At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate community engagement programmes and support meaningful consultations.
- Company: Exeter City Council, dedicated to improving community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, diverse team, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and shape community services.
- Qualifications: Experience in community development and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
About you
You will bring relevant knowledge or equivalent experience in areas such as research methods, community development, social sciences or a related field. Just as importantly, you will understand what meaningful community engagement looks like and ideally have some awareness of human‑centred design or co‑design approaches that help shape inclusive, practical and people‑focused work. You will have experience of community engagement and coordinating programmes or projects that make a real difference for people and communities. You will be confident working with a range of partners, monitoring project progress, evaluating impact and turning what you learn into clear, evidence‑based reporting. You will also be a strong communicator who can build positive relationships, handle sensitive information carefully, stay organised and manage competing priorities while delivering high‑quality work to agreed timescales.
About the role
You will coordinate and provide contract management support for a range of externally funded community and engagement programmes and services, working with internal teams and delivery partners. Alongside the other Community Officer, you will coordinate the Community Grants Programme to support ECC’s Corporate Plan to improve outcomes for people and communities. You will share the day to day running of the programme and work with VCSE groups, internal teams and Elected Members. You will contribute to and support consultation and engagement work across the council, and ensure these activities meet the standards of the Consultation and Engagement Strategy. To do this, you will work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure activities are meaningful, inclusive and effective.
About the team
The team supports local residents, community groups, and organisations by providing information, grant funding opportunities, and services that help strengthen communities and improve wellbeing across the city. The team delivers consultation and engagement activities and is dedicated to creating a city where decisions reflect the voices of our communities. Listening to and involving residents is not just a principle, it’s the foundation to help shape services, neighbourhood priorities, and citywide priorities. Meaningful consultation and engagement enable us to understand diverse needs, build trust, and co‑design solutions that improve quality of life for everyone.
Our commitment
At Exeter City Council we are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. To support this commitment we will strive to implement reasonable adjustments to support any members of our communities who face barriers in recruitment processes, irrespective of the reason. We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Community Officer employer: Exeter City Council
Exeter City Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that truly reflects the vibrant communities we serve. With a strong emphasis on meaningful community engagement, employees have the opportunity to make a tangible impact while enjoying a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and collaboration. Located in the heart of Exeter, our team is committed to creating a positive environment where innovative ideas flourish, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community you're applying to serve! Research their needs, challenges, and successes. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn, attend community events, or join relevant groups. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to community engagement and project management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Make sure you highlight your relevant experience in community engagement, research methods, or social sciences. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Community Officer, strong communication is key. Use your application to demonstrate how you've built positive relationships and handled sensitive information in the past. We love a good story that shows your impact!
Be Organised and Clear:When writing your application, keep it organised and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your experiences are easy to follow and directly relate to the job description. It’ll help us see how you manage competing priorities!
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 ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing applications come in directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Exeter City Council
✨Know Your Community Engagement
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of community engagement principles and practices. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with communities or coordinated projects that made a difference.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Community Officer, strong communication is key. Prepare to demonstrate how you've built positive relationships with various stakeholders. Think of instances where your communication skills helped resolve conflicts or foster collaboration.
✨Understand Human-Centred Design
Familiarise yourself with human-centred design and co-design approaches. Be prepared to explain how these concepts can enhance community engagement and lead to more inclusive outcomes. Share any relevant experiences where you've applied these methods.
✨Be Organised and Ready to Prioritise
The role requires managing multiple priorities, so show that you can stay organised under pressure. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed competing deadlines in the past, and be ready to discuss your strategies for keeping track of project progress and evaluations.
