Director of Youth Work & Impact

About Empower Youth Zones

Empower Youth Zones is the charity that oversees the creation, management and sustainability of Youth Zones in Manchester and Salford. These include HideOut Youth Zone located in Gorton (East Manchester) which opened in 2020, and Salford Youth Zone located in Pendleton, which opened to young people in June 2025. HideOut and Salford Youth Zone provide children and young people aged 8-19 and up to 25 for those with additional needs with somewhere safe to go, something positive to do and someone trusted to talk to.

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About the role

As Director of Youth Work & Impact, you will shape and drive the entire youth work offer across both Youth Zones. You’ll lead programme development, ensure delivery is high-quality and inclusive, and make sure Empower’s work has measurable impact on the lives of children and young people aged 8–19 (and up to 25 with additional needs).

Through strong leadership, strategic planning and a commitment to high performance, you will:

• establish and oversee a robust Monitoring & Evaluation framework, to measure outcomes, track delivery against KPIs, and provide clear insights that inform strategic decisions by the CEO and Board.
• Lead safeguarding as Empower’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, manage programme budgets, and provide line management to senior operational staff.
• Ensure both Youth Zones deliver inspiring, impactful and safe experiences for every young person who walks through HideOut and Salford Youth Zone’s doors, creating opportunities for them to have a voice and influence decisions that affect them.
• Be a visible leader across Greater Manchester – representing Empower Youth Zones at key events and meetings, strengthening partnerships and advocating for their work.

This is a rare opportunity to be at the heart of a growing movement dedicated to giving every young person the chance to realise their full potential and thrive.