Project Development & Research Officer

Project Development & Research Officer

Full-Time 28800 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop and deliver community projects, lead research, and secure funding for impactful initiatives.
  • Company: Join Connecting Communities in Berkshire, a charity dedicated to building strong, resilient communities.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, birthday off, pension scheme, and staff training opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in rural communities while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in community development or social sciences, strong communication skills, and passion for rural issues.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.

Connecting Communities in Berkshire (CCB) is an independent charity with a focus on developing strong communities. Our team is dedicated to achieving our vision for all communities in Berkshire to be strong, resilient, sustainable and able to take control of their own futures. We are looking for the next member of our highly committed team.

Location: Berkshire

Salary: Competitive, based on experience

Closing Date: 5pm Thursday 30th October 2025

Are you passionate about rural communities? Do you have a knack for turning grassroots insights into impactful projects? Join us at Connecting Communities in Berkshire as our new Project Development & Research Officer and help shape the future of community spaces across the county.

About the Role

This exciting and varied role sits at the heart of our 21st Century Community Halls programme, supporting village halls and community buildings to thrive. You’ll analyse evidence of need, develop innovative projects, secure funding, and lead research that informs our strategic direction.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Developing and delivering community-based projects based on local action plans.
  • Leading research and evaluation activities to understand rural challenges.
  • Writing compelling funding bids and securing income for new initiatives.
  • Building relationships with stakeholders across sectors.

About You

  • Educated or experienced in community development or social sciences.
  • A confident communicator, both in writing and in person.
  • Analytical, proactive, and able to manage a dynamic workload.
  • Experienced in working with diverse communities and committed to Equality Diversity and Inclusion.
  • Knowledgeable about rural issues and passionate about making a difference.
  • Familiar with research techniques and able to translate findings into action.
  • Able to travel to rural locations (access to a car insured for business use is essential).

What We Offer

  • 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus public/bank holidays.
  • An extra day off for your birthday.
  • Contributory pension scheme.
  • Free office car parking.
  • Staff training and development opportunities.
  • A supportive and inclusive team environment.
  • The chance to make a real impact in Berkshire’s rural communities.

Please note this role requires a Basic DBS check.

Visit our website for a full job description and role details: www.ccberks.org.uk

Ready to apply? Send your CV and a covering letter that clearly explains how your skills and experience fit with the requirements of this role, to admin@ccberks.org.uk or by post to: Connecting Communities in Berkshire, Wyvols Court, Swallowfield, Berkshire, RG7 1WY

Initial interviews to take place week commencing 3rd November 2025

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Project Development & Research Officer employer: Connecting Communities in Berkshire LTD

At Connecting Communities in Berkshire, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering strong, resilient communities. Our supportive and inclusive work culture encourages personal and professional growth, offering staff training opportunities and a competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave and a contributory pension scheme. Join us in making a meaningful impact in rural Berkshire, where your passion for community development can truly thrive.
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Contact Detail:

Connecting Communities in Berkshire LTD Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Project Development & Research Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the organisation inside out! Research Connecting Communities in Berkshire, their projects, and their values. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the interview process.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by thinking of examples from your past work that demonstrate your skills in community development and research. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role and keeping you top of mind for the hiring team.

We think you need these skills to ace Project Development & Research Officer

Community Development
Research Techniques
Project Management
Analytical Skills
Funding Bid Writing
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Evaluation Activities
Knowledge of Rural Issues
Proactive Problem-Solving
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
Dynamic Workload Management
Passion for Community Impact

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Development & Research Officer role. Highlight your experience in community development and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your background and passion for rural communities make you the perfect fit for us. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the job description.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a confident communicator, it's important to demonstrate this in your application. Use clear and concise language in both your CV and cover letter. We love seeing applicants who can convey their ideas effectively!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Connecting Communities in Berkshire LTD

✨Know Your Community

Before the interview, dive deep into the specific rural communities in Berkshire. Understand their unique challenges and strengths. This will not only show your passion but also help you connect your insights to the role of Project Development & Research Officer.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

As a confident communicator, prepare to demonstrate your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. Bring examples of how you've effectively communicated with diverse communities or stakeholders in the past. This will highlight your fit for the role.

✨Prepare Compelling Project Ideas

Think about innovative projects you could propose that align with the charity's vision. Be ready to discuss how you would develop these ideas based on local action plans and secure funding. This shows initiative and creativity.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Research Techniques

Brush up on research methods relevant to community development. Be prepared to discuss how you would lead research activities and translate findings into actionable projects. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and proactive approach.

Project Development & Research Officer
Connecting Communities in Berkshire LTD
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