ASSISTANT CHARITY MANAGER

Job title & overview

This is a new role that has been developed following a review of leadership and management demands brought about as the charity continues to grow and change.

Job Title: Assistant Charity Manager (Operations & Volunteer Lead)
Reports To: The Charity Manager
Salary: £36,000 per annum (Full-Time)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Chichester, West Sussex

Job purpose

Sanctuary in Chichester provides practical, social and pastoral support to refugees and asylum seekers in the Chichester area.

The majority of that support is provided by a volunteer workforce (c.130 people) supported by a paid workforce (6 people) that includes the Charity Manager.

The Assistant Charity Manager will play a critical operational role within the organisation, supporting the Charity Manager in managing day-to-day operations, administration, governance, and Data Protection. 

As the lead for volunteer coordination, this role is responsible for driving the recruitment, onboarding, engagement, and retention of volunteers to support the charity’s core mission.

Key responsibilities

1. Volunteer leadership & coordination

  • Manage the safe recruitment policies and processes for new volunteers across all operational areas.
  • Manage the onboarding process, including induction, safeguarding checks (e.g., DBS/background checks), and mandatory training.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for volunteers, fostering a supportive, inclusive, and rewarding environment.
  • Ensure that all volunteers have a current DBS certificate and have attended mandatory annual training sessions
  • Co-ordinate volunteer tasking, organise volunteer schedules, track service hours, and resolve any volunteer-related issues or concerns.
  • Develop and maintain a strong joint working environment between the volunteer and paid workforce

2. Operational & administrative oversight 

  • Oversee daily  routines, administrative workflows, and facility/logistical requirements.
  • Maintain clear administrative systems, organisational documentation, and charity records, conforming to GDPR and the charity’s Data Protection policy.
  • Support financial administrative tasks, such as tracking operational expense budgets and processing invoices/reimbursements.
  • Manage and maintain relationships with the charity’s partners 
  • Source and purchase office administration equipment and consumables, as well as essential items and services for the charity’s beneficiaries

3. Leadership & governance support

  • The post holder will act as Data Protection Officer for the charity.
  • Deputise for the Charity Manager in key operational meetings and operational decision-making when required.
  • Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and compliance documentation for the Board of Trustees.
  • Support compliance with relevant legislation, including Data Protection (GDPR), Health & Safety, and Safeguarding policies.

Person Specification

Essential:

  • Previous experience in operational leadership and administration, or project management. 
  • Experience coordinating people and/or teams.
  • Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
  • Strong organisational abilities with a focus on task prioritisation. 
  • Proficiency with Google Workspace.
  • High degree of empathy, adaptability, and positive communication.
  • Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
  • Strong commitment to the charity’s core values and vision.

Desirable:

  • Experience working within a small-to-medium charity or non-profit organisation.
  • Experience of working with volunteers.
  • Experience of working in a safeguarding environment.
  • Understanding of UK charity governance and safeguarding standards.
  • Knowledge of volunteer management systems and/or CRM administration.
  • Knowledge of GDPR and cyber awareness
  • Proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement.

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to contact@sanctuaryinchichester.org.