At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead systems improvement and data management to enhance community impact.
- Company: Join a passionate charity dedicated to uplifting rural communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with strong support for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in rural lives while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in data management and community work.
The predicted salary is between 27225 - 33275 £ per year.
Rural Action is a registered charity established to meet an identified need to support grassroots communities through meaningful, community-driven projects and programmes. We specialise in designing, developing, and delivering initiatives that respond directly to the challenges and opportunities faced by rural people. Our mission is to inspire action and make a lasting, positive impact on everyday rural life. We believe in the strength of community, the value of shared spaces, and the potential of sustainable living.
We act as a Managing Agent for the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), managing the delivery in Northern Ireland of the IFI Personal Youth Development Programme (PYDP) and the Communities in Partnership (Cross Border) Programme. We are working in partnership with Cooperation Ireland and East Border Region to animate and provide support to grassroots communities to access funding opportunities under the SEUPB/Pobal managed PEACEPLUS Small Grants Programme. We are an Open College Network (OCN) accredited centre and deliver the OCN Level 1 in Developing and Managing Community Facilities. We undertake various assignments and commissions for central and local government, other statutory bodies and the community, voluntary sector, including pilot projects, evaluations, programme design, project assessments and appraisals. We deliver our own Rural Action Awards where we give back to communities each year. So far, we have invested nearly £30,000 in community action projects, injecting the equivalent of £1,000 per month back into rural communities. We have recently secured two major PEACEPLUS initiatives: RiSE (Rural Innovation and Social Enterprise), which focuses on empowering rural communities through enterprise and innovation, and MCS (Maximising Community Space), aimed at enhancing shared, inclusive spaces.
The Systems & Impact Lead is a new role focused on the delivery of our PEACEPLUS projects. They will strengthen our organisation's ability to understand, evidence and communicate the difference we make in rural communities. They will lead the development of our internal systems, support staff to use data confidently, and work closely with our PEACEPLUS Monitoring & Evaluation Officers to ensure we collect the right information, analyse it effectively, and build a strong evidence base for our work and our funders.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead a review of current systems and processes to identify gaps, duplication and opportunities for improvement.
- Work with staff to understand their workflows and needs, using a user-centred approach.
- Design, source or adapt appropriate systems for data collection, storage and reporting.
- Ensure systems are accessible, efficient and aligned with organisational priorities.
- Support the integration of digital tools that enhance programme delivery and organisational learning.
- Work with our PEACEPLUS Monitoring & Evaluation Officers to ensure we collect the right data, meaningful, proportionate and aligned with our outcomes and compliant with programme rules and GDPR.
- Develop and maintain a clear data management framework for the organisation.
- Support staff to analyse data and turn it into insights that strengthen programmes.
- Produce internal dashboards, summaries and reports that help us understand our impact.
- Ensure compliance with data protection and ethical data practices.
- Help the organisation build a strong evidence base for its work and funders.
- Support teams to embed monitoring, evaluation and learning into their everyday work.
- Work with senior staff to identify trends, learning and opportunities emerging from our data.
- Contribute to funding applications and reports by providing clear, accurate evidence of impact.
- Provide training, guidance and hands-on support to staff using new or existing systems.
- Build confidence and capacity across the organisation in data literacy and evidence-informed practice.
- Act as a bridge between technical solutions and programme delivery teams.
- Work collaboratively across the organisation to ensure systems support our mission and values.
- Build strong relationships with staff, partners and funders to understand their information needs.
- Contribute to organisational planning and continuous improvement.
At Rural Action, we believe that meaningful work starts with a meaningful workplace. Here’s what you can expect when you join our team:
- Purpose-driven impact: We’re passionate about creating real change in rural communities, and everything we do is rooted in that mission.
- Supportive leadership: Our managers lead with empathy, encouragement and a commitment to helping you thrive.
- Collaborative culture: We work as one team, celebrating every achievement and learning together.
- Employee voice matters: We actively consult with our staff to shape decisions and drive our shared mission forward.
- Strong foundations: Every new team member receives a thorough induction to help them feel confident and connected from day one.
- Growth and development: We invest in your potential by offering opportunities to build skills, take on new challenges and grow professionally.
We pride ourselves in being a flexible, family-friendly employer and try to offer the best terms and conditions for our employees to enable them to achieve a healthy work/life balance. Our benefits include:
- 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 after 5 years service, plus 12 bank and public holidays, based on 35 hours per week, pro-rata for part-time positions.
- Enhanced sick leave policy.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies.
- Paid compassionate leave.
- Employer pension scheme.
- Flexible working policy.
- Mileage allowance at the prevailing HMRC rate.
- Time off in lieu (TOIL) policy for additional hours worked.
- Training and development policy.
- Free on-site car parking.
- Early finish on Fridays.
- On successful completion of probationary period: Life assurance.
- Health insurance.
- Hybrid working model to enable working from home.
Equal Opportunities: Rural Action is an Equal Opportunities Employer and all applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.
Application Process: The closing date/time for submission of applications is 12 noon on Friday 28th August 2026. Please ensure your form and any requested supporting documentation is submitted to Samantha. We cannot accept applications received after the closing date/time.
Systems & Impact Lead (SIL) in Cookstown employer: Rural Action
At Rural Action, we are dedicated to fostering a collaborative and purpose-driven work environment where every team member plays a vital role in making a positive impact on rural communities. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our supportive leadership, comprehensive training opportunities, and flexible working arrangements, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. Join us in our mission to inspire action and create meaningful change while enjoying the benefits of a family-friendly workplace in the heart of Cookstown.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems & Impact Lead (SIL) in Cookstown
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Rural Action.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Rural Action.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Rural Action.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Rural Action. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Systems & Impact Lead (SIL) in Cookstown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Rural Action. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Systems & Impact Lead (SIL), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rural Action
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Rural Action. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
