Community Action Manager

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A county's charity organization in Ipswich seeks a Community Action Manager to lead and develop community services. Ideal candidates should have strong leadership and communication skills, with an emphasis on managing teams and stakeholder relationships. The role includes responsibilities like budget management and service development, all while maintaining a focus on the charity's mission. The position offers a salary of £20,502 per annum, alongside flexible working and extensive holiday benefits.

Benefits

Flexible working options

33 days annual holiday

Up to 4% matched pension contribution

Professional development opportunities

Company sick pay scheme

Staff discount scheme

Qualifications

• Experience managing staff.
• Previous roles in community engagement or voluntary sectors.
• Capacity to manage a varied workload with frequent travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of Community Action services team.
• Work on growing services and explore new opportunities.
• Write funding applications to secure resources.
• Manage budgets to ensure effective service delivery.
• Drive business strategy to meet organisational targets.
• Provide inclusive leadership focusing on best practices.
• Build relationships with stakeholders and funders.

Skills

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Attention to detail

Organisational and prioritisation skills

Flexibility and self-motivation

Leadership

Job description

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Job Description

• Community Action Suffolk
• Address: Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 0HH
• Salary: £20,502 actual per annum (£34,170 pro rata)
• Hours: 22.5 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent. Required as soon as possible
• Reference: 0545

Location: Office base Brightspace, Ipswich with blended home working.

Community Action Suffolk (CAS) is the county's infrastructure organisation for the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector. We exist to ensure our sector, and its volunteers are supported, safe and sustainable and that our communities are active and resilient.

Our values of collaborative, enabling, person centred, responsive and trusted are the golden thread which runs through who we are and how we operate, and we aim to make them real every day.

Are you passionate about enabling the Voluntary Sector in Suffolk to thrive and support the local community? Do you enjoy engaging, motivating and influencing people?

If so, we have an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and energetic individual to join our management team at CAS.

As the Community Action Manager your responsibilities will include:

• leading the development and alignment of the Community Action services team to achieve its KPIs
• working with Deputy Director of Operations and Business Development to grow existing services and explore new opportunities and income growth for service development
• writing funding applications and proposals to secure resources for new and existing services
• manage and create budgets, ensuring cost-effective service delivery and financial control
• drive business strategy to meet organisational targets and standards
• provide effective and inclusive leadership which focuses on best practices and quality outcomes
• build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, commissioners, funders, and voluntary sector organisations.

The successful candidate should have previous experience of managing staff, strong interpersonal and communication skills, attention to detail and a flexible and self-motivated approach. You should also have excellent organisational and prioritisation skills as there will often be the need to manage a busy and varied workload. Regular travel around the county is required for this role therefore candidates will need a driving license.

What we offer

You will work within a reputable charity which offers its employees benefits which include:

• blended working where role allows
• flexible working options to support work/life balance
• 33 days increasing to a maximum 36 (FTE) annual holiday which includes an allowance for bank holidays
• up to 4% matched pension contribution
• 2 days pro rata volunteering days to support volunteering in Suffolk
• a staff discount scheme for a range of retailers including shopping, holidays, insurance, eating out and health and leisure activities
• a company sick pay scheme
• continued professional development for job related development
• family friendly policies and practices
• a tailored induction.

To find out more

If you are interested in the role and would like to learn more, please email [e-mail] Deputy Director of Operations and Business Development for an informal conversation.

We are a friendly organisation, committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive culture in all that we do, and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We aim to create a workplace which is welcoming, fair, and inclusive, where people can be themselves and contribute to our vision and values.

How to apply

To apply, please visit our website for a copy of our application pack. Alternatively, please email Susan Bulter on [e-mail].

Completed applications should be emailed to [e-mail] or posted to Susan Bulter, at Community Action Suffolk, 160 Hadleigh Road, Ipswich, IP2 0HH.

We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, or on commencement of post.

Closing date: 9 am, 9 January 2026.

Interview date: 15 January 2026.

About the Team

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To apply

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