At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community development initiatives and manage a small grants programme to improve wellbeing.
- Company: Join Pathfinder West Sussex, a people-led organisation dedicated to inspiring change.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, medical cash plan, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while addressing health inequalities in your community.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in partnership development and financial management.
The predicted salary is between 36729 - 36729 € per year.
Location: West Sussex
Salary: £36,729
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 25th May 2026
Interview Date: W/C 1st June 2026
About Pathfinder West Sussex
Pathfinder West Sussex is a partnership of mental health, homelessness and employment support organisations working together to improve people’s wellbeing across the county.
About the Role
This is a new and exciting role in which you will be developing and leading the Community Development workstream within the Pathfinder West Sussex Mental Health Support Service. Its purpose is to address health inequalities and you will be working with specialist VCSE partners to deliver tailored interventions and services via a small grants scheme. It is a fantastic opportunity to help reach people in need and make a real difference.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish and manage the small grants programme associated with the workstream.
- Develop operational and strategic partnerships with VCSE organisations, local authorities, NHS partners and community leaders; act as a key point of liaison between communities and Mental Health Support Services.
- Represent the service at locality networks and strategic meetings; cultivate relationships that enhance pathways, referrals and community outcomes.
- Identify funding opportunities; contribute to high‑quality bids and tenders; manage small project budgets and resources effectively.
- Embed co‑production and lived experience throughout; support volunteers and peer leaders; provide training and capacity‑building for community groups.
Person Specification
To be successful in the role you will need to have great communication skills and be committed to the values of BHT Sussex. Some of the key skills and experience you will need to bring with you include:
- Experience of establishing, developing and maintaining effective working relationships with voluntary and statutory partners.
- Knowledge of relevant procurement legislation and best practice.
- Well‑developed networking, promoting, presentation and negotiating skills.
- Experience of effective financial/business management including the preparation and management of budgets.
- Experience in contract management within the charity or public sector.
Benefits
- 5.5% stakeholder pension scheme and life assurance scheme.
- Medical cash plan with BHSF.
- Access to BHT Sussex’s Learning.
Community Development Manager employer: BHT Sussex
Pathfinder West Sussex is an exceptional employer dedicated to inspiring change and improving community wellbeing across Sussex. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive training opportunities and a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to addressing health inequalities through meaningful community engagement makes this role not only rewarding but also impactful, allowing you to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the community development space. Attend local events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for community development shine through. Share stories about how you've made a difference in the past and how you plan to do it in this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research Pathfinder West Sussex and understand their mission and values. Think about how your skills align with their goals and be ready to discuss specific examples of your experience that relate to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the resources you need to make your application stand out. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to make a real impact in the community!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Community Development Manager role. We want to see how you can inspire change and make a difference in Sussex!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since great communication is key for this role, don’t shy away from demonstrating your abilities. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with partners or communities in the past.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Be sure to mention any experience you have with managing budgets, developing partnerships, or working within the charity or public sector. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so show us what you’ve got!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Pathfinder West Sussex!
How to prepare for a job interview at BHT Sussex
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the community you’ll be serving. Research local issues, key players, and existing services. This will not only show your commitment but also help you discuss how you can make a real impact.
✨Showcase Your Networking Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience in building relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully collaborated with VCSE organisations or local authorities in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to foster partnerships.
✨Understand Funding and Budgets
Brush up on your knowledge of funding opportunities and budget management. Be prepared to discuss how you would identify funding sources and manage small project budgets effectively. This is crucial for the role, so having concrete examples will set you apart.
✨Emphasise Co-Production
Since co-production and lived experience are key aspects of this role, think of ways you've involved communities in your previous work. Share stories that highlight your commitment to inclusivity and how you’ve empowered others in community settings.
