develop a network of regional Hubs in partnership with Craft UK organisations.

These Hubs will:

• Support YCC members in their local areas
• Strengthen connection to regional craft ecologies
• Increase accessibility and participation across the UK
• Enable growth in membership, reach and impact

This role will lead the development and delivery of the YCC Hub network, overseeing its growth and ensuring best practice through the London Hub as a centre of excellence. It will drive national delivery, strengthen membership engagement, and support the expansion and diversification of the YCC community.

Role Focus

This role combines hands-on programme coordination and administration with youth programme leadership, community building and strategic development.

You will:

• Lead the London Hub as a centre of excellence and best practice
• Shape and implement the national Hub model
• Build and manage partnerships with regional organisations
• Grow and engage the YCC membership nationally
• Ensure high-quality, inclusive and impactful programme delivery
• Deliver robust administrative processes and reporting
• Capture the impact of the programme through evaluation
• Support fundraising in support of YCC programme ambitions

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who believes in the power of craft as a force for change and is committed to supporting marginalised young people to overcome barriers to engagement and progression into craft careers. You will be a confident and collaborative communicator, drawing on excellent project management skills to bring together a diverse national network of partners, practitioners and young people to build a connected, inclusive and thriving YCC community.

You will also bring:

• Experience developing and delivering education, learning or participation programmes.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Evidenced administrative and organisational skills.
• Experience monitoring and reporting against programme targets.
• Passion for championing craft and creative, hands‑on learning in education and career progression into the creative industries.
• Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships across education, culture and community sectors.
• Experience growing and supporting networks, communities and practitioner groups.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience creating engaging content and resources.
• Confident facilitator, presenter and advocate for learning and participation.
• Experience using data, evaluation and insight to improve programmes and demonstrate impact.

• Deadline for applications:12 noon Tuesday 17 November 2026.
• Location: CC Office, Islington, London

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