At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community initiatives, empower leaders, and combat misinformation through engaging programmes.
- Company: Join the Community Foundation for NI, a trusted charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of meaningful change, promoting inclusion and resilience in local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in community development and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 37280 - 39152 £ per year.
We are delighted that you are interested in applying for the Development Officer role with the Community Foundation for NI. Since we were established in 1979, we have awarded millions of pounds in grant funding to local charities and community groups, and we have also developed numerous programmes to support local communities build their capacity and sustainability.
The Stronger Together Building Community Resilience programme is a new flagship initiative responding to the worrying rise in racist violence, hate crime, misinformation and disinformation across Northern Ireland. Building on over 46 years of experience in peacebuilding, social justice and human rights, the Community Foundation for NI is well placed to support and empower marginalised communities and work alongside them to drive meaningful change.
The Community Foundation for NI is a local, independent charitable trust that provides grants and support to local communities in Northern Ireland. We have offices in Belfast and Derry-Londonderry, although since Covid we have operated a hybrid working policy for all staff.
Job Description:
- Responsible to: Programmes Manager
- Hours: 35 per week
- Salary: NJC points 2628, £37,280£39,152, starting on point 26 (£37,280)
- Duration: Fixed term for 3 years from the date of appointment
- Location: Hybrid working approach, including both office location and home-based working
As the Development Officer, you will support the design, delivery and development of community-based activity that strengthens resilience, builds local leadership and promotes inclusion. You will work alongside communities, partners and stakeholders to identify needs, support participation, develop responses to inequality and racism, and help ensure that programme activity is informed by lived experience and community voice.
Main Responsibilities:
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with community groups, grassroots leaders, statutory, government and other partner organisations.
- Support delivery and management of core programme strands, including community leadership development, media literacy and misinformation awareness, storytelling and narrative change, advocacy training and community campaigns.
- Support the recruitment, development and ongoing engagement of Champions for Change.
- Assist in planning and coordinating workshops, events, roundtables and learning activity.
- Promote inclusion, challenge racism and misinformation, and strengthen social cohesion through programme delivery.
About You:
You will be an approachable, dynamic and driven person who wants to help lead, grow and develop this important area of the Foundations work and strategy. You will be motivated and committed to our values, vision and mission.
Essential Criteria:
- A relevant third level qualification with at least five years paid experience in a similar role, or 5 years experience in a voluntary role.
- Experience using community development or participatory approaches, including working with lived experience.
- Strong understanding of inequality, racism, exclusion and the barriers faced by marginalised communities.
How to apply:
Application forms must be completed in full, signed, and returned by email. The closing date for applications is 12 noon Friday 17th July. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve and welcome applications from all genders, backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, religions, disabilities and lived experiences.
Development Officer in Lisburn employer: Community Foundation for Northern Ireland
The Community Foundation for NI is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. With a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, competitive salaries, and flexible hybrid working arrangements, we prioritise staff development and growth while empowering our team to make a meaningful impact in local communities across Northern Ireland. Join us in our mission to drive social change and create a fairer society, where your contributions are valued and recognised.
Contact Details:
Community Foundation for Northern Ireland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Officer in Lisburn
✨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 Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.
✨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 Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.
✨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 Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.
✨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 Community Foundation for Northern Ireland. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Officer in Lisburn
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 Community Foundation for Northern Ireland. 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 Development 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 Community Foundation for Northern Ireland
✨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 Community Foundation for Northern Ireland. 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!
