Charity Manager – Maternity Cover
Charity Manager – Poole Communities Trust – 1 year maternity cover
Hours:
35 per week, plus some participation in emergency call-out rotas and occasional event work (agreed in advance).
Locations of Work:
Bourne Community Hub, Northmere Road, BH12 4DY
Branksome Centre Recreation Road, BH12 2EA
Turlin Moor
About Us:
Poole Communities Trust is a community-led charity focused on reducing inequality and improving life opportunities in three of Poole’s most disadvantaged areas: Bourne, Branksome, and Turlin Moor.
We manage local community centres, support grassroots projects, and work in partnership to deliver lasting impact. We’re seeking maternity cover for our much-valued Charity Manager to help lead our work, strengthen our reach, and grow our positive influence across the communities we serve.
Your Opportunity:
To lead the coordination and strategic delivery of our community-based projects across three areas in Poole. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, who provide strategic direction, the postholder will provide operational leadership and support to our team of staff and volunteers, developing and implementing impactful, sustainable, and inclusive projects that support our communities.
What We Can Offer:
35-hour work week, with opportunity to work some hours from home (1-2 afternoons will be considered)
Salary: £39,000 – £41,000 depending on experience and qualifications
25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays
Mileage reimbursement at 45p per mile- for any mileage incurred in addition to their usual commute when travelling across the three sites.
Flexible working
Pension contribution
Time off in lieu for additional hours
Training and development opportunities
A job share may be considered if there are multiple applications
The successful applicant will be required to commence work during August (if possible) to enable an induction and handover with the postholder prior to the commencement of maternity leave.
Job Description:
1. Leadership
Work with Trustees to implement the Trust’s strategic direction
Coordinate work across our three projects and ensure alignment with community needs
Represent the Trust at stakeholder meetings, public events, and with funders
2. Staff and Volunteer Management
Line manages the staff team (see Annex 1) and provide direction
Manage HR processes and documentation
Direct the work of the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure effective volunteer engagement
3. Community Development and Engagement
Promote inclusive community involvement in shaping services
Build and maintain relationships with residents, community groups, and partners
Identify and support new ideas for locally led initiatives
4. Financial Management
Work with Trustees to develop budgets and monitor spending against grants
Maintain an overview of funding streams and provide information for grant applications
Maintain good relationships with funders and ensure all reporting obligations are met
Work with the bookkeeper and accountant to ensure financial controls are implemented
Ensure robust systems are in place for room hire, invoicing, and debt recovery
5. Project and Grant Delivery
Ensure effective delivery of community initiatives
Manage a coordinated approach to collecting case studies and statistics to support social impact reporting
6. Governance and Compliance
Ensure robust systems for implementing legislation (e.g., safeguarding)
Undertake Designated Safeguarding Lead
Work with staff responsible for building management to ensure venues are safe and accessible
Provide reports and minutes for the Board of Trustees
Maintain compliance with charity and regulatory requirements
What We Need from You/ Person Specification:
Key Competencies and Experience
Essential:
Experience in operational or project management in a community, voluntary, or public setting
Exceptionally well organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
Committed to social justice, equity, and community empowerment
Strong leadership and people management skills
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Confident and experienced with budgets and good governance
Highly competent in the use of IT
Able to assess situations, develop solutions, and make things happen
Knowledge of key legislation related to people and community service management (equality, health and safety, safeguarding, data protection)
Commitment to personal, professional training and development
The successful candidate will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS check
Advantageous:
Knowledge of business planning
Experience in income generation and fundraising
Familiarity with the charity sector
Experience of working with children and young people
Education / Training
Essential:
Degree and/or two years’ proven leadership experience
Driver’s licence and access to a vehicle to work across all three Poole sites
Advantageous:
Management qualification or training
Health & Safety and Safeguarding training (successful candidate will need to undertake if not already completed)
Reason to Join Us:
Join a values-driven charity rooted in the heart of Poole’s communities. At Poole Communities Trust, you’ll be part of a committed team working to reduce inequality, support local voices, and drive positive, lasting change. If you’re ready to take on a rewarding role with purpose, variety, and room to grow — we’d love to hear from you.
Recruitment Timetable
Completed application forms must be submitted by 12 noon on
24th July 2026
Shortlisting candidates will be invited to interview, 30th July 2026
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to prepare a briefing on a specific topic prior to the interview, undertake an ‘in tray’ exercise and attend an interview with Trustees.
The successful candidate will be Enhanced DBS checked.
To Apply:
To Apply for the role please follow the link below and fill out our application form and diversity monitoring form and send to Debbiedixon@poolecommunitiestrust.org.uk or email Debbie for further information.
Application Link: https://poolecommunitiestrust.org.uk/application/