EMPLOYMENT
VACANCIES
Youth Employment Manager - Job Description
Our Youth Employment Manager role is an exciting new opportunity to lead on Poetic Unity’s innovative Employment programmes, which makes up one of our three priority areas: Mental Health, Employment and Education. This role, forming part of our Senior Leadership Team, will play a critical role in supporting thousands of Black young people across the UK to access safe, inclusive and empowering employment opportunities - changing culture and reshaping systems.
Job Title: Youth Employment Manager
Salary: £40,000
Location: On-site in Brixton with some remote flexibility
Hours: Full-time (35 hours). Due to the nature of our work, some evening and weekend work will be required in this role.
Contract: Permanent, depending on funding and subject to performance. This role includes a 6-month probationary period
PROGRAMMES
WE DELIVER
CULTURAL
LEADERS
The Cultural Leaders Youth Employment Programme, launched in 2021, is a partnership between Poetic Unity, Black Cultural Archives, and Theatre Peckham that was created to provide meaningful employment and leadership opportunities for young people. Over three years, the programme employed 36 young people, with six participants recruited annually across the partner organisations. Cultural Leaders gained hands-on experience delivering workshops and events, developing leadership skills, and learning about the day-to-day operations of arts and charity organisations. The programme is designed to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and professional experience needed to thrive in the creative and cultural sectors. Its impact has been significant, with 70% of participants progressing into employment within creative organisations, roles with partner organisations, further education and launching their own ventures.
Mindful Ventures Programme
The Mindful Ventures Programme, launched in 2024 delivered in partnership between Poetic Unity and Save the Children, supports young people to turn their ideas into viable businesses and social ventures while placing mental health and wellbeing at the heart of the entrepreneurial journey. Over six weeks, participants work closely with experienced entrepreneurs, business leaders and industry experts, gaining practical knowledge in areas such as business planning, marketing, finance, leadership and pitching. Throughout the programme, young people develop and refine their own business ideas while building the skills and confidence needed to bring them to life. What sets Mindful Ventures apart from traditional enterprise programmes is its focus on mental health. Recognising that entrepreneurship can often lead to stress, burnout, and isolation, the programme equips participants with tools to support their wellbeing, including poetry, creative expression, self-reflection, and other wellbeing practices that can be used throughout their careers. The programme culminates in a live pitch event, where participants present their ventures to a panel of experts and have the opportunity to secure cash prizes, mentoring, and other forms of support to help launch and grow their businesses sustainably.
"Poetic Unity has improved my ability to vocalise the thoughts in my mind and my mental well-being!"
Poetry Pathways
Poetry Pathways is a career development programme designed to help young people turn their passion for poetry and spoken word into sustainable creative careers. Through practical workshops, mentoring, and industry insight, participants develop both their artistic practice and professional skills. The programme covers everything from performance, writing and facilitation to branding, networking, self-promotion, fundraising and securing paid opportunities. By equipping young people with the knowledge, confidence and tools needed to navigate the creative industries, Poetry Pathways empowers the next generation of poets and spoken word artists to build successful and impactful careers.
To find out more about our programmes, email us at Info@poeticunity.org.uk