Operations Officer

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a world leading youth charity which gives young people the chance to develop skills for work and life.

Our structured programmes of volunteering, physical and skills based challenges inspire, guide, and encourage young people to widen their experiences and learn new skills.

Through a licensing process, we partner with youth organisations and support them in their delivery of our programmes to their young people. These organisations range from schools and colleges to local authorities, charities, secure units, and community organisations.

We have recently launched our new strategy for the next five years, Youth Without Limits, which will ensure the DofE is open to all young people aged 14-24 across the UK, and that our participants reflect the most diverse generation of young people ever.

The Operations Officer Role.

Working within our values and behavioural framework, the role involves closely managing the relationships of our partner organisations (known as Licensed Organisations – LOs) and ensuring those within your portfolio offer quality and inclusive DofE programmes to young people.

While managing these relationships, across your portfolio area you will also identify and develop new relationships with appropriate educational and community organisations to widen the access of the DofE to young people, particularly those who experience marginalisation.

You will be undertaking regular meetings, in person and virtually, engaging with a wide variety of stakeholders at different levels within different organisations across your portfolio area. When not out at meetings, you will be working from home.

As part of the regional team you will be working as one to achieve objectives outlined within the regional business plan which support our national strategic goals.

Whilst you won’t be working directly with young people, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are having a positive impact on their future opportunities.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a team player who has a passion for the development of young people and who will be enthusiastic, who can engage and influence a variety of stakeholders and who will be an authentic ambassador for the DofE.

You will need to have outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to engage with internal and external stakeholders and have the skills to inspire and influence them to enable young people to participate in DofE.

To undertake the role you’ll need to be exceptionally organised, have the ability to prioritise your workload, meet deadlines and have excellent administrative skills, being both computer literate and competent in MS Office applications.

We are looking for someone who is flexible in their approach, has a positive outlook and who will actively contribute to our team.

The successful application should live within Northamptonshire or Warwickshire.

What will you get in return?

The opportunity to work for a successful and dynamic charity that has the development of young people at its heart and the wellbeing and development of its people constantly in focus.

You will be joining a team of empowered colleagues working together.

A salary between £27,000 - £30,428 per annum dependent on experience.

From day one we offer excellent staff benefits including a competitive salary, generous pension, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and 3 days paid director days over the Christmas shutdown, volunteering days, Healthcare cash plan, employee assistance programme and an extensive online training programme, plus many more.

Through our Flexible Working policy, the DofE provides an opportunity to work flexibly to meet yours and our business needs.

How to apply

If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply. (full Job description can be found below)

The deadline for applying for this role is Midnight on Friday 24th February

There will be two interviews for this role with successful applicants being invited to attend on the following dates:

First interview: Wednesday 1st March which will be held virtually over MS Teams

Second interview: Monday 13th March which will be held virtually over MS Teams

If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if you would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us by email

The DofE are commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.

All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including 2 years references covering any gaps of employment, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.

If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us by email