📍 Location: Ards & North Down or Belfast area (hybrid working) 
💰 Salary: Negotiable depending on experience 
⏱ Hours: Full-time preferred. Flexible and part-time hours will be considered. 

About Active Youth NI 

Active Youth NI is a not for profit dedicated to empowering children and young people through inclusive noon-sport specific physical activity programmes that support physical, Delivering a range of programmes and services, we work with schools, communities and families to create positive, inclusive environments where young people can thrive. 

We are now seeking a Programme & Operations Manager to play a key role in ensuring our programmes run smoothly, safely and to a high standard as we continue to grow. We are looking for someone who is organised, proactive and passionate about creating positive opportunities for children and young people. 

The Role 

The Programme & Operations Manager will oversee the day-to-day coordination and delivery of Active Youth NI’s programmes across schools and community settings. 

This is a hands-on operational leadership role, responsible for ensuring sessions are well organised, delivery teams are supported, and programmes provide a positive and inclusive experience for participants. 

Working closely with the Managing Director, the postholder will help coordinate delivery systems, manage key staff, support coaches, and maintain strong relationships with schools and community partners. The role line manages the Programme Co-ordinator and Head Coach, helping to ensure high quality delivery across Active Youth NI’s services. 

 
Key Responsibilities 

Programme Delivery & Operations 

• Coordinate the effective delivery of Active Youth NI programmes across schools and community venues. 

• Oversee scheduling and logistics to ensure sessions run smoothly, safely, and to a consistently high standard. 

• Monitor programme delivery and identify opportunities to strengthen quality, efficiency, and participant experience. 

• Respond to operational challenges, including supporting arrangements where coaching staff are unavailable when required. 

Team Management & Coaching Support 

• Line manage the Programme Co-ordinator and Head Coach, providing guidance, support and regular supervision. 

• Support the sourcing, onboarding and development of freelance coaching staff. 

• Ensure strong communication across programme staff and coaches. 

• Promote high quality and inclusive practice across all sessions. 

• Coordinate coach training opportunities and ensure safeguarding and compliance requirements are maintained. 

Partnerships & Relationships 

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with schools, community organisations and delivery partners. 

• Act as a key contact for operational matters relating to programme delivery. 

• Ensure partners receive clear communication regarding programme schedules and arrangements. 

• Help ensure programmes meet the needs of participants and communities. 

Resources & Logistics 

• Oversee the coordination and maintenance of programme equipment and resources. 

• Ensure coaches have the equipment and materials required to deliver sessions effectively. 

• Support procurement where required and maintain accurate records of equipment. 

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning 

• Support the collection of participation data, feedback and outcomes across programmes. 

• Contribute to reporting requirements for internal learning and external funders. 

• Identify opportunities to strengthen programme impact and participant outcomes. 

Operational Budget Monitoring 

• Monitor operational expenditure associated with programme delivery to support programme budgets. 

• Highlight any emerging operational cost pressures and ensure resources are used efficiently. 

Essential 

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent professional experience). 

• Experience coordinating programmes, services or projects. 

• Experience supervising or line managing staff. 

• Strong organisational and planning skills with excellent attention to detail. 

• Confident communicator with the ability to build positive relationships with partners, colleagues and families. 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond to operational challenges. 

• A proactive and solutions-focused approach. 

• Comfortable using digital systems for scheduling, communication and reporting. 

• Access to transport to support site visits and programme coordination. 

Desirable 

• Experience working within youth, sport, education or community sectors. 

• Understanding of inclusive physical activity and working with diverse groups of children and young people. 

• A sports coaching qualification 

• Experience supporting monitoring, evaluation or programme reporting. 

• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures when working with children and young people.  
   

✨ Why Join Active Youth NI 

This is an opportunity to play a key role in a growing organisation that is making a real difference to children and young people across Northern Ireland. 

You will be joining a supportive team that values collaboration, innovation and creating positive opportunities for young people to be active, confident and connected. 

Salary & Benefits 

• Salary: competitive - negotiable based on experience.

• Flexible working hours and hybrid arrangements considered.  

• 25 days annual leave (pro-rata) plus public holidays.  

• Opportunities for professional development and training.  

• Free childcare at AYNI Camps   

• Overtime opportunities available   

Active Youth NI is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.   

Commitment to Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities 
Active Youth NI is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All candidates must undergo an Enhanced Access NI check and provide two satisfactory references as part of the recruitment process.