Projects Coordinator (Fixed Term)

This exciting new role works across two Variety programmes, the Variety School Dogs Pilot and the Sunshine Coach Programme, and supports the wider Programmes team. 

Variety School Dogs Pilot. Launching in January 2027, this 18-month pilot programme will place five trained school dogs in five SEND schools in London and the South East, building the evidence to scale the programme nationally. You will work with Variety’s expert partners to support the sourcing, training and certification of the dogs and their handler / guardians to National School Dog Alliance standards. You will coordinate the pilot day to day. 

Sunshine Coach Programme. Variety has funded almost 6,000 Sunshine Coaches over 75 years, and the programme is growing. You will support the programme across its operations from first enquiry to delivery, including the Sunshine Coach Re-Design Project launching in January 2027. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Variety School Dogs Pilot 

• Manage school applications against the selection criteria and carer guardian profile, and organise selection meetings with our delivery partner. 

• Support partners to source and match dogs, coordinating homing checks, pre-assessments, grants and live training logistics. 

• Be the first point of contact for schools, carer guardians and partners, and coordinate termly monitoring. 

• Maintain the project plan and risk log, and write short progress reports for your line manager, the Chief Executive and funders. 

• Track spend against the budget and flag discrepancies for review; check partner invoices and work with Finance to process payments. 

Sunshine Coach Programme 

• Help manage the general enquiries inbox and answer questions about the programme. 

• Keep in touch with long-standing applicants who have not yet been awarded a coach. 

• Keep Salesforce coach records up to date at each stage of delivery. 

• Support the Sunshine Coach Re-Design Project and other new projects. 

• Help the Programme Engagement Manager with Sunshine Coach presentations. 

Wider Programmes team 

• Support the Individual Grants and Wheelchair Programmes and the Impact Officer, answer general enquiries and cover for colleagues when needed. 

• Keep Salesforce and shared records accurate, and handle data in line with UK GDPR. 

• Any other reasonable duties requested by the Programmes team. 

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND PERSONAL QUALITIES 

Essential 

• Some experience of coordinating projects or events involving several people or partners. 

• Well organised, with accurate record-keeping and clear written communication. 

• Confident building relationships with schools, applicants, partners and colleagues. 

• Comfortable around dogs, with a commitment to their welfare. 

• Understands safeguarding and confidentiality when working with schools and children. 

• Willing to travel to schools in London and the South East, and occasionally to work outside normal hours, such as the August 2027 live training intensive. 

• Approachable, reliable and practical, working well independently and in a team. 

Desirable 

• Experience in charity, education (particularly SEND) or health and social care, including volunteering. 

• Knowledge of dog behaviour and welfare, or of animal-assisted interventions. 

• Experience of Salesforce or another CRM. 

• Lived experience, personal or familial, of disability, and an understanding of the social model of disability. 

Variety, the Children’s Charity, is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. This role will require a DBS check. Proof of eligibility to work in the UK is required.

MAIN BENEFITS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• 25 days holiday (we also normally give between Christmas and New Year off, but this is not contractual).
• In addition, after one year's continuous service, there will be an extra 2 days annual holiday for every complete year of service, up to a maximum of five days' extra holiday.
• Enhanced Pension - 7% employer contribution and 2% employee contribution
• Life Assurance 4x annual salary
• Company sick pay scheme
• Cashback medical scheme