At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a pilot project connecting isolated individuals with companions in your community.
- Company: Connectea, a startup dedicated to combating loneliness through meaningful connections.
- Benefits: Earn Β£1,000 for 6 weeks plus Β£20/hr for companion visits.
- Other info: Flexible hours, potential for a permanent role if the pilot succeeds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable community experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in community development and strong interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 20 - 20 Β£ per hour.
What Connectea is?
Connectea is a small startup building the first platform where lonely or isolated people can find a paid companion for real, in-person time together β starting with a cup of tea.
Every companion is a direct employee of
Connectea: vetted, DBS-checked, and trained before they meet anyone.
The platform is built and ready.
What we need now is to test it with real people in one London borough.
What we need?
One person to own the pilot end to end.
Not a project manager.
Not a marketer.
Someone who is comfortable walking into a community centre, having an honest conversation with an older person or their family, and bringing people together in a way that feels safe and trustworthy.
What you will actually do?
- Weeks 1β2 β Recruit
- Find 5 families or individuals in your borough who are experiencing isolation and would welcome a companion visiting at home β visits are free to families during the pilot.
- Find 5 companions β warm, reliable people from any background.
They will be employed directly by Connectea at Β£20/hr.
You help us find them; we handle employment paperwork.
- DBS checks for you and every companion are funded by Connectea.
- Use your existing networks β GP surgeries, community centres, faith organisations, local Age UK, social prescribing contacts, word of mouth.
- Weeks 3β4 β Run the introductions
- Onboard companions onto the Connectea platform (we will support this fully).
- Match each family with a companion based on location and basic fit.
- Facilitate the first introduction for each pair β be present or available, not just sending an email.
- Ensure the Three-Way Introduction protocol is followed for every first visit (a trusted third person present β we will explain this fully).
- Throughout β Weekly progress update
- Send a short update to the founder each week: who you have recruited, how introductions are going, anything unexpected, any support you need.
- No formal format needed β a few bullet points or a voice note is fine.
- Weeks 5β6 β Collect feedback and close out
- Check in with each family and companion after their first 1β2 visits.
- Run a short structured conversation using questions we provide β what felt right, what felt uncomfortable, what they would change.
- Write a short plain-language summary of what you found.
No formal report β just honest observations.
What we are looking for in you?
- You have worked in community development, social prescribing, voluntary sector coordination, or a similar role β you have genuine existing relationships in at least one London borough.
- You are comfortable approaching and talking with older or isolated people and their families.
This is not a desk job.
- You are practical and self-directed β you do not need close supervision.
- You believe the idea is worth trying.
We are not asking for cheerleading, but a degree of genuine interest matters.
You do not need startup experience.
You do not need to know how platforms work.
You just need to know your community and be willing to be honest with us about what you find.
What we are offering?
Fee: Β£1,000 fixed lump sum for the full 6-week engagement (negotiable), paid in two instalments.
As a companion: You will also be employed as a Connectea companion during the pilot, paid at Β£20/hr for any visits you personally deliver.
Reporting: Weekly check-in with the founder β short update, no formal format needed.
Longer term: If the pilot goes well and the relationship works, there may be an opportunity to continue in a more permanent role as Connectea grows.
- Practical
- Details
Location: One London borough β ideally Richmond, Kingston, Wandsworth, or Guildford, but open to other boroughs if your networks are strongest elsewhere.
Remote or in-person: Your community work will be in-person by nature; everything else can be done remotely.
DBS checks: Funded by Connectea for you and every companion recruited into the pilot.
How to apply?
Send a short message β no CV needed unless you want to share one β to waqar. khan@connectea. com telling us:
- Which borough your networks are in.
- What kind of work you have been doing and why this role interests you.
- When you could start.
We will respond to everyone within 3 working days.
Connectea Pilot Coordinator employer: Connectea
Connectea is an exceptional employer that prioritises community engagement and meaningful connections, making it a rewarding place to work. With a flexible work schedule and the opportunity to directly impact the lives of isolated individuals in London, employees can expect a supportive environment that fosters personal growth and genuine relationships. As a small startup, Connectea offers unique advantages such as hands-on involvement in shaping the pilot programme and the potential for long-term career opportunities as the company expands.
StudySmarter Expert Adviceπ€«
We think this is how you could land Connectea Pilot Coordinator
β¨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 Connectea.
β¨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 Connectea.
β¨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how youβve contributed to community projects β this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Connectea.
β¨Utilise Online Platforms
Weβre 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 Connectea. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Connectea Pilot Coordinator
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Connectea. 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. Donβt just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Connectea Pilot Coordinator, 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 Connectea
β¨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When weβre 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 Connectea. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
β¨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether thatβs a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
β¨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Letβs 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 weβre not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
β¨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how weβd 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!