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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with the community, develop partnerships, and lead the Cygnet Community Café project.
- Company: Join a long-established charity making a real difference in South Willesborough.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and the chance to shape local community initiatives.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence local needs and build something meaningful.
- Why this job: Be the driving force behind community engagement and create lasting connections.
- Qualifications: Experience in community work or volunteer coordination is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 11700 - 11700 £ per year.
The South Willesborough & Newtown Community Association is a long-established community charity which runs the Swan Community Centre in South Willesborough, Ashford. We are seeking a part-time (15 hours per week - £11,700pa) Community Engagement & Development Coordinator to strengthen community connections, build partnerships, and expand the Swan Centre’s local impact. This is primarily a community-facing development role.
The postholder will:
- Engage with local residents, community groups and agencies to understand need
- Develop new opportunities for community use of the Swan Centre
- Build sustainable partnerships and encourage collaboration
- Recruit, support and develop volunteers
- Contribute to shaping the Centre’s future direction
A key strand of the role will be leading the development of the Cygnet Community Café as part of a wider community engagement strategy. This will involve consulting on the café’s purpose and offer, establishing appropriate systems and compliance, and ensuring it operates as an inclusive, welcoming space that supports social connection. You will be the sole staff member dedicated to this area of work.
The role requires confidence working independently within a small charity setting, strong organisational skills, and the ability to combine strategic thinking with practical delivery. This is a flexible 15-hour per week role. The pattern of work will vary according to community engagement activity and the development and operation of the Cygnet Café. As opening hours are not yet defined, and will be informed by local consultation, the postholder must be able to adapt their working hours accordingly. Much of the work will involve being in the Centre or consulting with people in the community, so although the desk work can be done remotely there will be a requirement to be on-site for some of the working week, especially once the café is in development and opened. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience in community engagement, volunteer coordination or grassroots development work. Experience in food service or community cafés would be beneficial but is not essential. The post is initially funded for 12 months by The National Lottery Community Fund and we will seek to attract further funding. This is an opportunity to shape community provision from the ground up and to build something that responds directly to local need.
The application window closes on Monday 20th April at 5.00pm. The Swan Centre is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Locations
Community Engagement & Development Coordinator in Ashford, Kent employer: South Willesborough and Newtown Community Association
Contact Detail:
South Willesborough and Newtown Community Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Engagement & Development Coordinator in Ashford, Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Spend some time at the Swan Centre and chat with locals. Understanding their needs will not only help you in the role but also show your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend local events or community meetings to meet potential partners and volunteers. Building those connections can really boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Prepare examples of how you've engaged communities or developed projects in the past. Being able to share your experiences will make you stand out in interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Engagement & Development Coordinator in Ashford, Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Community Engagement: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community work shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to building connections and supporting local initiatives.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Community Engagement & Development Coordinator role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills: Since this role involves a lot of independent work and managing various tasks, be sure to showcase your organisational abilities. Provide examples of how you've successfully juggled multiple responsibilities in previous roles or projects.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the Swan Centre!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Willesborough and Newtown Community Association
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research the South Willesborough & Newtown Community Association and the Swan Community Centre. Understand their mission, values, and the specific needs of the community they serve. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and show how your skills can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Engagement Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to engage with diverse groups and build partnerships. Think about times when you've successfully collaborated with volunteers or community members, and be ready to discuss how you can apply those skills to develop the Cygnet Community Café.
✨Be Ready to Adapt
Since this role requires flexibility in working hours and adapting to community needs, be prepared to discuss how you handle changing circumstances. Share instances where you've had to adjust your plans or approach based on feedback or new information, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Your Independent Working Style
As the sole staff member dedicated to this area, it's crucial to convey your confidence in working independently. Highlight your organisational skills and any experience you have in managing projects or initiatives on your own. This will reassure them that you can thrive in a small charity setting.