Strategic Community Development Lead - EH070

EHDC; Sheet; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and development opportunities

Generous annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexi time

Job summary

East Hampshire District Council seeks a Strategic Community Development Lead to set the direction for community development programmes and to drive delivery of asset-based community initiatives. You will provide strategic leadership, coordinate priorities and support colleagues and partners to engage local communities.

You will manage budgets, foster partnerships with councils, voluntary groups and public bodies, and develop briefs and policies to inform decisions and strengthen neighbourhood

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in community development or local government.
• Experience in strategic programme coordination and line management.
• Strong understanding of asset-based community development and budget management.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of Community Area Partnerships and asset mapping.
• Coordinate delivery across programmes with governance and evaluation.
• Develop policies, reports and briefings to inform decisions.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Project & budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation & communication

Education

Degree-level qualification

Job description

Strategic Community Development Lead - EH070

Community Development and Engagement

Full time

Permanent - FT

Strategic Community Development Lead Permanent Full Time (37 hours per week, Monday to Friday)

Are you ready to help shape how we work with our communities across, lead strategic community development and enable communities to shape their future across East Hampshire.

The Community Team at East Hampshire provides vital community development support to our communities. We work closely with local groups, community organisations, voluntary services and statutory agencies to help develop community-led solutions that bring about positive outcomes.

As Strategic Community Development Lead you will help set the direction for our community development programmes and translate our Community Development Strategy into delivery. You will provide strategic leadership, coordinate priorities and support colleagues and partners to take an asset-based approach that builds on local strengths. You will also undertake line management responsibilities, supporting staff performance, development and wellbeing.

As a key member of our team you will lead the development of Community Area Partnerships, coordinate Community Asset Mapping and provide strategic oversight of our Community Asset Transfer programme and Area Deals. You will develop strategic relationships with town and parish councils, community organisations and public sector partners, enabling communities to take greater ownership of local assets, influence decisions and develop solutions that respond to local needs.

You will be responsible for coordinating delivery across these programmes, establishing effective governance and evaluating their impact. You will bring together colleagues from services including Property, Legal and Finance, manage programme budgets and consultancy support, and identify funding opportunities to support community priorities. You will also develop policies, reports and briefings to inform council decisions and help shape our approach to neighbourhood working.

We are looking for a highly skilled candidate with a degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant experience, and proven experience of strategic programme coordination within local government or community development. You will have experience of line management or professional leadership of staff, with the ability to support and motivate others, influence senior colleagues and build effective partnerships.

You will have a strong understanding of asset-based community development and community empowerment, alongside excellent project and budget management skills. Political awareness, sound judgement and strong negotiation and communication skills will enable you to broker agreements, navigate council and partner decision-making processes and present complex issues at senior levels and in public forums. You will be comfortable managing multiple programmes and competing priorities, while adapting to change.

In return for your valued contribution, we can offer you a competitive benefits package which includes training and development opportunities, generous annual leave and flexi time, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and more.

You can find out more about the council, our values and the full range of benefits and support we offer our staff at ourwebsite:

Please refer to the role profile for full details and requirements for this role.

If you would like an informal discussion about the position, please contact Chris Paterson, Community and Engagement Manager ( [e-mail] )

Closing date for applications is 1st November 2026, with interviews likely to be held week commencing 9th November 2026.

East Hampshire District Council is committed to building a diverse, inclusiveandequitableworkplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – we are proud of being a Disability Confident Committed employer and appoint on merit.

The council is an inclusive employer and appoint on merit. We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans.

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff members to share this commitment.