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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: Be the voice of rural communities and drive meaningful change in sustainable living.
- Qualifications: Experience in community work, excellent communication skills, and relevant Level 3 qualifications preferred.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role with strong potential for extension.
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 will 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 specific challenges and needs of rural communities in Hertfordshire. Understanding local issues will help you demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with online forums or social media groups focused on rural development. This can provide insights into current projects and initiatives, allowing you to speak knowledgeably about them in conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider volunteering for local projects related to rural community work. Gaining hands-on experience will not only enhance your CV but also show your dedication to making a difference in the community.
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 or development. Emphasise any successful projects you've led, 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. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to similar projects and how you can bring value to the role of Rural Manager.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, especially if you have Level 3 qualifications or equivalent experience in a relevant field. If you have knowledge of rural policy or asset-based community development, make sure to include that as well.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are crucial for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated with diverse stakeholders, including residents, local councils, and statutory partners.
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 experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to improving rural communities, as this will resonate with the organisation's mission.
✨Demonstrate Partnership Building Skills
Prepare examples of successful collaborations you've been involved in. Discuss how you’ve worked with various stakeholders, such as local councils and community groups, to achieve common goals. This will showcase your ability to foster relationships essential for the role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Funding Applications
Since experience with funding applications is crucial, be prepared to talk about specific projects where you successfully secured funding. Highlight your approach to writing proposals and managing budgets, as this will demonstrate your capability in project delivery.
✨Understand Rural Policy and Community Needs
Familiarise yourself with current rural policies and the unique challenges faced by rural communities in Hertfordshire. Being knowledgeable about these topics will show your dedication and readiness to act as a voice for the community in policy discussions.
