At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with communities to co-design solutions and support local initiatives.
- Company: Join the City of York Council, dedicated to community welfare and development.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, health initiatives, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; commitment to staff wellbeing and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in community work, project management, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25650 - 31350 £ per year.
Are you passionate about working with communities? The Communities Team operates at the heart of York's communities, supporting ward arrangements and working with elected members, community organisations and citizens to build capacity and co-design solutions to local challenges. Reporting to the Communities Team Manager, we are looking to recruit a Community Officer to join our team.
We are looking for someone who is self-motivated and enjoys the challenge of a role where every day is different and there is a genuine opportunity to work collaboratively to make a real difference on an area basis.
Key Skills And Experience Required:- Experience of working with communities and an understanding of asset-based community development.
- The ability to work creatively and capture learning to inform future practice.
- Excellent communication and IT skills.
- Experience of project management and a methodical approach to related administrative tasks.
- An understanding of local democracy.
As this role is public facing, applicants will need to demonstrate, at interview, their competency to converse and provide advice and guidance to members of the public, in spoken English to CEFR level B2.
Hybrid working arrangements are available for this role. Each role at CYC is different and your working arrangements will be determined based on the requirements of the role and in collaboration with you and your needs as part of the recruitment process. Your contractual location will be the designated council office for your team.
City of York Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We require the successful candidate to undertake an enhanced Criminal Record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Please note, we do not have a sponsorship licence to sponsor individuals for visas to work in the UK, therefore we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
The Council is committed to investing in the talent and wellbeing of our staff and can offer a generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives and a reward package which recognises your contribution. We can offer flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities and, as part of our commitment to you, promote continuous Learning & Development. In addition, we also offer a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings.
For further information or an informal discussion please contact Mora Scaife (Communities Team Manager) at mora.scaife@york.gov.uk or on 01904 551834 or 07923230819.
Closing date: Sunday 23 August 2026 at 12 midnight
Interview date: Thursday 27 August 2026
Internally advertised posts are only open to CYC, WWY and Be Independent employees. Explore and Veritau employees are not eligible to apply for these posts.
Community Officer employer: City of York Council
City of York Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the professional growth of its employees. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a strong focus on health and wellbeing, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on children's lives but also ensures a balanced and fulfilling work experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Officer
✨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 City of York Council.
✨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 City of York Council.
✨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 City of York Council.
✨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 City of York Council. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Officer
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 City of York Council. 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 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 City of York Council
✨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 City of York Council. 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!
