Job Description

An exciting opportunity in a creative arts and theatre charity working with members in recovery and refugees.

Applications must include a relevant CV and up to two sides A4 Cover letter to be submitted identifying your key skills & experience linked this JD and your reason and motivation for wanting to join us. If not a full application we cannot consider your application and it will be rejected.

About Vita Nova

Vita Nova is an arts charity, theatre company and recovery community. We are energised and sustained by the passion of our members and volunteers, who help people across our community better understand addiction through education, positive action and compassion.

We run creative workshops on theatre, drama, writing and photography. We take our performances into schools to educate children on knife crime, drugs and county lines.

Operations & Partnerships Manager

Salary: Part-time pro-rata 14,430 (36,075 FTE)

Hours: 15 hours per week over 3 days

The Operations & Partnerships Manager is a senior role responsible for overseeing the charity development, partnerships, fundraising and bid writing, day-to-day operations, financial management, and administrative functions of Vita Nova. This position works closely with the Artistic Director to ensure the smooth running of our creative arts programs supporting people in recovery, as well as our theatre-in-education outreach initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Manage all business operations, including finance, human resources, communications and media, and facilities management

Develop and maintain relationships with partners and funders, including reporting on grants, project outcomes and impact

Oversee, manage and support the part-time Arts Administrator and part-time Marketing and Communications post, ensuring efficient and effective value for money operations

Collaborate with the Artistic Director to align operational strategies with artistic goals

Support and promote events and performances

Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including grants and corporate partnerships

Implementing and updating the Business Plan and reporting on progress and key targets and achievements

Manage the relationship with the Board of Trustees, including preparing reports and organising board meetings

Oversee budget planning, financial reporting, and ensure compliance with Charity Commission regulations

Develop, implement and review operational policies and procedures to support the mission of Vita Nova

Ensure all legal and regulatory requirements are met, including those related to charity status, data protection, and safeguarding

Manage risk assessments and mitigation strategies for the organisation

Qualifications & key skills

Proven experience in business and operations management, preferably within the charitable or arts and creative sector

Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and financial reporting

Proven experience in grant writing and management and managing funder relationships

Knowledge of UK charity regulations and governance

Excellent organisational and project management skills

Strong leadership skills and experience of managing diverse teams

Additional Skills

Strategic thinking and problem-solving

Excellent written, communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to work collaboratively in a creative environment

Proficiency in financial management and MS Office suite

Strong analytical and reporting skills

Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic work environment

Preferred Qualifications

Educated to degree level

Experience working in organisations supporting recovery or mental health*

Understanding of the UK funding landscape for arts and health charities

Knowledge of impact measurement and evaluation in the charity sector

The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented, empathetic leader who can effectively manage the business operations of Vita Nova while supporting our mission of using creative arts to aid recovery and education. They will be able to balance the practical demands of running a small charity with sensitivity to the needs of our members and service users and the creative vision of our artistic programs.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 14,430.00 per year

Expected hours: 15 per week

Ability to commute/relocate:

Bournemouth BH5 1EU: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person