Job Description

Company Overview

Awesome CIC is a not-for-profit organisation that believe in the life-changing power of play. We run six of Islington's adventure playgrounds, giving children aged 6-13 free, parent-free spaces to climb, build, imagine, and take risks in ways no other environment allows.

Adventure playgrounds aren't just playgrounds, they are dynamic spaces where children can develop confidence, resilience, and independence, supported by skilled playworkers who champion children's right to play freely.

We're here to create communities where children and young people thrive through play, learning, growing, and having fun on their own terms.

Summary

This is a two-year leadership development role designed for a graduate who is ambitious, highly capable, and eager to learn. You'll work directly alongside our Managing Director, gaining the skills, insight, and experience to lead a modern not-for-profit organisation.

Over the course of the programme, you will:

Shadow and support the Managing Director across all areas of organisational leadership. Take ownership of projects spanning operations, strategy, finance, HR, fundraising, digital systems, and stakeholder engagement. Develop the practical skills needed to run a not-for-profit - from writing funding bids to managing budgets and motivating teams. Solve real-world problems, implement systems, and help shape our organisation's growth. Be mentored and coached in leadership, decision-making, and strategic thinking.
This is a rare opportunity to build a 360-degree skillset in organisational leadership - setting you up to step confidently into senior leadership roles in the sector.

Who We're Looking For

We're not expecting you to know everything on day one. What matters is your ability to learn fast, think critically, and adapt. You'll thrive in this role if you are:

A graduate (any discipline) with strong intellectual ability. Excited to learn and master a wide variety of skills - from technical systems to people leadership. A problem-solver who enjoys tackling complex challenges and finding solutions. Highly organised, with excellent written and verbal communication. Comfortable working independently and taking initiative. Passionate about making a positive difference through the not-for-profit sector.

What We Offer

A

structured 2-year development plan

, with mentoring from the Managing Director. Hands-on experience across every area of leading a not-for-profit. Support for your personal and professional development. The chance to contribute meaningfully to a cause with real social impact. A friendly, ambitious, and mission-driven team.

Please note:

This is a fixed-term role ending after 2 years. While there may be future opportunities within the organisation as a Deputy Managing Director, there is no automatic guarantee of a permanent position.

Responsibilities

As Deputy Managing Director Trainee, you will:

Work alongside the Managing Director to support the leadership and growth of Awesome's six adventure playgrounds. Contribute to strategic planning, organisational development, and income diversification. Support the operational management of playgrounds, ensuring safe, inclusive, and high-quality services. Assist with compliance, audits, reporting, and governance processes. Help develop and motivate staff and volunteers, supporting recruitment, training, and performance reviews. Build relationships with funders, commissioners, and community partners to strengthen our impact. Represent Awesome at events and networks, raising the profile of our work and learning from the wider sector. Take increasing responsibility for projects, budgets, and staff supervision as part of your leadership development.

Qualifications

We're looking for someone who is ambitious, adaptable, and eager to learn. You'll thrive in this role if you have:

Essential:

A bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in playwork, management, social work, education, youth work, or a related field. Experience working or volunteering in a community. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively. Good organisational skills and the ability to manage tasks and time effectively. Good IT skills and a willingness to learn data and reporting systems. Enthusiasm, motivation, and a commitment to inclusive practice and equality. Flexibility to travel between sites and occasionally work outside office hours. The right to work in the UK.

Desirable:

A postgraduate qualification or professional certification in leadership, management, playwork, or social policy. Experience with fundraising, social enterprise, or governance processes. Knowledge of safeguarding, health & safety, and children's services. A full clean driving licence and access to a vehicle.
If you're ready to launch your leadership journey and help shape the future of play for children and young people in Islington and become part of our Awesome family, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and take the first step toward a career with real impact.

Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 23 months

Pay: From 28,808.00 per year

Benefits:

Childcare Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Health & wellbeing programme
Work Location: In person