Are you passionate about supporting communities to thrive? Do you enjoy building relationships, managing projects and helping great ideas become reality?
We're looking for an enthusiastic and organised Community Funding Officer to join our Community Wellbeing team. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a key role in delivering funding programmes that make a lasting difference to the people and communities of West Oxfordshire.
Our Community Wellbeing team is dedicated to helping residents live their best lives. Everything we do is guided by our shared values of collaboration, trust, respect, innovation and empathy. As our Community Funding Officer, you'll be at the heart of this work, ensuring that council funding reaches the projects and organisations that will have the greatest impact.
As the Council's lead officer for community grants, you will manage our funding programmes from concept through to evaluation. You'll work closely with community groups, voluntary organisations, Councillors and colleagues to develop funding opportunities, support applicants and ensure investment delivers meaningful outcomes for local people.
You’ll oversee the Council's flagship grant programmes, including our civic crowdfunding platform and Community Services Investment Fund, while also managing additional funding initiatives on behalf of the Council and external partners.
This is a varied role that combines programme management, stakeholder engagement, financial oversight and strategic development, making it ideal for someone who enjoys working collaboratively and making a tangible difference. Some of your other responsibilities:
- Lead the delivery of the Council's community grant programmes from design and promotion through to assessment, monitoring and impact evaluation.
- Build strong relationships with community groups, voluntary organisations, Councillors and partners, providing advice and guidance throughout the funding application process.
- Prepare reports and presentations for senior management and Council meetings.
- Ensure all funding activity complies with relevant legislation, policies and best practice.
You will need
- A qualification in your area of expertise, equivalent to a degree or relevant experience of five years in Grants management or similar.
- Minimum two years’ experience of working with budget/financial information.
- Experience of working in or with the voluntary sector and/or a local authority.
- Independent creative thinker with the determination tofind solutions when faced with complex issues.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills with a logical and systematic approach to tasks and a keen eye for detail.
Interview Date - Thursday 3rd September
Special Conditions
- Use of a car for work purposes
Previous applicants for the Community Funding Officer role need not apply.
What we can do for you
- Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
- Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
- 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years’ service and 33 days following 10 years’ continuous service
- In addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice
- Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
- Generous contributory local government pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
- Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements
About Us
West Oxfordshire District Council is a forward-looking council, putting residents first and working in partnership to support our communities. We are delivering an ambitious Council Plan for the district that is focused on important local priorities including affordable housing, climate and ecological action, helping our economy to grow and building communities.
We also provide a range of important local services that make a positive impact to our district on a daily basis including planning, housing, waste and recycling collections, leisure centres, community safety and environmental health.
Joining West Oxfordshire District Council you will be helping us achieve our goals for the district and play a part in supporting our communities, our businesses and our environment.
Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies.
Our organisationis committed to meeting its statutory and moral duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people under 18 years of age and adults at risk who are the recipients of its services and/or activities.
Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years’ employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.
Community Funding Officer in Witney employer: PublicaGroupWODC
PublicaGroupWODC is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises sustainability and community impact in Witney. With flexible working arrangements and generous leave policies, employees are empowered to achieve a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful public service transformations. The company also fosters professional growth through continuous learning opportunities, making it an attractive place for those passionate about waste management and sustainability.
