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- Tasks: Lead community projects to enhance rural living and infrastructure in Hertfordshire.
- Company: Join a respected charity dedicated to empowering rural communities for over 50 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of rural life while advocating for local voices and sustainable practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in community development and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: This role offers a fixed-term contract with potential for extension.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity for a dynamic, community-driven Rural Manager to lead rural development across Hertfordshire and help shape the future of sustainable countryside living.
Location: Hybrid, home-based with one day a week in the Hertford office.
Salary: £32,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours/week which may include some evening or weekend work as we operate a flexible working system.
Contract Type: Fixed term until 31 March 2026 (with strong potential for extension)
Closing Date: Wednesday 11th June 2025 at 11.59pm
About the role: As Rural Manager, you'll lead a range of community-led projects that strengthen Hertfordshire's rural infrastructure and support sustainable living. You'll be the key voice for rural communities, working directly with residents, local councils, and statutory partners to drive forward initiatives from concept to delivery and long-term sustainability. Your work will span everything from facilitating rural housing projects to conducting Asset Based Community Development mapping, and from advising parish councils to managing grant applications and training sessions. This is a hands-on role with a meaningful legacy. Act as the voice of Rural Hertfordshire to statutory bodies, guiding policy decisions to incorporate and consider the unique needs of rural communities.
About you: You'll be a self-starter with a passion for rural life and community development. You will also bring:
- Experience in rural community work or development.
- A successful track record in partnership building and multi-agency collaboration.
- Experience with funding applications and project delivery.
- Excellent communication skills and a proactive, strategic mindset.
- A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
- Level 3 qualifications including A-levels or international Baccalaureate diploma, Level 3 NVQ, Level 3 National Diploma or Certificate, Advanced Apprenticeship or equivalent experience in a relevant field would be desirable.
- Knowledge of rural policy, asset-based community development, and digital communications would also be desirable.
About the organisation: Our client is a respected community development organisation working to foster vibrant, inclusive, and resilient rural communities. This is a rare opportunity to make a tangible impact on people's lives and ensure the unique voices of Hertfordshire's rural populations are heard and acted upon. Based in Hertfordshire where they have helped communities and delivered projects and services for over 50 years to help improve life for both rural and urban Hertfordshire. As the Rural Community Charity for Hertfordshire they work to raise awareness of the needs of rural communities, farmers and businesses. Bringing together people and communities, champion the disadvantaged and provide advocacy for minorities and excluded groups. This is a great opportunity to shape a role going forward.
Other roles you may have experience of could include: Community Development Officer, Rural Affairs Officer, Community Engagement Manager, Project Manager (Rural Development), Strategic Partnerships Manager, or similar.
Rural Community Manager employer: NFP People
Contact Detail:
NFP People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rural Community Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with local community leaders and organisations in Hertfordshire. Attend community events or meetings to introduce yourself and express your interest in rural development. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the current rural policies and initiatives in Hertfordshire. Understanding the local context will not only help you in discussions but also demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during any informal chats or interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience in partnership building by volunteering for local projects or initiatives. This hands-on involvement can enhance your understanding of community needs and give you practical examples to discuss when networking or interviewing.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with online forums or social media groups focused on rural development. Sharing your thoughts and learning from others in the field can help you stay updated on trends and challenges, making you a more informed candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Rural Community Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Rural Community Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your experience in rural community work, partnership building, and project delivery. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for rural life and community development. Explain why you are interested in this role and how you can contribute to the organisation's mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at NFP People
✨Show Your Passion for Rural Development
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for rural life and community development during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to improving rural communities, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working with various stakeholders, be prepared to discuss your experience in partnership building and multi-agency collaboration. Provide specific examples of successful projects where you worked with different organisations or community groups.
✨Prepare for Funding Application Questions
Given the importance of funding applications in this role, brush up on your knowledge of grant writing and project delivery. Be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have in securing funding and how you managed those projects from start to finish.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Rural Policies
Research current rural policies and issues affecting Hertfordshire. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only show your interest but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during the interview, demonstrating your readiness to act as the voice for rural communities.
