Diversity Resource International (DRI) is Vandu Languages’ closely tied sister company, both co-founded by Mebrak Ghebreweldi. DRI is a Sussex-based non-profit community development organisation dedicated to empowering ethnic minorities and migrant communities. They deliver community development programmes, community-led research, leadership and enterprise support, and training for equity and inclusion. Working in partnership with communities and stakeholders, they centre lived experience, generate evidence for change, and co-create solutions that respond to real needs. Their approach is collaborative, reflective, and grounded in social justice.
Role Description
The Service Manager is a strategic leadership position responsible for translating DRI’s organisational strategies and Theory of Change into impactful practice. This is a senior management position focused on leadership, accountability, and organisational sustainability.
The Service Manager ensures that DRI’s four core pillars are delivered effectively:
- Community Development and Health and Wellbeing
- Community-Based Research
- Training, Education, Leadership and Enterprise
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership and Planning
- Strategic Implementation: Translate strategic goals and the Theory of Change into clear, deliverable actions and organizational outcomes.
- Operational Alignment: Plan and coordinate activities aligned with the five-year strategic plan, ensuring services are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
- Director Liaison: Act as a key bridge to the board of Directors, providing regular briefings on organisational performance, financial position, and strategic risks.
- Sustainability: Support long-term growth by aligning service delivery with emerging funding opportunities.
2. People and Performance Management
- Direct Management: Line manage project leaders and staff, including recruitment, supervision, appraisals, and professional development.
- Strategic Delegation: Appropriately delegate responsibilities to project leads holding them accountable for outcomes and reporting.
- Performance Culture: Set clear objectives, manage team wellbeing, and address underperformance/conduct issues in line with organizational policies.
3. Funding and Income Generation
- New Revenue: Act as a primary lead for securing new funding, identifying a pipeline of opportunities, and developing bids.
- Relationship Management: Build and maintain strategic partnerships with existing and new funders, stakeholders, and partners.
- Volunteer Development: Oversee the recruitment and development of volunteers to enhance DRI’s operational capacity.
4. Impact, Monitoring and Evaluation
- System Design: Implement simple yet effective systems to track outputs, outcomes, and impact across all organisational pillars.
- Evidence-Based Improvement: Use gathered data and learning to improve services and provide robust evidence for future funding applications.
- Complex Issue Resolution: Handle escalated complaints and complex service delivery issues professionally.
5. Operational Excellence and Technology
- Tech Integration: Lead the use of technology (CRM systems, digital tools, AI) to streamline operations and reduce manual administration.
- Compliance: Ensure all services comply with relevant legislation, internal policies, and quality standards.
- Resource Management: Manage service budgets to ensure value for money and effective resource allocation.
Qualifications
- Strategic Leadership – Proven experience in a management role where focus was on strategic outcomes.
- Financial Acumen – Experience in budget management, financial forecasting, and successful income generation (grants/contracts).
- Change Management – Ability to implement a “Theory of Change” and lead a team through organisational transitions.
- Digital Proficiency – Strong ability to use technology and AI tools to increase organisational efficiency and report on impact.
- Communication – Exceptional stakeholder management skills with the ability to represent DRI to external partners and funders.
Please send both a CV and a Cover Letter to training@driorg.com
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