Advertised from 15 September 2026

Role

We are delighted to be launching our mentoring programme in Dumfries and Galloway and are looking for a Programme Manager. This is a unique opportunity to be involved right from the beginning – launching and implementing MCR Pathways’ Mentoring Programme across secondary schools and college campuses. 

About the role

You must be based in Dumfries and Galloway and will manage all aspects of the MCR Pathways programme delivery, actively engaging with participating schools, colleges, the local authority and key partners including Skills Development Scotland and Developing the Young Workforce.

In this role, you will empower your regional team to drive substantive, positive change for young people by supporting and challenging appointed delivery leads to build a vibrant, impactful mentoring programme. Additionally, you will lead mentor recruitment, training, and support initiatives to guarantee every young person has access to a dedicated mentor, while managing your local Mentor Services Coordinator to align the mentor pipeline perfectly with the local need.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead on and manage all aspects of programme delivery 
• Provide support, development, training, management and motivation to MCR staff and delivery leads
• Support integration of the programme and a consistently high quality standard of programme delivery across all settings
• Develop and support partnerships with the Local Councils, further and higher education institutions, local business and all MCR stakeholders
• Provide analysis of programme performance, impact and development

About you

• Experience of developing and effectively managing teams and programmes
• Self-motivated and skilled at motivating others  
• Experience of or strong interest in working or volunteering in the third sector
• Experience of working within or in collaboration with secondary schools and or further education
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Attention to detail and ability to prioritise

About us

MCR Pathways is an award-winning charity established in Glasgow in 2007. Our mentoring programme is now delivered in schools across the whole of Scotland as well as North East and South East England. We are committed to helping the country’s most vulnerable young people gain self-confidence, identify their skills and recognise and fulfil their potential. 

Our mission: To connect every young person with a trusted adult mentor, someone who sparks confidence, fuels ambition, and walks beside them as they find their way.

Our vision: MCR Pathways will work until every young person has someone to help them find their way.

You will be joining a friendly and supportive team who love what they do and enjoy working with each other. MCR Pathways’ values are Respect, Communication, Trust and Growth and they inform everything we do.

Benefits of working for MCR Pathways include: 30 days annual leave in first year rising to 35 days from 2nd year of employment, 3 further days of annual leave between the December and January public holidays, additional day off for your birthday, Employee Assistance Programme, Life Assurance – 4 x salary.

Application notes

Closing date: Monday 5 October at 9am

Visit our website to find out more and to apply.