Location: Colchester
Contract: 35 hours per week
Salary: £27,300
Reports to: Manager
About Us
CENS is a charity dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. We provide essential services, advocacy, and long-term support to empower people towards independence. Our work is built on compassion, integrity, and the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
Role Overview
The Office Co-ordinator will be at the heart of our operations, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of our office. This role supports the wider team by managing day-to-day administration, maintaining accurate records, and providing a welcoming and professional first point of contact for clients, volunteers, and partners.
The role is 35 hours per week. The core working hours are 9am-5pm, although for the right candidate, we will consider how we can meet a flexible approach.
This is a varied role for a highly organised and proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
Office Administration
- Manage day-to-day administrative tasks including post, filing, data entry, and document management.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, databases, and contact lists.
- Manage and maintain communication with donors.
- Order office supplies and ensure equipment is maintained and functioning.
Maintain and manage resident Handbook and staff policies.
- Raise and manage maintenance issues with contactors.
- Support the preparation of reports, presentations, and other documents.
- Produce initial assessment and admission paperwork.
- Process resident departures and move-ons.
- Ensure website and digital communications are up to date.
Finance & Compliance Support
- Assist with basic financial administration such as processing invoices and expense claims.
- Manage rent accounts for move-on properties.
- Support record-keeping for compliance with charity regulations and GDPR.
- Manage gift aid and track donations from all sources.
- Manage housing benefit claims and queries.
Communication & Coordination
- Act as the first point of contact for phone calls, emails, and visitors to the office.
- Handle enquiries from clients, partner organisations, and the public in a sensitive and professional manner.
- Manage communication with donors, partners and supporters.
- Help coordinate events – produce guest lists, create and manage invites.
- Coordinate meeting schedules, book rooms, and prepare meeting materials.
Team Support
- Provide administrative support to the Manager and staff as required.
- Assist in the coordination of volunteer inductions and training sessions.
- Support event planning and fundraising activities.
- Produce reports for the Manager as needed.
- Schedule meetings and record minutes.
Person Specification
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in an administrative or office-based role.
- Experience of utilising online accounting packages, preferably Liberty.
- Book-keeping experience
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong computer literacy
- Competent in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and databases.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
- Empathy and understanding of issues surrounding homelessness and social disadvantage.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience working in a charity or non-profit setting.
- Knowledge of GDPR and basic finance administration.
- Experience using CRM systems or donor management systems.
Personal Attributes
- Proactive and able to work independently.
- Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
- Compassionate, patient, and committed to the charity’s mission.
Benefits
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Supportive, values-driven working environment.
- Opportunities for training and professional development.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the person specification to marina.woodrow@cens4homeless.org.uk by 3rd September 2025.
