be part of team cyz
Every year, thousands of young people rely on Carlisle Youth Zone as a safe and inclusive space where they can have fun, build confidence, develop skills and grow ambitions while supported by a passionate, dedicated and professional team.
As we look to secure this opportunity for the next generation of young people accessing CYZ, we are recruiting to a number of pivotal roles that underpin what make this possible.
For background information on CYZ, please see our CYZ Recruitment Pack
To see how the roles listed below fit into our team structure, CYZ Organisational Structure
We recognise that the strength of CYZ (and the OnSide network of Youth Zones) is the diversity of our people, and we are actively promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion within our team. It is important to us that we achieve a culture where everyone can be themselves and thrive. Roles are subject to a Enhanced DBS and Barred List check, funded by CYZ.
Please note that you must be 18+ to apply.
To apply for roles: please submit to personnel@carlisleyouthzone.org a supporting statement (no more than 2 sides of A4) alongside your CV, showing how you meet the requirements of the role. We recognise that some people may prefer to apply using a different format (portfolio, video etc), and if that’s the case for you, please get in touch to discuss.
Please check each vacancy for closing and interview dates.
Cafe & Catering Coordinator
Location: Carlisle Youth Zone, Carlisle
Salary: £27,671 FTE (pro rata)
Hours: Up to 15 hours per week (more/less available for the right candidate as the role develops.
The ‘Core Café’, as the name suggests, is at the heart of the Youth Zone, and a gathering place for our members during their evening and Saturday daytime Youth Clubs. Since we opened our doors in 2011, young people have been able to access a hot meal at the Youth Zone for a £1 contribution, and free during funded campaigns and holiday periods. Our compact catering kitchen provides the facilities we need to prepare, make and serve food straight from the Youth Zone, and affords a unique opportunity to cater directly to young people who can in turn practice their skills in ordering, budgeting and making food choices.
You will be the main person responsible for the cafe, including hygiene standards, ordering, preparation and meal planning – as well as serving on 2 set evenings per week (Monday and Thursday), and a Saturday morning, with menu planning and prep in place for other youth club sessions for other staff to deliver on.
Closing date is 22 June 2026.
Reception & Business Support Worker (Maternity cover)
Contract: Fixed term, Part Time
Location: Carlisle Youth Zone, Carlisle
Salary: £27,671 (FTE, Pro rota)
Hours: 30hrs per week (9am to 3pm) - more hours will be considered
am to Business and Reception Workers are often the first point of contact for the CYZ community and offer a warm and engaging welcome to anyone who gets in touch through any channel.
Working in a Youth Zone is truly unique, and this is a position where 2 days are never the same. This position will be during day time hours (9am to 3pm, hours are slightly flexible to suit commitments for the right candidate) and involves reception and business support duties, with a particular focus on the day time bookings and facilities hire, finance administration, order processing and some social media updating. During school holidays, this role will also be integral to welcoming our members to holiday clubs. You will also line manage our small cleaning team.
Please note this is a maternity cover position to begin July 2025. Closing date is Wednesday 17 June (but early applications are encouraged as applicants will be reviewed regularly).
Volunteer Co-ordinator
Location: Carlisle Youth Zone, Carlisle
Salary: £27,671 FTE (pro-rata)
Hours: 17.5 hours per week
Creating a role dedicated to the volunteering experience at CYZ is part of a renewed commitment we are making. We’re looking for someone who shares our passion for volunteering and a commitment to ensuring volunteers feel valued and engaged as the vital members that they are.
The role requires someone who is organised and proactive with an ability to think creatively in order to match the skills, interests and experiences bring in ways that enhance and strengthen our youth offer for the hundreds of young people who visit us every week – either through direct contributions within sessions for young people or through support roles which make it all possible. Equally, volunteering with CYZ should be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for the individuals who put forwards their time, and this role will be at the heart of ensuring this is fulfilled.
Closing date for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 17th June. Anticipated interview date is Monday 29th June.
Communications and Engagement Manager
Location: Carlisle Youth Zone, Carlisle (with some hybrid working considered)
Salary: £30,000 – £34,000 FTE (pro-rata) dependent on experience
Hours: 37.5hrs per week
We’re looking for someone who is a natural storyteller and relationship builder to drive our external communications, strengthen our charities visibility, and deliver meaningful engagement opportunities for existing and emerging supporters. You will be someone who thrives on translating mission driven outcomes and impact into clear, compelling communications that inspire action and foster trust.
This role reflects our deep commitment to the supporters – individuals, businesses and organisations – who make our work with young people possible and will ensure all our supporters feel valued, informed and connected to the difference we are making together.
Closing date for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 17th June. Anticipated interview date is Monday 29th June.
Trusts & Grants Manager
Location: Carlisle Youth Zone, Carlisle (with some hybrid working considered)
Salary: £32,000 – £35,000 FTE (pro-rata) dependent on experience
Hours: 30hrs per week
We’re looking for someone who can turn impact, data and ambition into compelling, high-value funding bids. You will lead on trust and foundation applications, typically £30,000+ per year and often multi-year, helping to secure sustainable income for CYZ’s future.
We know great fundraisers come from many backgrounds and recognise that excellent transferable skills can come from a range of sectors. If you bring strong writing ability, analytical thinking, experience of working with complex information, managing deadlines, building credible cases and working collaboratively across teams, we would love to hear from you.
This is a rare opportunity to shape high-value funding for one of Cumbria’s largest youth charities and be part of the national OnSide Youth Zones network – combining the opportunity to be part of a national movement whilst having direct and local impact right here in Cumbria.
Closing date for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 17th June. Anticipated interview date is Tuesday 23rd June.
