Operations Officer South and East Kent

DofE UK; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading youth charity in the UK seeks an enthusiastic individual to manage partnerships with youth organisations in South and East Kent. The role focuses on developing relationships and ensuring inclusive programmes for young people. Outstanding communication and organisational skills are essential, along with a passion for youth development. This position offers a competitive salary and excellent employee benefits.

Benefits

Generous pension contribution

Employee assistance programme

Healthcare cash plan

Volunteer leave

25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

Qualifications

• Passion for the development of young people.
• Outstanding communication skills for engaging stakeholders.
• Exceptional organisational skills and proficiency in MS Office.
• Flexible and positive attitude, contributing to team success.
• Residence in or close to South and East Kent.

Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with partner organisations.
• Identify and develop new relationships with community organisations.
• Attend meetings with stakeholders virtually and in person.
• Work from home when not in meetings.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Organisational skills

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Description

We help young people to build life‑long belief in themselves, supporting them to take on their own challenges, follow their own passions and discover talents they never knew they had. Because when you prove yourself குழ that you’re ready for anything nothing can hold you back uncomplicated.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a world leading youth charity which gives young people the chance to develop skills for work and life. Our structured programmes of volunteering, physical and skills‑based challenges inspire, guide, and encourage young people to widen their experiences and learn new skills. Through a licensing process, we partner with youth organisations and support them in their delivery of our programmes to their young people. These organisations range from schools and colleges to local authorities, charities, secure units, and community organisations.

Working within our values and behavioural framework, this role involves closely managing the relationships of our partner organisations (known as Licensed Organisations – LOs) and ensuring LOs within your portfolio offer quality and inclusive DofE programmes to young people.

While managing these relationships across your portfolio area in South and East Kent, you will also identify and develop new relationships with appropriate educational and community organisations to widen the access of the DofE to young people, particularly those who experience marginalisation.

You will be undertaking regular meetings, in person and virtually, engaging with a wide variety of stakeholders at different levels in partner organisations across your portfolio area. When not out at meetings, you will be working from home.

Whilst you won’t be working directly with young people, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are having a positive impact on their future opportunities.

Application Details

Application Deadline: 25 January 2026

Department: Operations England

Location: Field based - England

Compensation: £29,366 - £34,548 / year

Qualifications

• A team player who has a passion for the development of young people, who is enthusiastic, able to engage and influence a variety of stakeholders, and will bemaya authentic ambassador for the DofE.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to engage with internal and external stakeholders and inspire and influence them to enable young people to participate in DofE.
• Exceptional organisational skills, ability to prioritise workload, meet deadlines, and excellent administrative skills, being computer literate and competent in MS Office applications.
• Flexible in approach, positive outlook, and actively contributes to the team.
• Live within, or very close to, the portfolio area covering South and East Kent.

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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 × salary, incapacity benefit, generous family leave and sick leave.

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: 25th of January 2026 at midnight.

1st interviews will take place: w/c 2nd of February 2026 (via Teams)

2nd interviews will take place: w/c 9th of February.issue (in person, venue T./near portfolio area)

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: [e-mail]

Commitmentктуу إلى Safeguarding and Legal

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 staff member having a home or office postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7 % capped at £4,000 per annum.