At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community programmes and build partnerships to make a positive impact in Portsmouth.
- Company: Shaping Portsmouth, a supportive and inclusive organisation focused on community engagement.
- Benefits: Flexible working, personal development, enhanced family policies, and extra birthday leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and networking within the local community.
- Why this job: Join a purpose-driven team and help strengthen the Portsmouth community through innovative initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement, project coordination, and strong communication skills.
Location: Portsmouth
Salary: £27,875 FTE
Job Type: Permanent, Part-Time (22.5 hours per week)
Working Pattern: Flexible working available Monday-Friday with occasional evenings and weekends
Start Date: July/August 2026
Are you passionate about community engagement, partnership working and making a positive impact in Portsmouth? Shaping Portsmouth is seeking an ambitious and proactive Community Pillar Lead to help deliver innovative community programmes that support people, organisations and businesses across the city. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with experience in programme coordination, stakeholder engagement, volunteer management or community development to join a collaborative and purpose-driven organisation.
About the Role
As Community Pillar Lead, you will oversee and develop key community programmes including:
- Portsmouth Ambassadors
- Choose Employability Programme
- Charity Support Programme
- Support activity linked to the Armed Forces Community Programme
You will work closely with local businesses, charities, volunteers, education providers and public sector partners to deliver impactful initiatives that strengthen the Portsmouth community. This role would suit someone who thrives in a relationship-focused environment and enjoys building partnerships, coordinating projects and supporting community-led activity.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop community programmes and initiatives
- Build strong relationships with local organisations and stakeholders
- Coordinate programme activity, events and partnership engagement
- Support volunteer recruitment and community participation
- Monitor programme outcomes and report on impact
- Represent Shaping Portsmouth at networking events and meetings
- Support communications, campaigns and promotional activity
- Identify opportunities for partnership growth and sponsorship
- Work collaboratively across wider organisational programmes
About You
To be successful in this role, you will ideally have experience in community engagement, project coordination, partnership development or stakeholder management. You will also have:
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Strong organisational and time management abilities
- Confidence managing multiple projects and priorities
- Experience working with stakeholders, charities or community groups
- A proactive and collaborative approach
- The ability to work independently and use initiative
Desirable experience includes:
- Charity, voluntary or non-profit sector experience
- Volunteer coordination
- Employability or community support programmes
- Knowledge of Portsmouth’s community or cultural sectors
- Event or partnership network coordination experience
Why Join Shaping Portsmouth?
Shaping Portsmouth is a supportive, inclusive and people-focused organisation committed to creating positive change across the city. Benefits include:
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Ongoing personal and professional development
- Supportive induction and buddy programme
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Holiday allowance plus Christmas closure
- Additional birthday leave
- NEST pension scheme
- Technology and equipment provided
- Access to city partner events and networking opportunities
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Shaping Portsmouth is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. A guaranteed interview scheme is available for eligible applicants including disabled candidates, care leavers and armed forces veterans.
Apply Now
To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter. Closing Date: Thursday 5th June, 5pm. Please note interviews may be arranged on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.
Community Pillar Lead employer: Carrington West
Shaping Portsmouth is an exceptional employer that prioritises community engagement and personal development, making it a perfect fit for those passionate about creating positive change in Portsmouth. With flexible working arrangements, a supportive work culture, and a commitment to equality and inclusion, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to meaningful community initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Pillar Lead
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and start chatting! Attend local events, workshops, or community gatherings in Portsmouth. Building relationships with people in the community can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to meet potential employers or stakeholders, let your enthusiasm for community engagement shine through. Share your ideas on how you can make a positive impact in Portsmouth – it’ll set you apart from the crowd!
✨Follow Up
After meeting someone or attending an event, don’t be shy about following up! A quick email thanking them for their time and expressing your interest in working together can keep you fresh in their minds.
✨Apply Through Our Website
If you see a role that excites you, apply directly through our website! It shows you’re serious about joining Shaping Portsmouth and gives us a chance to see your application right away.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Pillar Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Community Pillar Lead role. Highlight your community engagement, project coordination, and relationship-building skills to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about community work in Portsmouth and how your background aligns with our mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past experiences, focus on the impact you've made in previous roles. Use specific examples of how you've engaged with communities or led successful programmes to demonstrate your capability.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington West
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into Portsmouth's community landscape. Familiarise yourself with local organisations, charities, and key stakeholders. This knowledge will not only impress but also show your genuine passion for community engagement.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your skills in programme coordination and stakeholder management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and demonstrate your impact.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
As a Community Pillar Lead, building strong relationships is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with various partners in the past. Share stories that illustrate your ability to connect and engage with diverse groups.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the current community programmes or future initiatives Shaping Portsmouth is considering. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the role aligns with your values.
