About Avicenna Foundation
Avicenna Foundation is a pioneering leadership development organisation dedicated to empowering the next generation of British Muslim leaders. Our vision is a society where the full potential of the British Muslim community is unlocked - enriching the UK’s social, cultural, and economic fabric and inspiring global progress. Avicenna Foundation is a part of the wider Adam Foundation family, which offers a raft of opportunities and scope for the Foundation and the role.
We run the most comprehensive scholarship and leadership development programme for young British Muslims in the UK. Our approach combines academic support, mentorship, emotional and spiritual development, and real-world exposure to create ethical, confident, and visionary leaders. Grounded in our core values-Hikmah (Wisdom), Akhlaq (Ethical Character), Ithar (Altruism), Khidmah (Service), and Ihsan (Excellence)-we aim to deliver a lasting impact on communities and society as a whole.
Role Purpose
We are seeking a highly proactive, detail-driven Programme Coordinator who takes ownership and drives execution at pace. Reporting to the Programme Manager, you will play a central role in ensuring the Avicenna Scholarship Programme is delivered with precision, urgency, and continuous improvement.
This is not a passive coordination role. You will be expected to anticipate needs, solve problems before they escalate, and push work forward without waiting for direction. You will operate in a fast-moving environment where standards are high, feedback is direct, and progress is expected.
The Right Fit
This role is suited to someone who combines operational discipline with intensity, drive, and ambition.
We are looking for individuals who:
- Take ownership without being asked and move work forward decisively
- Are tenacious in delivering outcomes, even when faced with ambiguity or resistance
- Have a healthy level of impatience – you move quickly, challenge inefficiency, and do not allow work to stall
- Are comfortable operating in a high-performance environment with clear expectations and accountability
- Enjoy working in a small, nimble, dynamic and high impact environment
- Actively seek feedback, accept challenge, and continuously refine how they work
You should be energised by building systems, improving processes, and raising standards over time. This is an environment that will stretch you and requires someone who wants to be stretched.
Key Responsibilities
Scholarship Programme Support
- Coordinate the day-to-day operations of the Avicenna Scholarship Programme, including events and programme delivery.
- Act as the first point of contact for current scholars, supporting their journey and responding to queries.
- Schedule, organise, and support logistics for scholar events (retreats, coaching sessions, socials).
- Maintain accurate scholar records and support monitoring of their progress.
- Help coordinate the annual scholarship application cycle, including communications and applicant tracking.
Operations and Administration
- Provide operational and administrative support to the General Manager and wider team.
- Maintain internal systems including scheduling, database management, and workflow tools.
- Assist in preparing internal reports, grant applications, and board documents.
- Support financial admin, such as invoice processing and budget tracking.
- Ensure smooth office administration and vendor coordination.
- Support engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
Communications and Stakeholder Support
- Coordinate internal communications to scholars, mentors, and partners.
- Support with website and lead social media engagement.
- Assist with alumni engagement and data management.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Strong organisational and coordination skills, ideally within a nonprofit, education, or development-focused environment
- Exceptional attention to detail, with a structured and methodical approach to delivery
- Highly proactive – anticipates needs, identifies gaps, and takes action without prompting
- Tenacious and resilient – follows through on tasks, resolves issues, and delivers despite setbacks
- Comfortable working at pace – demonstrates urgency and a low tolerance for inefficiency or delays
- Receptive to feedback and challenge – actively seeks input, reflects, and improves quickly
- Coachable and growth-oriented – willing to adapt, refine approach, and develop rapidly in role
- Strong sense of ownership and accountability for outcomes, not just tasks
- Able to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment
- Strong IT skills (Google Workspace, MS Office, Zoom, project management tools)
- Clear and confident communicator, both written and verbal
- Ability to identify inefficiencies and proactively improve systems and processes
- Understanding of digital engagement and communications (including social media)
- Strong alignment with the values and mission of the Avicenna Foundation
Desirable:
- Experience working with scholarship or leadership development programmes.
- Familiarity with Salesforce, Airtable, or similar CRM tools.
- Understanding of British Muslim community contexts or Islamic leadership values.
- Event coordination experience.
What We Offer
Avicenna Foundation operates with high standards, clear accountability, and a strong feedback culture. This role is best suited to individuals who thrive in environments where expectations are high, pace is fast, and continuous improvement is the norm.
- A rare opportunity to be part of a movement with great career growth potential.
- A values-driven, collaborative and mission-focused work culture.
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- The chance to play a key role in a transformative movement-and help build a legacy.