Community Development Officer

Guardian Jobs; Devon; Hybrid; ZAR 189 000 - 633 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading rural community development charity is looking for three Community Development Officers to support Devon's rural communities. This hybrid role involves engaging with communities to enhance quality of life, delivering community-led projects, and requiring strong project management skills. Applicants should have previous experience in community engagement and be flexible for occasional evening and weekend work. A driving license and vehicle access are essential for this position. Join us in making a real impact in local communities!

Qualifications

• Experience in community engagement or community development, supporting community groups and partnerships.
• Strong understanding of asset-based, inclusive and community-led approaches.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Support rural and coastal communities to develop and thrive.
• Deliver community engagement and capacity building activities.
• Research emerging issues affecting rural communities.

Skills

Community engagement

Project management

Communication skills

Training delivery

Facilitation

Job description

Community Development Officer

We are looking for three Rural Community Connectors / Community Development Officers to join our team, working across Devon in flexible, hybrid roles.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a leading rural community development charity and play a critical role in supporting thriving, sustainable and inclusive rural, coastal and market town communities.

Positions

Rural Community Connector / Community Development Officer (3 posts)

Salary

£28,828 per annum (FTE) - Pro rata: £8,648 (0.3 FTE) / £23,062 (0.8 FTE)

Contract

Fixed term for 3 years (subject to review thereafter)

Locations & Hours

• South / West Devon – 0.3 FTE (10.88 hours per week)
• North Devon / Torridge – 0.3 FTE (10.88 hours per week)
• East Devon / Mid Devon – 0.8 FTE (29 hours per week)

Closing Date

12 noon Monday 2nd February

The Role

You will work as part of the Delivery Team to support rural and coastal communities to develop, thrive and respond to local challenges. Across these roles you will contribute to the delivery of a diverse portfolio of projects, including the Vibrant Villages and Power in Place programmes, and wider community development activity across Devon.

You will:

• Work directly with communities and partner organisations to improve quality of life and community resilience
• Deliver community engagement, capacity building and community-led planning activity
• Support work tackling social isolation, health inequalities, fuel poverty and access to services
• Contribute to social enterprise development, training and skills building in community-led change
• Support Project Managers to deliver funded projects on time and to agreed outcomes
• Represent the charity within local partnerships and networks
• Research emerging issues affecting rural communities and help shape future projects and services

You will be primarily community-based within your locality, with some work across the wider county.

About You

We are seeking experienced, motivated and community-focused professionals who thrive in varied, people-centred roles and enjoy delivering tangible outcomes.

You will have:

• Experience in community engagement or community development, supporting community groups and partnerships
• A strong understanding of asset-based, inclusive and community-led approaches
• Excellent project management skills, including communication, facilitation, training delivery and impact evaluation
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Experience of writing reports and delivering workshops or training sessions
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences

You will need to be flexible, as some evening and weekend work will be required. Travel across Devon is essential; mileage will be reimbursed. Due to the rural nature of the county, a full driving licence with access to a vehicle (or the ability to travel easily across Devon) is required.

About The Organisation

The charity is a leading rural community development charity working across Devon to support communities to become more resilient, connected and sustainable.

We are an equal opportunities employer and strive to create a working environment where everyone can make the best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.