Community Development Officer

Community Development Officer

Full-Time 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support and empower refugee-led organisations to create positive change in the community.
  • Company: Join the Regional Refugee Forum North East, a passionate team dedicated to social impact.
  • Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
  • Why this job: Be a voice for refugees and help shape policies that matter.
  • Qualifications: Experience in community development and strong communication skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

Community Development Officer

The Regional Refugee Forum North East are recruiting for a Community Development Officer to support Refugee‑Led Organisations and Community Mobilisers across the North East Region, to work together to bring change in policy and practice which affects refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

RESPONSIBLE TO

The Trustees of the Regional Refugee Forum North East.

JOB PURPOSE

Support the development, improvement and growth of Refugee‑Led Community Organisations across the Northeast of England

Closing date for applications

Monday 19 January 2026.

MAIN DUTIES

1.0 Refugee‑led Community Organisation (RCO) Development

  • Provide a range of information and advice services that support the development of RCOs across the Northeast, including setting up an organisation, governance models, funding advice, policies and procedures and good practice in running and developing organisations.
  • Assess the development needs of RCO organisations and put in place agreements for support against which progress can be measured.
  • Identify community skills, assets and needs as well as encouraging and facilitating peer support and collaboration RCOs.
  • Support the development of new RCOs and help to develop ideas for voluntary and community action.
  • Support local RCOs to develop their approach and response to the ever‑changing needs of people seeking asylum and refugees, paying attention to the needs and aspirations of both newly arrived and established community members.

2.0 Key relationships

  • Develop relationships that will support and promote community engagement in local decision‑making.
  • Develop new and existing relationships with RCOs and others that will support and enable collaborative working.
  • Develop relationships with funders to promote and encourage investment in the region’s RCOs including the organisation and delivery of funding events.
  • Promote and support the involvement of RCOs, ensuring the voices of local people and groups are heard.

3.0 Information, resources and training

  • Maintain awareness of policy and other developments relevant to this work through reading, attendance at meetings, conferences etc.
  • Maintain a range of appropriate resources in a variety of formats that support good governance and good practice.
  • Actively seek out opportunities to attract additional funding and in‑kind support into Northeast RCOs.
  • Develop and maintain online tools to help local RCOs access information about funding and other opportunities.
  • Contribute to the production of information materials, including website content, bulletins and social media.
  • Take a lead role in the planning, delivery and evaluation of a high‑quality training programme for RCOs, working with others as appropriate.

4.0 Other

  • Undertake training in line with Regional Refugee Forum North East requirements and personal development plans agreed with the trustees.
  • Take responsibility for meeting all relevant targets and deadlines.
  • Participate fully as a member of the staff team, attending meetings, sharing information and covering other posts during staff sickness etc.
  • Contribute to organisational planning and policy at the Regional Refugee Forum North East.
  • Undertake work in support of income generation activity, including contributing and/or leading funding applications, tenders etc. as agreed with the trustees.
  • Carry out all work with reference to Regional Refugee Forum North East policies, procedures and values.
  • Contribute to the maintenance of a working environment in which diversity is respected, and equality of opportunity is promoted.
  • Undertake other duties as required by the trustees.
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Community Development Officer employer: Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency

The Junction is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of children, young people, and families in Middlesbrough. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and employee development, we offer a supportive work culture where every team member plays a vital role in fostering trust and community. Join us for meaningful work that not only enhances your professional skills but also contributes to the well-being of those we serve.

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Contact Details:

Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Community Development Officer

Get Involved Locally

Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency.

Tap into Professional Networks

Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency.

Showcase Your Commitment

When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency.

Utilise Online Platforms

We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency. Apply directly through us to stand out!

We think you need these skills to ace Community Development Officer

Community Engagement
Organisational Development
Governance Models
Funding Advice
Policy Development
Collaboration Skills
Training Programme Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.

Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.

Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Community Development Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.

Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.

How to prepare for a job interview at Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency

Show Your Passion for Social Change

When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.

Highlight Project Experience

We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.

Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices

Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!