Youth Programme Director – Northern Ireland

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eduSOIL

eduSOIL CIC is the lead partner for Design for Change programmes in Northern Ireland.

We are seeking a Design for Change Northern Ireland (DFC NI) Programmes Director (PD) to provide delivery-led senior leadership for our Northern Ireland portfolio during an initial 12-month term
.

Our work integrates wellbeing, creativity, youth voice and global citizenship through school and community based programmes.

For 2026 we have secured funding from Arts Council Northern Ireland to work with 10 schools
, alongside confirmed in‑kind support and partnership from Queen’s University Belfast – School of Arts, English and Languages
.

This is a hands‑on senior leadership role combining documented delivery, partnership development, mentoring and strategic contribution
. The postholder will work closely with the Founder & CEO and collaborate with Programme Directors in South Africa and Sudan, as well as eduSOIL’s global wellbeing programmes Director.

The role is ideal for someone who wants to contribute at both strategic and grass‑roots level
, mentor young people and volunteers, and grow their own leadership capacity within a respected global movement.

Key responsibilities include:

Providing leadership for NI programmes including MEtime for Change, Design for Change, Virtual Youth Exchange, Be The Change and Student Council Leadership

Supporting funded delivery with schools, artists, teachers and young people

Mentoring youth participants, youth employees and volunteers

Building and maintaining relationships with schools, universities, funders and strategic partners

Supporting funding development, reporting and evaluation

Contributing to national visibility and storytelling through stories of change

Representing Northern Ireland within the global Design for Change network

Participating in shared leadership, wellbeing practice and safeguarding processes

The role combines strategic contribution with hands‑on involvement in programme delivery, partnerships and mentoring. It is not a trustee or purely advisory role.

The Programme Director works closely with the Founder & CEO and is part of a peer leadership group with Programme Directors in South Africa and Sudan, contributing to shared learning and international collaboration.

We are seeking a committed, values‑led individual with experience across education, youth work, community development, arts, social enterprise or related sectors.

You should have:

At least 5 years’ professional experience in a related, relevant or complementary field/sector

Strong relationship‑building and communication skills

Experience supporting or managing projects or programmes

Confidence mentoring young people and volunteers

An interest in wellbeing‑informed leadership and reflective practice

Experience working with schools, young people, educators or community organisations either through professional roles or in a voluntary capacity.

You do not need prior experience with Design for Change, but you should be open to learning and working within an established global methodology. You also do not need to have a background in Education or the Community Sector, yet should have experience with young people, prior voluntary experience in any field and must have a commitment to connect with and collaborate with underserved communities.

We are particularly interested in applicants who:

Are based in Belfast

Bring lived experience of migration, cultural transition or integration

Have experience in arts, mindfulness, yoga or…