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- Tasks: Lead community projects to enhance rural living and infrastructure in Hertfordshire.
- Company: Join a respected charity dedicated to empowering rural communities for over 50 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape sustainable rural development while being the voice of local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in community work, excellent communication skills, and a full UK driving licence required.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role with potential for extension until March 2026.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity for a dynamic, community-driven Rural Manager to lead rural development across Hertfordshire and help shape the future of sustainable countryside living.
Position: Rural Manager
Location: Hybrid, home-based with one day a week in the Hertford office.
Salary: £32,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours/week which may include some evening or weekend work as we operate a flexible working system.
Contract Type: Fixed term until 31 March 2026 (with strong potential for extension)
Closing Date: Wednesday 11th June 2025 at 11.59pm
About the role: As Rural Manager, you'll lead a range of community-led projects that strengthen Hertfordshire's rural infrastructure and support sustainable living. You'll be the key voice for rural communities, working directly with residents, local councils, and statutory partners to drive forward initiatives from concept to delivery and long-term sustainability.
Your work will span everything from facilitating rural housing projects to conducting Asset Based Community Development mapping, and from advising parish councils to managing grant applications and training sessions. This is a hands-on role with a meaningful legacy. Act as the voice of Rural Hertfordshire to statutory bodies, guiding policy decisions to incorporate and consider the unique needs of rural communities.
About you: You'll be a self-starter with a passion for rural life and community development. You will also bring:
- Experience in rural community work or development.
- A successful track record in partnership building and multi-agency collaboration.
- Experience with funding applications and project delivery.
- Excellent communication skills and a proactive, strategic mindset.
- A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
- Level 3 qualifications including A-levels or international Baccalaureate diploma, Level 3 NVQ, Level 3 National Diploma or Certificate, Advanced Apprenticeship or equivalent experience in a relevant field would be desirable.
- Knowledge of rural policy, asset-based community development, and digital communications would also be desirable.
About the organisation: Our client is a respected community development organisation working to foster vibrant, inclusive, and resilient rural communities. This is a rare opportunity to make a tangible impact on people's lives and ensure the unique voices of Hertfordshire's rural populations are heard and acted upon. Based in Hertfordshire where they have helped communities and delivered projects and services for over 50 years to help improve life for both rural and urban Hertfordshire.
As the Rural Community Charity for Hertfordshire they work to raise awareness of the needs of rural communities, farmers and businesses. Bringing together people and communities, champion the disadvantaged and provide advocacy for minorities and excluded groups.
This is a great opportunity to shape a role going forward.
Other roles you may have experience of could include: Community Development Officer, Rural Affairs Officer, Community Engagement Manager, Project Manager (Rural Development), Strategic Partnerships Manager, or similar.
Contact Detail:
NFP People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rural Community Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with local community groups and organisations in Hertfordshire. Attend events or meetings where you can meet people involved in rural development, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the key issues facing rural communities in Hertfordshire. Understanding local challenges will help you engage more effectively with stakeholders and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience in partnership building by volunteering for community projects or initiatives. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your CV but also provide you with real-life examples to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on funding opportunities relevant to rural development. Being knowledgeable about potential grants and funding sources will position you as a proactive candidate who can contribute to the organisation's goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Rural Community Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in rural community work and development. Emphasise any successful projects you've led or contributed to, particularly those involving partnership building and multi-agency collaboration.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for rural life and community development. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the qualifications listed in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your communication skills and strategic mindset. Mention any experience with funding applications and project delivery, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of rural policy and asset-based community development in your application. This could be through mentioning relevant coursework, projects, or personal initiatives that align with the organisation's goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at NFP People
✨Show Your Passion for Rural Development
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for rural life and community development during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to improving rural communities, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves partnership building and multi-agency collaboration, be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully worked with various stakeholders in the past. Highlight your ability to bring people together to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Funding and Project Delivery Questions
Expect questions related to funding applications and project management. Be ready to discuss your experience in these areas, including any successful projects you've led or contributed to, and how you navigated challenges along the way.
✨Research the Organisation and Its Impact
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's mission and recent projects. Understanding their work will allow you to tailor your responses and demonstrate how your values align with theirs, making you a more compelling candidate.
