Lead Facilitator - The Agency

MAIN LOCATION: Moston and Harpurhey
RESPONSIBLE TO: The Agency Project Manager
WORKING PATTERN: Saturday day time and Wednesday afternoon/evenings in Harpurhey, North Manchester. Occasionally at Contact or at community places local to North Manchester.

STATUS: Freelance
CONTRACT TIMEFRAME: August 2026 – May 2027

FREELANCE FEE: £12,7000

DEADLINE: Monday 3rd August, 2026 – we reserve the right to close applications early

The Agency is an award-winning creative entrepreneurship programme that empowers young people in Moston and Harpurhey (aged 15–25) to develop projects for social change, based on their interests and the needs of their communities. Our work aims to positively impact the local area and support young people to grow as creators, leaders, and innovators. The Agency splits into two cycles. Cycle 1 is where we work with a large group of young people to nurture projects for social and change. Cycle 2 is where three of these projects are funded and piloted.

We are looking for: a Lead Artist Facilitator to join us, supporting young people to unlock their desire for change to make positive projects that impact their local community. We are seeking an experienced facilitator who is confident, enthusiastic and passionate about working with young people and driving social change.

Working closely with the Project Manager, you will lead weekly creative sessions, support our Peer Mentor, build community partnerships and help young people bring their ideas to life in an inclusive and inspiring environment. You will then work closely with the young people whose projects are funded to bring their projects to completion.

Contract detail includes:

• 2 days a week (Wednesday and Saturdays) for 18 weeks (12 weeks in Cycle 1 and 6 weeks in Cycle 2)

• 1.5 days a week (Wednesday half day and Saturday full day) for 10 weeks in Cycle 2

• 7 additional days for planning and evaluation

• 3 days of essential Agency Methodology Training (Tues 25th August – Thursday 27th August) at Contact

Person Spec:

• An artistic practice that can be applied to The Agency methodology to create creative and engaging workshops.
  • A passion for empowering young people to provoke change in their lives and wider community.
  • A desire to affect social change within hard-to-reach communities.
  • Confident communicating with a range of different people and an ability to build relationships in a community setting.
  • Experience of working with and facilitating young people.
  • An understanding of the challenges facing young people today.
  • Experience of delivering community-based workshops.
  • A diverse approach to working with a wide range of people.
  • Ability to problem solve and come up with creative solutions to challenges.
  • A proven track record of being committed and reliable when working with young people.
  • Experience of delivering community-based work.
  • Knowledge of Moston & Harpurhey (ideal)
  • Knowledge of good safeguarding practice.
  • An up-to-date enhanced DBS disclosure.

Cycle 1 Brief (September-December)

As the Lead Facilitator, plan, deliver, and evaluate 12 weekly Agency sessions with up to 25 young people aged 15-25 in-line with the Agency methodology.
• Work closely with The Agency peer mentor in the planning and delivery of weekly sessions.
• Provide The Agency Project Manager will session plans at least a week in advance
• Work closely with young people to empower them to develop their ideas within the methodology of The Agency.

Cycle 2 Brief (January-May)

• For stage two of the project, work with a group of young people (The Agents) to realise their 3 successfully pitched projects over 16 weeks.
• Work closely with the project manager to plan and support delivery of Masterclasses
• Identify networks for them to connect with and set up meetings where appropriate.
• Identify future funding opportunities and methods of sustainability for the projects and their development, e.g., Prince’s Trust, Unltd, Awards for All.
• Support one of the projects as Producer/Mentor.
• Encourage and support The Agents to work more autonomously and ensure they have the skills to complete further projects independently.
• Oversee all planning and budget documents for The Agents’ projects.
• Be present at The Agents’ meetings with Contact staff and external people.
• Provide feedback and evaluation to enable The Agents to grow.
• Ensure all projects are fully documented.
• Work closely with the Project Manager to ensure the above are aims are met and to discuss any concerns that arise, or any additional support
needed.

SELECTION PROCESS: In early August, we will run a two-stage selection. We will hold interviews online on Thursday 6th August, and then invite a shortlist of candidates to Contact to run a 20 minute practical workshop with some of our Agents on Thursday 13th August.