Programme and Development Manager
Third Sector Connect
Employer Location: DOWNJob description
Third Sector Connect (TSC) is seeking a Programme and Development Manager to support the delivery of TSC programmes while supporting community and voluntary organisations to secure funding, develop strategies, and build capacity. This role combines hands-on project management with consultancy assignments such as developing funding applications, delivering training, and producing strategic reports for councils, charities, and community groups.
Responsibilities
- Lead the coordination and delivery of TSC’s programmes, ensuring objectives, outputs, and compliance requirements are met.
- Design and deliver workshops, training, and capacity building sessions for community and voluntary organisations.
- Support organisations to prepare high quality funding applications, business cases, and strategic plans.
- Provide tailored consultancy support, including action plans, business cases, evaluations, and organisational development projects.
- Monitor programme performance, prepare reports, and support evaluation processes.
- Undertake research, consultation, and analysis to support feasibility studies, business cases and strategic development projects.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with councils, charities, community groups, funders, and statutory agencies.
- Manage programme budgets and ensure effective use of resources.
- Contribute to internal business planning and development activities.
- Draft strategic documents.
Skills and Qualifications
Essential Skills
- Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject (e.g. Community Development, Business, Education, Social Policy).
- At least 2 years’ experience in programme or project management within the third sector, consultancy, or a related field.
- Proven track record in designing and delivering training programmes.
- Experience in developing funding applications and securing grants for organisations.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage confidently with diverse stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality reports.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple client assignments simultaneously.
- Commercial awareness and an entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to spot and develop opportunities.
- High level of IT literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Desirable Skills
- Experience in delivering or managing PEACEPLUS programmes.
- Experience of grant writing.
- Experience in evaluation, business case development, or impact measurement.
- Volunteering or lived experience within the community and voluntary sector.
Further Information
Competitive salary with potential for performance bonus. 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays). Flexible and hybrid working arrangements. Home working equipment support. Pension contributions. Mileage allowance. Ongoing professional development and training opportunities. Opportunities for progression within a growing consultancy business. Performance-related progression.
Application Information
Please send your CV and cover letter to: support@thirdsectorconnect.com
- Vacancy ID
- 1773874
- Job ref.
- TSC01
- Job Sector
- Business, Policy and Projects
- Area
- Belfast
- Location
- Belfast, Donegall Square East
- Salary
- £28,000 - £34,000 per annum
- No. vacancies
- 1
- Contract Type
- Permanent
- Weekly hours
- 37.5
- Published date
- 08/06/2026
- Closing date
- 15/07/2026
- Worktime
- 9am-5pm (some evening work occasionally), to be confirmed