Young Futures Project Manager

Location: Hybrid: LifeLab/Alpha House, University campus and home working

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Project Manager to manage and deliver Young Futures, a participatory research project to improve youth employment prospects and regional prosperity across Hampshire and the Solent. 

Young Futures is a Civic University participatory research project addressing youth employment challenges in Hampshire and the Solent. It builds on research carried out by trained young researchers with employers, businesses and careers advisers. Working alongside a young person employed as a full-time member of the project team, you will bring together young people, employers, education and training organisations, local government and University colleagues in a regional partnership, develop solutions with those most affected, test two or three ideas in practice and produce clear recommendations for regional partners and wider audiences. The post will be based in LifeLab and the wider NxtGen project. Hybrid working is available, and regular travel across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will be required.

Key responsibilities

• Recruit, induct and line manage the young person joining the project team, supporting their development, wellbeing, confidence and ownership of the work
• Develop and manage the project plan, budget, timetable, resources, milestones and risks, adapting plans when needed and keeping the academic and Civic University leads informed
• Work with the young project team member to build a partnership of members and organisations listed above, then support selection of two or three recommendations from the pilot project to test in practice and assess their feasibility
• Bring together evidence and feedback, assess the feasibility, impact and wider potential of the ideas tested, and prepare clear reports, briefings, presentations and recommendations

Required skills

• Substantial practical project management experience
• Substantial experience of working with young people 
• Experience of building positive working relationships with people from different organisations and backgrounds
• Strong communication and facilitation skills
• An understanding of safeguarding and inclusive practice when working with young people
• A qualification equivalent to Level 5 or 6 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework, or equivalent knowledge gained through considerable relevant experience and vocational training

It would be helpful if you also have: experience of participatory research, co-production or involving young people in shaping a project; knowledge of youth employment, education and skills and the Hampshire and the Solent context; experience in higher education, local government, the voluntary and community sector, or working with employers and education or training providers.

Working arrangements and requirements

The role requires travel throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and flexibility to work with young people outside normal school or college hours. This may occasionally include evenings, weekends, school holidays or civic events. Any work outside normal hours will be agreed in advance, with time off in lieu.

For an informal discussion, please contact Professor Kathryn Woods-Townsend on 023 8020 8979 or email k.woods-townsend@soton.ac.uk.

*An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.

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Further details:

• Job Description and Person Specification

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