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 in England employer: Exeter City Council
Exeter City Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the vibrant communities we serve. With a strong focus on meaningful community engagement, employees have the opportunity to make a tangible impact through various programmes and services, while enjoying a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and collaboration. Located in the heart of Exeter, our team thrives on building positive relationships and co-designing solutions that enhance the quality of life for all residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Officer in England
✨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 or at local events. They can provide insider info about the role and the team, plus it shows you're proactive and engaged.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with community engagement and project management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to strengthen communities.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Officer in England
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:We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple priorities while delivering high-quality work. Share examples of how you’ve managed competing tasks and met deadlines in previous roles. It’ll show us you can handle the pressure!
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, it’s super easy to do!
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 stakeholders, and how those experiences align with the role you're applying for.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Community Officer, strong communication is key. Prepare to demonstrate your ability to build relationships and handle sensitive information. Think of scenarios where you've effectively communicated with diverse groups and how you managed to keep everyone informed and engaged.
✨Be Organised and Prioritise
The role requires juggling multiple projects, so be prepared to talk about how you stay organised. Share your strategies for managing competing priorities and ensuring high-quality work is delivered on time. Consider using examples that highlight your project management skills.
✨Understand Human-Centred Design
Familiarise yourself with human-centred design and co-design approaches. Be ready to discuss how these concepts can enhance community engagement and lead to more inclusive outcomes. Showing that you understand these methodologies will set you apart as a candidate who can contribute meaningfully to the team.