The Role
Manage a portfolio of licensed organisations delivering the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Responsibilities include relationship management, partner support and training, action planning, performance monitoring, licensing support, grant reporting, event participation, and increasing access for marginalised young people. The field-based role requires regular travel across the portfolio area, independent working, strong organisation, data analysis, communication, and facilitation skills.
Summary Generated by Built In
Are you a highly organised relationship-builder with a passion for supporting young people to achieve their potential?
We're looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Operations Officer to join our Operations team based in Bristol, on a maternity cover basis. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting the delivery and growth of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE), helping more young people access our life-changing programmes.
The role will begin with a comprehensive handover period alongside the current postholder, giving you the opportunity to build knowledge and confidence before taking full ownership of your portfolio.
As an Operations Officer, you will manage a portfolio of Licensed Organisations (LOs), primarily schools, but also colleges, local authorities, charities, youth groups, pupil referral units and youth justice settings.
Working closely with an experienced team of Operations Officers across England, you will provide day-to-day support, guidance and training to organisations, helping them deliver a high-quality DofE programme. You'll build strong relationships, support programme growth, drive participation and help ensure that more young people, particularly those facing barriers to participation, can benefit from the DofE experience.
This is a field-based role. When not attending meetings, events or visits, you will work remotely from home.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and maintain positive relationships with Licensed Organisations, providing ongoing support and guidance.
- Deliver induction, training and development opportunities for DofE staff and volunteers.
- Develop and implement action plans with partners to achieve both short and long-term objectives.
- Monitor performance, participation and targets using DofE management systems and reporting tools.
- Conduct regular online and face-to-face meetings with Licensed Organisations.
- Support licence reviews and contribute to the licensing of new organisations.
- Increase participation among young people from marginalised and underrepresented groups.
- Assist with grant applications, project monitoring and reporting requirements.
- Support national DofE events, including occasional overnight stays and weekend working.
- Collaborate with colleagues across the UK on projects and working groups.
- Support the delivery of the DofE strategy and England business plan.
What we are looking for:
We're looking for someone who is passionate about making a positive impact and who thrives on building strong partnerships and delivering excellent support.
- Excellent relationship-building skills with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strong communication and influencing abilities.
- The confidence to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
- Outstanding organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Excellent written communication, proofreading and editing skills.
- Strong presentation and facilitation skills, both online and in person.
- A solution-focused approach and confidence to challenge poor practice when needed.
- The ability to analyse data, identify trends and take appropriate action.
- Good IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Successful applicants will:
- Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle during the working week.
- Be willing to travel regularly across the portfolio area.
- Live within or close to the portfolio area. (please refer to the map in the job pack)
Please Notes, This position is a 12 month contract
How to apply and interview dates
If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply.
The deadline for applying for this role is: 11th October - Midnight
Interviews will take place on: Tuesday 20th October – to be held in-person near Bristol
If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if you would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us by email [email protected]
Benefits
We offer excellent staff benefits including a generous pension contribution, an employee assistance programme, healthcare cash plan and volunteer leave. Also, 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and the New Year. Buy additional annual leave, benefits discount website, death in service benefit 4 x salary, incapacity benefit, generous family leave and sick leave.
The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.
**The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office-based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.
The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.
**The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office-based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.
About
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a renowned charity that empowers young people by offering life-changing programs. With a vision of Youth Without Limits, their aim is to provide over a million young individuals, particularly those facing marginalisation, the opportunity to participate in their transformative initiatives within the next five years. By supporting young people in acquiring new skills, overcoming obstacles, and building confidence and resilience, they promote personal growth and development. The organisation operates by licensing and supporting various institutions like schools, colleges, youth groups, and hospitals to run their programs. They prioritise the safety of participants and have taken necessary measures to ensure it. Additionally, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award has an Executive Leadership Team that works together to expand their provision and a team of Trustees who set the strategic direction for the charity. With an international reach in over 130 countries and territories, the DofE is part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, which aims to provide opportunities to young people globally. The history of the DofE traces back to 1956 when it was initially launched for boys. Over the years, it has evolved and now offers programs for young people aged 14 to 24, focusing on four key sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition. The impact of the DofE has been astounding, with millions of young people benefiting from the program. Even during challenging times like the coronavirus pandemic, the dedication and contributions of DofE participants have been remarkable. As the UK recovers, the DofE continues to support and empower young people, playing a vital role in the national effort. With a rich history and a commitment to youth development, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award remains a beacon of opportunity and growth for young individuals across the globe.
Skills Required
- Excellent relationship-building skills with a wide range of stakeholders
- Strong communication and influencing abilities
- Ability to work independently and contribute effectively as part of a team
- Outstanding organisational and administrative skills
- Excellent written communication, proofreading and editing skills
- Strong presentation and facilitation skills, online and in person
- Solution-focused approach and confidence to challenge poor practice
- Ability to analyse data, identify trends and take appropriate action
- Good IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
- Full UK driving licence
- Access to a vehicle during the working week
- Willingness to travel regularly across the portfolio area
- Residence within or close to the portfolio area
- Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check
- References covering gaps in employment or education
- Eligibility to work in the UK
- Health check
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) is a globally recognized youth awards program that challenges young people to develop skills, resilience, and leadership. It helps them build lifelong belief in themselves, follow their passions, and discover talents they never knew they had.
