Project Manager - Exeter

We are looking for a Project Manager to join the team in this flexible hybrid working role. This is an exciting opportunity to join a leading rural community development charity in Devon and play a critical role in helping deliver our vision that Devon’s rural, coastal and market towns and communities are thriving, sustainable and inclusive places to live and work.

Position: Project Manager

Location: Exeter office based with hybrid working (travel across Devon required)

Salary: £31,347 per annum (1 FTE) / £19,184 per annum (FTE)

Hours: FTE (hours per week – worked flexibly across 3 days) up to 1 FTE (hours per week)

Contract: 12-month fixed term (subject to review thereafter)

Closing Date: 12 noon Monday 2nd February

The Role

You will play a key role in delivering a diverse portfolio of projects that make a real difference to people and communities across rural and coastal Devon. Working closely with colleagues and partners, you will ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget and to a high standard, while engaging communities in inclusive and community-led development.

• Manage and deliver a varied portfolio of community development, regeneration and enterprise support projects.
• Work alongside colleagues to deliver the strategic aims and organisational vision.
• Support communities through capacity building, community-led planning, community asset development and local regeneration initiatives.
• Deliver small business, charity and social enterprise advice and support across Devon.
• Manage project budgets, resources, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, statutory bodies, voluntary and community organisations, businesses and local stakeholders.
• Represent and promote the work of the charity at local and strategic level.
• Contribute to organisational learning, policy awareness and the development of new projects and funding opportunities.

If you are passionate about working with communities to create positive change and want to contribute to the long-term sustainability and wellbeing of rural places, we would love to hear from you.

About You

We are seeking an experienced, motivated and highly organised Project Manager who thrives in a dynamic environment and is committed to making a positive difference.

• A passion for working in the voluntary and charitable sector and collaborating with communities.
• Strong project management experience, including managing budgets, resources, reporting and delivery to fixed timescales.
• Experience of working with local communities and stakeholders, and an understanding of asset-based community development, co-design and co-production.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to deliver training and presentations.
• The ability to manage a complex workload, work independently and prioritise effectively.
• Experience of monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting.

Desirable experience includes one or more of the following:

• Supporting enterprise or social enterprise initiatives.
• Community-led planning or neighbourhood planning.
• Community asset development or asset transfer.
• Community-inspired health and wellbeing projects.
• Drafting project proposals or negotiating contracts.
• Social impact measurement or evaluation.

You will also need a full driving licence and access to your own transport (or the ability to travel easily around Devon), as the role involves regular travel across the county, including occasional evening and weekend work.

About the Organisation

The charity is a leading rural community development charity working across Devon to support communities to become more resilient, connected and sustainable. We are an equal opportunities employer and strive to create a working environment where everyone can make the best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community.