At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage exciting volunteer projects and connect a global alumni community.
- Company: Join a prestigious university with a vibrant alumni network.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be the bridge that connects alumni and creates impactful opportunities.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in community engagement and event management.
The predicted salary is between 32080 - 36636 £ per year.
Are you a natural communicator with a passion for project management? We’re looking for a Community Engagement Officer to act as a central link connecting a global alumni community of 300,000 back to the heart of the University, creating opportunities for alumni to share their time, influence and expertise.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Project Development and Management
- Project‑manage a diverse calendar of volunteering activities, from webinars and alumni speaker panels to in‑person networking events and business visits.
- Proactively develop new initiatives that bring the community together, including occasional travel across the UK and evening events for alumni.
- Strategic Internal Partnership
- Act as a partner to teams such as Careers and Employability Service, Global Engagement, Marketing and Student Recruitment, sharing volunteer‑management expertise to design and deliver bespoke initiatives.
- Provide guidance on the gold standard of volunteer engagement, ensuring activities are inclusive and well‑structured.
- Use the CRM (Raiser's Edge), social media and digital platforms to find suitable volunteers for departmental needs, protecting alumni from ask fatigue while maximising impact.
- Volunteer Care & Recognition
- Manage the end‑to‑end experience for volunteers, from expression of interest to completion of role, ensuring they feel valued and recognised.
- Collaborative Impact
- Partner with Fundraising, International and Communications teams to identify high‑profile volunteers and promote opportunities across channels.
- Work with the Data team to accurately capture volunteering impact and narrate the story of alumni contributions.
- Carry out any other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
- A good honours degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Proven experience in volunteer management, client relations or community engagement, ideally in a target‑driven environment.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team and build strong partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Experience in planning and delivering high‑quality events or volunteer activities, in‑person or digital.
- Understanding of the bigger picture with the ability to contribute to strategy development and service improvements.
- Exceptional organisational skills, managing multiple projects and meeting competing deadlines.
- Experience in crafting engaging digital content and translating complex information into persuasive oral and written communication.
- Proactive initiative, independent problem‑solving and creative solutions.
- Proficiency in MS Office and video tools, handling sensitive data with integrity.
- Experience with large customer‑relationship databases (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce) is desirable.
Further Information
- Grade: 6
- Salary: £32,080 – £36,636
- Work arrangement: Full‑time
- Duration: 10/08/2026 – 09/08/2027
- Line manager: Head of Volunteering
- Direct reports: None
- Website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/alumni/welcome-car
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Community Engagement Officer in Sheffield employer: Diversity Dashboard
As a Community Engagement Officer at the University of Sheffield, you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, the university offers numerous opportunities for professional development and networking within a global alumni community of 300,000. Enjoy the unique advantage of working in a vibrant academic environment that prioritises volunteer recognition and impactful community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Engagement Officer in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni and professionals in your field through LinkedIn or local events. Building connections can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your projects and achievements. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to organisations you admire and express your interest in working with them. You never know, they might have something in the pipeline!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to being part of our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Engagement Officer in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for community engagement shine through in your application. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission to connect alumni and create meaningful opportunities.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in volunteer management and project delivery. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the role of Community Engagement Officer.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and ideas for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Diversity Dashboard
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into the alumni community and understand their needs and interests. Familiarise yourself with past events and initiatives that have been successful. This will help you demonstrate your passion for community engagement and show how you can contribute to future projects.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples of projects you've managed in the past. Highlight your organisational skills and how you’ve successfully juggled multiple tasks. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values, especially in terms of collaboration and community impact.
✨Demonstrate Digital Savvy
Since the role involves using CRM systems and social media, be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools. Share examples of how you've used digital platforms to engage communities or manage volunteer activities. This will highlight your technical skills and adaptability in a digital environment.
