At the Education Alliance for Life Chances (EALC), we work with schools, health services, and community partners to improve life chances for every child in Bradford.
If you’re passionate about collaboration, equity, and making a lasting difference, explore our current opportunities below.
Current Opportunity: Act Locally Manager
Location: Bradford (Frizinghall HQ & community-based work across Bradford district)
Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 per annum
Contract: Up to 3 years (Full Time, 1.0 FTE)
Closing date: 5pm, Tuesday 28th October
Interviews: Tuesday 4th November
About the Role
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Manager to lead and grow our place-based initiative, Act Locally. This is a pivotal role that combines strategic partnership leadership with hands-on community development—ideal for someone who can operate confidently at both system and community levels.
You will shape the future of a growing organisation embedded in one of the UK’s most ambitious place-based partnerships. As we transition from delivery to opportunity, you’ll broker high-level relationships, influence cross-sector collaboration, and mobilise people and resources to drive systemic change. At the same time, you’ll work directly with schools, communities, and local partners to co-create and implement solutions that improve outcomes for children and young people.
This role requires someone who thrives in fast-paced, evolving environments and brings a ‘start-up’ mindset to working in a small but ambitious team.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Partnership Development
- Lead the strategic direction and delivery of the Act Locally programme, ensuring alignment with EALC’s mission and the 2023–2027 Delivery Plan
- Broker and maintain high-trust relationships with senior leaders across education, health, local government, and the voluntary sector
- Represent Act Locally in strategic forums and governance structures, advocating for systemic change
- Refine and scale the Act Locally model, including development of a replicable 5-phase blueprint
Operational Community Development & Delivery
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local schools, community organisations, and residents
- Facilitate regular convening partnership meetings in Act Locally areas with inclusive participation
- Support roll-out of Participatory Grant Making processes in collaboration with the VCS Alliance
- Work closely with School Health Hub Co-ordinator and Citizens UK to ensure community voices are central
Governance, Communication & Influence
- Ensure convening meetings are well-organised, inclusive, and aligned with local governance structures
- Communicate the aims, achievements, and impact of Act Locally to diverse audiences
- Work with partners to identify future priority areas based on local insight and emerging needs
Fundraising & Resource Development
- Identify and pursue funding opportunities to support sustainability and growth
- Lead collaborative funding bids with internal and external partners
- Build relationships with potential funders, donors, and philanthropists
What We’re Looking For
Essential Skills:
- Strategic partnership experience with proven ability to influence stakeholders across sectors
- Operational community development experience working directly with residents, schools, and local organisations
- Deep understanding of community and partnership engagement, multi-agency working, and place-based collaboration
- Exceptional relationship-building skills with schools and multi-agency colleagues
- Strong communication and facilitation skills with experience leading partnership meetings
- Fundraising experience including researching funders, bid writing, and reporting
- Solid understanding of community development methods and facilitating community conversations
Why Join Us?
Because you want to be part of something bigger. We are a collective impact charity driving long-term change across Bradford by focusing on what matters most — children’s education, health, and future opportunities.
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a growing charity at the heart of one of the UK’s most ambitious place-based partnerships. You’ll bring your skills and personality into a close-knit team with big ambitions and a powerful network of partners.
Success here isn’t just measured in metrics — it’s about real change in the lives of children and families across Bradford. It’s about seeing schools, services, and communities working together in new ways, and knowing you helped make that happen.
How to Apply
Send your CV and a covering letter (max 2 A4 pages) which clearly address each of the essential criteria in the person specification to: ka*****@*********************************rg.uk
Please note: If you have not heard from us by Friday 31st October, please assume that your application has not been successful. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide individual feedback to candidates who are not shortlisted.
Full Job Description: [Download PDF]