At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a health and literacy project that transforms lives in Somerset communities.
- Company: Join Somerset Council and make a real impact on children's wellbeing and learning.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, hybrid working, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of community engagement and see your work create lasting change.
- Qualifications: A-level or equivalent, with experience in project delivery and partnership building.
The predicted salary is between 19822 - 22112 £ per year.
Salary: ranging from £19,822 to £22,112 per annum for 22.2 hours per week.
This is a two-year, fixed-term post, funded by Arts Council England, and may be suitable as a secondment opportunity, subject to agreement with your Line Manager.
30 days annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
Hybrid working in line with Somerset Council’s dynamic working arrangements.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a high-profile health and literacy project that makes a real and lasting difference to the lives of children and families across Somerset. You will design and deliver inclusive, engaging activity that supports improved wellbeing, confidence and learning, working in communities where impact matters most.
Working collaboratively with libraries, schools, public health teams, community partners and volunteers, you’ll play a central role in bringing people together and turning ideas into meaningful action. This is a visible, outward-facing role that combines strategic coordination with hands-on delivery, offering the chance to see the direct impact of your work and contribute to Somerset Council’s priorities around health, equality and opportunity.
Role Summary
Reporting to the Senior Development Officer, you will lead the delivery of a Health and Literacy project across the Chard, Wellington and Taunton (Priorswood) communities. The role combines project management, partnership working and hands-on delivery, and includes the coordination of weekly health and literacy activity, a year-round reading and health challenge, volunteering opportunities, and engagement with schools and local partners. You will work closely with libraries, Public Health, Children’s Services, schools and community organisations to design and deliver inclusive activity that responds to local need and supports wider council priorities around health, learning and equality.
What you’ll do – Key Responsibilities
- Lead the planning and delivery of a countywide health and literacy project across defined communities.
- Deliver weekly health and literacy events and coordinate a year-round reading and health challenge.
- Build and maintain effective partnerships with schools, libraries, Public Health, Children’s Services and community organisations.
- Manage day-to-day project activity, including budgets, resources and timescales.
- Recruit, support and engage volunteers to contribute to project delivery.
- Monitor, evaluate and report on project outcomes, ensuring funder and organisational requirements are met.
- Use data, feedback and insight to inform project improvements and demonstrate impact.
- Promote project activity and opportunities to increase engagement and participation.
- Ensure all activity reflects equality, diversity and inclusion principles and reaches disadvantaged or under-represented groups.
What We’re Looking For – Knowledge, Experience and Skills
Knowledge
- Proven ability to make effective decisions with clear, outcome-focused results.
- Demonstrated commitment to a customer-focused approach in service delivery.
Experience
- Experience of developing and delivering innovative projects.
- Practical experience of promoting services and/or events.
- Experience of using a range of ICT applications e.g. social media; online learning platforms.
Skills and Qualifications
- Educational qualifications to at least A-level, HND/HNC or acquired knowledge to degree standard.
- Evidence of work-related continuing professional development.
- Managerial skills, able to motivate others, often taking a lead role for specific elements of a project.
- Excellent presentation skills able to talk to a diverse range of audiences including front line library staff, senior service managers, service users and partner organisations.
- Strong report writing skills able to analyse and use management information to help inform and produce a coherent evidence-based document.
- Able to manage a diverse workload and prioritise whilst keeping to deadlines.
- Excellent verbal and written skills and numeracy skills.
Any Additional Information
Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.
For an informal chat about the role, please contact John Carter, Senior Development Officer at john.carter@somerset.gov.uk.
Interviews will take place on 2nd July 2026 at Taunton Library.
Development Officer - Reading and Health Project Coordinator in Taunton employer: Somerset-Council-1
As a Development Officer with Somerset Council, you will be part of a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises community impact and employee wellbeing. With 30 days of annual leave, hybrid working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth, this role offers a unique chance to lead meaningful projects that enhance health and literacy in local communities. Join us in making a real difference while enjoying a supportive environment that values collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Officer - Reading and Health Project Coordinator in Taunton
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We think you need these skills to ace Development Officer - Reading and Health Project Coordinator in Taunton
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Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Somerset-Council-1. 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.
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Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Development Officer - Reading and Health Project Coordinator, 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.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset-Council-1
✨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 Somerset-Council-1. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
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