At a Glance
- Tasks: Connect alumni with the university and create engaging volunteering opportunities.
- Company: Join a vibrant Alumni Relations team at the University of Sheffield.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and enjoy excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future by fostering connections and supporting students' career journeys.
- Qualifications: Experience in volunteer management and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 32080 - 36636 £ per year.
We are looking for an engaging, highly organised Community Engagement Officer to join our Alumni Relations team. You will be a central link connecting our global community of 300,000 former students back to the heart of the University, creating diverse opportunities for alumni to share their time, influence and expertise. Your mission is to create meaningful ways for our alumni to give back and support the University's strategic goals, from facilitating career‑shaping connections for current students to sourcing inspirational stories that attract prospective applicants.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Project Development and Management – Project‑manage a diverse calendar of volunteering activities, including webinars, alumni speaker panels, in‑person networking events and business visits. Proactively develop new initiatives that bring our community together, which may include occasional travel across the UK and hosting evening events.
- Strategic Internal Partnership – Act as a dedicated partner to teams across the university (Careers and Employability Service, Global Engagement, Marketing and Student Recruitment teams) and share your expertise in volunteer management to design and deliver bespoke initiatives.
- Volunteer Care & Recognition – Manage the end‑to‑end experience for volunteers, from initial expression of interest to completion, ensuring that every volunteer feels genuinely valued and recognised.
- Collaborative Impact – Partner with the Fundraising team to identify high‑profile volunteers, with the International team to create global opportunities, and with the Communications team to promote opportunities across multiple channels. Work with the Data team to capture volunteering impact accurately.
- Carry out any other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience does not match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply.
Criteria
- Essential
- Proven experience in volunteer management, client relations, or community engagement, ideally in a target‑driven environment. (Experience outside of HE is welcomed.)
- Proven ability to work collaboratively within a team and build strong partnerships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience in planning and delivering high‑quality events or volunteer activities, whether in‑person or digital.
- An understanding of the 'bigger picture' with the ability to contribute to strategy development and service improvements.
- Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet competing deadlines without losing attention to detail.
- Experience in crafting engaging digital content and the ability to translate complex information into persuasive oral and written communications.
- A proactive approach to using initiative and working independently to find creative solutions to challenges.
- Proficiency in MS Office/video tools and the ability to handle sensitive data with total integrity.
- Desirable
- Experience using large customer relationship databases (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce) to manage complex information.
Salary £32,080 - £36,636 per annum
Work arrangement Full‑time, Hybrid (fixed‑term contract)
Duration 10/08/2026 - 09/08/2027
Line manager Head of Volunteering
Direct reports None
Ensuring equal opportunities We are a Disability Confident Employer.
Criminal record A basic DBS check will be needed for this role. Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right.
Community Engagement Officer in Sheffield employer: CIH International Housing Group
The University of Sheffield is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values diversity and fosters a sense of belonging among its staff. As a Community Engagement Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by connecting with a global alumni network while enjoying professional growth through collaborative projects and innovative initiatives. With a commitment to employee development and a supportive environment, this role provides a unique chance to contribute to the university's strategic goals while being part of a dynamic team.
Contact Details:
CIH International Housing Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Engagement Officer in Sheffield
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by CIH International Housing Group.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like CIH International Housing Group.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at CIH International Housing Group.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at CIH International Housing Group. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Engagement Officer in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of CIH International Housing Group. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Community Engagement Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at CIH International Housing Group
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of CIH International Housing Group. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
