Relationship Development Officer in Chelmsford

Fixed‑term contract or secondment until March 2028. You will work from the Chelmsford office at least one day a week and across our operational area on other days, depending on business need. Active Essex is hosted within Essex County Council’s Adult Social Care function and is the strategic lead for sport and physical activity across Greater Essex including Southend and Thurrock. We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Relationship Development Officer.

Responsibilities

• Manage local relationships with community organisations, locally trusted organisations (LTOs), stakeholders and system partners to deliver Active Essex strategy outcomes.
• Develop a detailed understanding of people and places in your hub area to identify and address barriers to physical activity.
• Promote an asset‑based approach to uncover local solutions and build capacity in community organisations and LTOs.
• Project‑manage a range of Active Essex Portfolio projects at place level.
• Support data collection for monitoring, evaluation, and learning on programmes and projects across places and themes.
• Work alongside colleagues to support the delivery of key workstreams under the strategic Outcomes of our Implementation Plan.
• Advocate for equality and diversity in sport and physical activity, ensuring it is embedded in all developments.
• Plan for effective use of digital technologies and innovation within the sector.
• Facilitate ongoing learning and sharing of expertise within the Active Essex team and localities.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, high performance, and sustainability.
• Meet individual and shared targets set annually within the performance management framework.

Qualifications

• Educated to A level or equivalent by experience, with ongoing professional development.
• Strong relationship management skills with a broad range of individuals and stakeholder organisations across different system settings.
• Ability to apply a systems approach to complex local issues.
• Experience of co‑designing local projects that respond directly to local needs.
• Proven track record of delivering impactful projects at local or county level.
• Experience working with communities using a strengths‑based approach to build resilience and capacity.
• Ability to support data collection and reporting to demonstrate impact.
• Effective team player with strong collaboration skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including clear presentation and reporting abilities.
• Excellent organisational skills to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Project management experience, including planning, monitoring and evaluating programmes and budgets under pressure.

Working Conditions

The role requires mobility throughout an operational area. A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means, is required. As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) your role may require a DBS check. You will need to register with the DBS update service and maintain the subscription.

Salary and Benefits

£38,025 – £44,747 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Essex County Council is a Disability Confident Leader. We are committed to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the job. Speak to our recruiters if you need reasonable adjustments during the process. We are also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role. All employees and volunteers are expected to share Essex County Council’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.