Project Manager (Youth Justice)

Application Deadline: 5 November 2025

Department: Strategic Programmes

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Home based / with some regional travel

Compensation: GBP 39,039 - GBP 45,928 / year

Description

We help young people to build life-long belief in themselves, supporting them to take on their own challenges, follow their own passions and discover talents they never knew they had. Because when you prove yourself that you're ready for anything nothing can hold you back.

Do you want to be part of that?

This is an exciting time to join the DofE, as we continue to rapidly expand our work in the Youth Justice sector. The DofE is now delivered in more prisons and Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) than ever with record numbers of young people taking part in the DofE within in the Secure Estate. We are now extending the positive impact we're having in prisons and YOIs by also supporting young people serving all or part of their sentence in the community, as well as those at risk of offending.

As Project Manager (Youth Justice) you will join the Community Team within the UK Strategic Programmes Directorate and support the design, launch and successful implementation of both new and existing projects focused on working in youth justice services and the secure estate, to enable more young people from marginalised backgrounds to access the DofE.

The focus of this role will be overseeing our new project which aims to increase access for young people with lived experience of the justice system including via statutory services and voluntary, community or social enterprise organisations, focussing on young people at risk of offending and those serving sentences in the community.

Please note is this a fixed term contract until March 2028

What we are looking for:

You will be a motivated and innovative Project Manager with a passion for supporting young people and giving them the best opportunities in life.

We are looking for someone who has a successful track record of designing and implementing significant new projects, which trial new, innovative approaches. You will have an understanding of the Youth Justice sector, and ideally experience of working in, or with, youth justice or prevention services.

You will enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, working closely with a dynamic and driven team and thrive on developing relationships and identifying opportunities with a range of external stakeholders.

You will have experience of leading successful projects, including budget management, risk analysis, planning, and stakeholder engagement.

Although not an essential requirement, we would welcome applicants with lived experience of the justice system.

How to apply and interview dates

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.

The deadline for applying for this role is:5th November - Midnight.

1st interviews will take place on: WC 10th November - to be held virtual via MS Teams.

2nd interviews will take place on: WC 25th November if required

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 recruitment@dofe.org

Benefits

We offer excellent staff benefits including a generous pension contribution, an employee assistance programme, healthcare cash plan and volunteer leave. Also, 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and the New Year. Buy additional annual leave, benefits discount website, death in service benefit 4 x salary, incapacity benefit, generous family leave and sick leave.

The DofE are committed 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 references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.**The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office-based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at GBP 4,000 per annum.