Community Engagement Officer in Birmingham

Community Engagement Officer in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 27000 - 30000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Birmingham Voluntary Sector Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Engage with diverse communities and empower migrant voices through creative initiatives.
  • Company: Centrala CIC, a community-focused organisation in Birmingham.
  • Benefits: Part-time role with competitive salary and opportunities for personal development.
  • Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for evening and weekend work.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference by connecting and supporting under-represented communities.
  • Qualifications: Experience in community engagement and a passion for inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 27000 - 30000 £ per year.

Closing Date: Friday 29th May 2026.

Employment Type: Part-time, Permanent (22.5 hours per week / 3 days)

Location: Centrala CIC, Birmingham

Salary: £27,000 to £30,000 per annum (FTE)

Start Date: June 2026

About the Role

Are you passionate about building meaningful relationships within diverse communities? Do you have experience working with minoritised and marginalised groups, especially migrants? Are you empathetic, creative, and motivated to help people connect, participate, and make a difference locally? If so, we have an excellent opportunity for you to join Centrala.

We are seeking a dedicated and dynamic Community Engagement Officer to support the delivery of our Migration Programme. The role involves building strong, trusting relationships with migrant communities, uncovering what matters to people, and helping them connect, participate, and influence positive change.

You’ll work closely with the Migration Programme Manager to shape, deliver, and grow initiatives that engage and support Central and Eastern European (CEE) and other under-represented migrant communities across Birmingham and nationally. Your work will involve delivering existing and developing new projects that empower communities and promote inclusion. By co-creating events, support structures, and opportunities for collaboration, you’ll help foster resilience, amplify migrant voices, and influence local narratives, civic life, and policy. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of culture, community, and social impact – with relationships and creativity at its heart.

Key Responsibilities

  • Community Engagement & Relationship Building
  • Conduct outreach and engagement with CEE and new migrant communities to build stronger, more representative participation.
  • Support the development of new community initiatives to encourage collaboration and leadership.
  • Ensure migrants—especially those from marginalised groups such as LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, and those experiencing mental health challenges—are included and heard.
  • Key Tasks
    • Hold regular one-to-one meetings to understand people’s concerns, hopes, and ambitions.
    • Identify and support active community members to develop confidence, participation, and leadership skills.
    • Support community groups to connect, collaborate, and take part in shared projects.
    • Amplify migrant voices in public conversations and forums.
    • Create and deliver communications plans (including social media) to connect and inspire active citizens.
    • Support and encourage local initiatives, events, and community projects.
    • Deliver workshops, meetings, panel discussions, and cultural celebrations.
    • Organise both online and in-person events to strengthen community ties.
    • Maintain an active network of community contacts and ensure efficient communication.
    • Lead local communications, including newsletters and online content.
    • Contribute to research, evaluation, and partnership-building efforts.
    • Support the training and development of migrant leaders, volunteers, and peer workers.
    • Represent Centrala’s migration work in external meetings and forums.
  • Project Delivery and Coordination
    • Plan, schedule, and manage activities using tools such as Asana.
    • Ensure events and activities are delivered within budget and on time.
    • Evaluate project effectiveness and incorporate lessons learned.
    • Support the development of impactful local activities, events, and community-led initiatives.
    • Identify opportunities to collaborate with external organisations and campaigns.
    • Monitor migration policy developments and identify key issues for community response.
  • Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
    • Prepare and monitor evaluations of projects and activities.
    • Assist in compiling reports for funders and stakeholders.
    • Support data collection and maintain accurate financial records.
  • Fundraising & Financial Oversight
    • Contribute to Centrala’s fundraising initiatives.
    • Support the development and management of project budgets.
    • Ensure timely collection of data and maintain financial accountability.
  • Training, Development & Organisational Learning
    • Take responsibility for personal development and wellbeing.
    • Reflect on and improve your engagement practice.
    • Share learning and contribute to team growth.
    • Produce reports and follow Centrala’s procedures to a high standard.
    • Participate in Centrala and sector training related to community engagement, inclusion, and migration.
    • Stay informed about migration sector developments, legal changes, and research.
    • Adopt a continuous learning approach to community engagement and development.

