At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and manage community partnerships, programmes, and events that connect people with nature.
- Company: Join the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in shaping an inclusive community space.
- Benefits: Full-time role with a focus on community engagement and positive social change.
- Other info: We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by ensuring everyone has access to green spaces and community activities.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement and a passion for inclusion and accessibility.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is a rare chance to shape the future of the Homestead estate - a distinctive mix of park, buildings and community spaces with an amazing history rooted in the Rowntree family’s commitment to opening up green space for the people of York. Homestead Park has been a public asset since 1904, gifted so that everyone, regardless of income, could enjoy free access to nature and community. Joseph Rowntree Foundation is now investing in a new chapter for the whole estate, and we’re recruiting a Head of Community Partnerships to help lead this work.
In this role, you’ll design and manage partnerships, programmes and events that connect people with the park, the buildings and each other, and that reflect the needs and priorities of York’s communities. You’ll work closely with groups who have not always been included in decision‑making or had equal access to public spaces, tackling barriers to participation and building trusted relationships over time. You’ll also help shape how the wider estate is used in future, ensuring community perspectives are central to how it develops.
We are seeking a passionate and community‑focused individual to help develop Homestead Park as an inclusive and inspiring space that brings people together through nature, wellbeing and community connection. The role involves leading community engagement activities, volunteering programmes and nature‑based initiatives that encourage participation, strengthen belonging and support positive social and environmental change. Working alongside local residents, charities, community groups and partners, you will help ensure the park is welcoming and accessible to all, particularly those who are often excluded from public spaces and decision‑making. You will be confident facilitating inclusive activities, engaging with diverse perspectives and building meaningful connections within the community. You will bring experience of community engagement within parks, public spaces or the voluntary sector, alongside a strong commitment to inclusion, accessibility and delivering practical, impactful projects.
Applications are welcome from all, regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or socioeconomic background. We positively encourage applications from people from marginalised backgrounds, including but not limited to those with experience of living in poverty. We are committed to being an anti‑racist organisation and operate an anonymised recruitment process so that bias is eliminated from the shortlisting process. We are a Disability Confident Employer. This means that we are committed to the recruitment, progression and retention of disabled individuals. We shall also offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the job. If you have a disability, please tell us if you would like to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. If you have any additional needs and need reasonable adjustments to be made to the interview process, please let us know.
Head of Community Partnerships employer: Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF)
At the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering community engagement and inclusivity. Our work culture is rooted in collaboration and respect, offering employees the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of York's diverse communities while enjoying a supportive environment that prioritises personal and professional growth. With a commitment to accessibility and a focus on social change, this role provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of Homestead Park, ensuring it remains a welcoming space for all.
Contact Details:
Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Community Partnerships
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the community and industry. Attend local events, workshops, or even volunteer at places related to community engagement. The more people you meet, the better your chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for community work shine through. Share stories about your experiences and how they align with the values of the Homestead estate.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! Research the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and understand their mission. When you apply, make sure to highlight how your skills and experiences can help shape the future of the park and engage with diverse communities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Community Partnerships
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community engagement shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in people's lives and how you can bring that passion to Homestead Park.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in community partnerships and engagement. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've worked with diverse groups and tackled barriers to participation, so don’t hold back!
Be Authentic:We value genuine connections, so be yourself in your application. Share your personal journey and what drives you to create inclusive spaces. Authenticity goes a long way in helping us understand who you are.
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 this exciting opportunity at Homestead Park.
How to prepare for a job interview at Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF)
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the local community and its needs. Familiarise yourself with the history of Homestead Park and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's mission. This will help you articulate how your vision aligns with their goals and demonstrate your commitment to community engagement.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in community engagement, particularly in parks or public spaces. Prepare stories that showcase your ability to build relationships, tackle barriers to participation, and create inclusive programmes that resonate with diverse groups.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
Given the focus on inclusion and accessibility, be sure to express your passion for these values. Share your thoughts on how to engage underrepresented communities and ensure everyone feels welcome in public spaces. This will show that you understand the importance of creating a sense of belonging.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the current community partnerships, challenges they face, and how they envision the future of Homestead Park. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to demonstrate your strategic thinking and vision for the role.
