At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate volunteers and manage community grants to empower local initiatives.
- Company: Join Rethink Mental Illness, a leader in community support and mental health advocacy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and community empowerment.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of community action, reducing loneliness and improving wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Experience in volunteer coordination and community engagement is essential.
The predicted salary is between 24544 - 24544 £ per year.
Location: Field Based Across North/South Derbyshire
Contract: Permanent, Full Time, 35 hours
Salary: £24,544.91
Reporting to: Community Voice Network Facilitator
DBS Check: Enhanced
Driving Licence Required: Yes, with access to a vehicle and Business Insurance
Help communities thrive through volunteering and grassroots action. At Rethink Mental Illness, we know that strong communities are built by people who care, connect and take action. We're looking for a passionate and organised Community Volunteer and Grants Coordinator to help grow volunteering opportunities and support community-led initiatives that reduce loneliness, strengthen social connections and improve wellbeing across Derbyshire.
This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of the Together Derbyshire service, supporting volunteers, community groups and local organisations to make a real difference in their communities. You'll play a key role in coordinating volunteering opportunities and administering a community micro-grants programme that empowers local people to turn great ideas into meaningful action.
About the role
As Community Volunteer and Grants Coordinator, you'll help develop a strong network of volunteers while supporting the delivery of the Community Involvement Fund. You'll work alongside colleagues, community members and partner organisations to encourage participation, support grassroots projects and ensure funding reaches the people and communities who need it most.
Your work will contribute directly to:
- Reducing loneliness and social isolation.
- Increasing volunteering and community participation.
- Strengthening grassroots organisations and community resilience.
- Supporting inclusive and connected communities across Derbyshire.
What you'll be doing
You'll:
- Support and coordinate a diverse network of volunteers and community leaders.
- Help create volunteering opportunities that respond to local needs.
- Assist with volunteer training, development and ongoing support.
- Work with local volunteer centres and partner organisations to maximise participation.
- Monitor volunteer activity, hours and impact.
- Support the administration of the Community Involvement Fund and micro-grants programme.
- Promote funding opportunities to local residents, community groups and grassroots organisations.
- Help deliver an accessible and inclusive grants process.
- Maintain accurate records of grant applications, awards and funded activities.
- Support community members to develop ideas into projects that improve social connection.
- Work closely with Community Builders and Community Listeners to identify community needs and opportunities.
- Gather evidence, case studies and data to demonstrate impact.
- Build strong relationships with voluntary, community, faith and statutory organisations.
- Ensure grant and volunteer processes are transparent, compliant and effective.
Who are we looking for?
We're looking for someone who is organised, community-focused and enthusiastic about empowering others. You'll have:
- Experience coordinating volunteers or community engagement programmes.
- Experience administering grants, funding programmes or similar schemes.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
- Experience engaging diverse communities and stakeholders.
- Knowledge of equality, inclusion and community development principles.
- Experience monitoring activities and reporting outcomes.
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively across a range of partnerships.
It would be great if you also have:
- An understanding of public health, wellbeing or social isolation.
- Experience supporting grassroots or community-led organisations.
- Knowledge of co-design and asset-based community development approaches.
- The ability to speak another community language.
Why join Rethink Mental Illness?
When you join Rethink, you're joining an organisation committed to creating a better quality of life for people severely affected by mental illness and strengthening communities through inclusion, collaboration and lived experience.
You'll be part of a team that:
- Values community expertise and local knowledge.
- Champions inclusion, equity and diversity.
- Supports innovation and continuous improvement.
- Encourages learning and professional development.
- Makes a meaningful difference every day.
Our work is guided by our CARES values: Connect • Accountable • Respect • Evolve • Success.
We welcome applications from everyone. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and supported. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental illness, carers, people from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQ+ people and disabled people.
If you're passionate about bringing people together, supporting volunteers and helping local communities turn ideas into action, we'd love to hear from you. If you have any questions or want more information, feel free to email tammy.chambers@rethink.org. Apply today and help build stronger, more connected communities across Derbyshire.
Volunteer and Grants Co-ordinator (North East Derbyshire) employer: Rethink Mental Illness
As a Service Manager at our Wells location, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred housing support for adults with mental health needs. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and development, offering opportunities for training and advancement within the organisation. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a flexible part-time schedule and a competitive salary.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer and Grants Co-ordinator (North East Derbyshire)
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer and Grants Co-ordinator (North East Derbyshire)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Rethink Mental Illness, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Rethink Mental Illness.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rethink Mental Illness
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Rethink Mental Illness and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!