    Person Specification

    Essential Skills, Knowledge & Experience

    • Lived experience of migration.
    • A degree in Social Science or a related field is desirable.
    • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar role.
    • Proven success building relationships with diverse communities, especially CEE and new migrant groups.
    • Strong understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion principles.
    • Ability to work independently with excellent time management and prioritisation skills.
    • Strong communication skills – both written and verbal.
    • Experience managing conflict and challenging situations.
    • Budget management experience.
    • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Asana, Canva, and social media.
    • Experience working with marginalised groups and providing outreach or signposting support.
    • Creative approach to community engagement and programme delivery.

    Personal Qualities

    • A natural people-person who enjoys connecting with others.
    • Enthusiastic and passionate, with a practical approach to getting things done.
    • Able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a small team.
    • Motivational, empathetic, and community-focused.

    Additional Information

    • Regular evening and weekend work.
    • Enhanced DBS check is required.

    Values and Beliefs Underpinning Our Work

    • Equality & Diversity – We see these as essential for coexistence, recognising that diversity enriches us all.
    • Inclusion – We strive to prevent isolation or marginalisation, ensuring individuals feel welcome and valued.
    • Collaboration – We build together, sharing agency, responsibility, and ownership across our community.
    • Communication – Clear, respectful, and honest dialogue is central to all our relationships.
    • Integration – We celebrate the cultural and social contributions of all communities within British society.
    • Fairness, equity, transparency, and accountability – We uphold these principles in all our work, ensuring that every individual involved with Centrala—no matter their background, age, gender, belief, or role—can participate fully, safely, and with dignity.

    Applicants must have a current legal right to work in the UK (this role does not qualify for the UK Skilled Worker Visa).

    Community Engagement Officer in Birmingham employer: Birmingham Voluntary Sector Council

    Centrala is an exceptional employer that prioritises community engagement and social impact, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about fostering inclusivity and supporting diverse communities. With a strong commitment to employee growth, Centrala offers opportunities for professional development and collaboration in a supportive environment, all while being located in the vibrant city of Birmingham, which enhances the cultural and social experience of its employees.
    Birmingham Voluntary Sector Council

    Contact Detail:

    Birmingham Voluntary Sector Council Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Community Engagement Officer in Birmingham

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Centrala. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you connect your experiences with what they care about, making you stand out.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your past experiences relate to community engagement and working with diverse groups. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for community work shine through. Share personal stories that highlight your commitment to inclusion and collaboration. This will resonate with the interviewers and show them you're the right fit.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your connection. And remember, if you found this role exciting, apply through our website for more opportunities!

    We think you need these skills to ace Community Engagement Officer in Birmingham

    Community Engagement
    Relationship Building
    Outreach and Engagement
    Project Management
    Event Coordination
    Communication Skills
    Budget Management
    Data Collection and Reporting
    Conflict Management
    Creativity in Programme Delivery
    Understanding of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
    Experience with Marginalised Groups
    Time Management
    Collaboration Skills
    Training and Development

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community engagement shine through! We want to see how your experiences and values align with our mission at Centrala.

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Focus on your work with diverse communities and how you can contribute to our Migration Programme.

    Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us understand your fit for the role quickly!

    Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham Voluntary Sector Council

    ✨Know Your Community

    Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the communities you'll be engaging with. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and strengths of CEE and new migrant groups in Birmingham. This knowledge will not only show your passion but also help you articulate how you can make a difference.

    ✨Showcase Your Empathy

    As a Community Engagement Officer, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built relationships with marginalised groups. Highlight how you listened to their needs and helped them find their voice, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

    ✨Be Ready to Discuss Collaboration

    Collaboration is at the heart of this role. Think of instances where you've worked with others to create community initiatives or events. Be prepared to discuss how you can foster collaboration among diverse groups and what strategies you would use to encourage participation.

    ✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios

    Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage conflict. Practice responding to potential challenges you might face in the role, such as engaging a reluctant community member or coordinating a project with limited resources. This will demonstrate your readiness for the job.

    Community Engagement Officer in Birmingham
    Birmingham Voluntary Sector Council
    Location: Birmingham

    Land your dream job quicker with Premium

    You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
    Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
    Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
    1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
    Go Premium

    Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

    >