At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with diverse communities, co-develop projects, and promote cultural integration.
- Company: Join Multicultural Cumbria, a grassroots organisation celebrating diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, community impact, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that empowers refugees and diaspora communities in Cumberland.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive, dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Hours of Work: Total of 18.75 hrs per week on average - flexibility is essential & some evening & weekend working will be required.
Location: Carlisle base, but working across Cumberland.
Reporting Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer.
Job Context: Working as part of a team supporting people seeking asylum, refugees & other diaspora communities, you will proactively target diaspora communities to co‑develop projects that address needs, bring people together, enable understanding & promote integration. A second part time post of Inclusive Volunteering Lead is also being recruited for. We are open to applications to both positions to create full time hours, if the candidate has the skills & experience for both roles. This post requires flexible working inc. some evenings & weekends. MCC cannot pay overtime, so TOIL will be given. The post is funded by Cumberland Council, initially up to 31st March 2027. We are an equal opportunities employer.
About Multicultural Cumbria: Multicultural Cumbria is a grassroots organisation committed to promoting inclusion, celebrating cultural diversity, & empowering ethnically diverse communities across Cumbria. Since its formation in 2017, we have built strong community connections through arts, education, food, & dialogue, creating a vital bridge between cultures. We aim to enable, engage & empower diasporas to create a truly multicultural county; to break down barriers & promote cultures by sharing our similarities & celebrating our differences. This promotes a strong sense of identity for diasporas to make a positive contribution to Cumbria & its cultural diversity. MCC has a small staff team of 5 people, so this position is an opportunity to really contribute your ideas, energy, skills & experience with visible results.
Purpose of Job:
- To increase capacity within MCC to develop, expand & deliver cultural & community engagement activities, including events, education, workshops & volunteering.
- To work as part of the Asylum Seeker & Refugee Support Team, integrating community development practice with opportunities for asylum seekers & refugees to interact with the community & enhance their skills & confidence.
- To lead on the replication of our award winning Culture Bazaar in West Cumberland, on a reduced scale.
- To work with our partners to co‑produce community events, which celebrate diversity in all its forms.
- To collaborate with staff & volunteers to expand a school education programme.
- To reach out to & work with Syrian, Afghan & Ukrainian refugee communities & Cumberland Council’s Resettlement Team.
- To support members of diaspora communities to express their views on issues which affect them, especially health & racial discrimination.
- To raise awareness of the work of MCC.
- To work to the principles of welcome, inclusion, equality & promoting the well‑being of everyone - a culture of mutual support & good community cohesion.
- To collaborate with stakeholders such as statutory bodies, councils, charities & services from the third sector & volunteers from the community, to welcome & accept newcomers without bias or prejudice.
Main Duties:
- To take a lead role in developing & delivering community engagement activity with diaspora communities across Cumberland, including within schools.
- To monitor, gather feedback & data & aid in the evaluation of the effectiveness of this role.
- To work with the team to deliver Culture Bazaar in West Cumbria to celebrate diverse cultures through music, dance, art, food & creative workshops.
- To work together with other staff & stakeholders to agreed deadlines & budgets including the Asylum Seeker & Refugee Coordinators.
- To learn about & contribute to our Asylum Seeker & Refugee Support Service & develop skills to enable MCC to provide a flexible & responsive service.
- To help the communities of Cumberland to welcome people seeking asylum, enabling integration & participation in the life of the communities.
- Support community awareness & education around asylum matters & immigration.
General Duties:
- To promote community cohesion, inclusion & equity for all.
- Attend meetings as necessary.
- Represent MCC & promote their ethos by working in a positive way.
- Contribute to monitoring & reports.
- Abide by all our policies, including those around safeguarding, confidentiality & data protection.
- Ensure that personal behavior demonstrates integrity, openness & honesty; & is anti‑oppressive, non‑judgmental & supports diversity.
- Take responsibility for inputting & storing data, & compliance with GDPR.
- To maintain & update CRM mailing lists for newsletter, volunteers, service providers & professional contacts.
It is the nature of the work that tasks & responsibilities are in many circumstances unpredictable & varied. Employees are therefore expected to work in a flexible way & tasks which are not specifically covered in their job description may have to be undertaken.
Person Specification:
Experience & Knowledge:- Experience in community engagement, partnership building or working with community groups.
- Experience of engaging with diverse, often hard to reach, communities & residents.
- Excellent verbal/written communication skills for facilitating meetings, persuading & presenting.
- Ability to set/meet deadlines & prioritise tasks.
- Ability to foster trust, manage conflict, & build relationships.
- Ability to work on own initiative & as part of a team.
- Must hold a full driving licence & have access to their own car.
- Enthusiastic, proactive, & committed to community development.
- Adaptable to working with different groups & in different locations.
- Available for flexible working hours, including evenings or weekends.
Please note this role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
To Apply: For an application pack email: jo@multiculturalcumbria.org.uk
Closing Date: 9am Tuesday 24th March 2026.
Interviews will be held on Monday 30th March 2026.
Community Engagement Officer employer: Multicultural Cumbria
Contact Detail:
Multicultural Cumbria Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Engagement Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend community events, and connect with organisations that align with your values. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or community leaders, make sure to bring your A-game. Be enthusiastic about your skills and experiences, and don’t hesitate to share how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! Research the organisations you're interested in and understand their goals. When you reach out, mention specific projects or initiatives they’re involved in and how you can help them achieve their objectives.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from passionate candidates. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for the role right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Engagement Officer
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 supporting diaspora communities and promoting inclusion. Share personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to engage with diverse communities, so be clear about how your background aligns with our mission.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
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 shows you’re serious about joining our team at Multicultural Cumbria!
How to prepare for a job interview at Multicultural Cumbria
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research Multicultural Cumbria and its initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their projects, especially those related to diaspora communities. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of their mission during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in community engagement and partnership building. Think about times when you've successfully worked with diverse groups or led community projects, as these will be key to showcasing your fit for the role.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the role requires flexible working hours, be ready to discuss your availability for evenings and weekends. Highlight any previous experiences where you adapted your schedule to meet community needs, showing that you're committed to being there when it matters most.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about upcoming projects, how they measure the success of community engagement activities, or how they support staff development. It shows you're engaged and thinking about how you can contribute.