At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive positive change and support smoking cessation initiatives across communities.
- Company: West Suffolk Council, committed to health and environmental sustainability.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, flexible working, and unique employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a top-rated council for climate action with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community health and promote a smoke-free generation.
- Qualifications: Experience in health behaviour change and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 32115 - 37035 £ per year.
West Suffolk Council are looking to recruit a Smoke Free Generation Development Officer to help drive positive change through Feel Good Suffolk and create a Smoke Free Generation.
In this county-wide role, you’ll support a team of Smoking Cessation Advisors, develop innovative outreach projects, and work closely with local councils, community organisations, and businesses to expand the reach and impact of our stop smoking services; especially among communities that face the greatest health inequalities.
What you will need:
- Experience supporting health behaviour change or lifestyle improvement initiatives
- Strong project and people skills
- Excellent communication and strategic thinking abilities
- A passion for community outreach—especially with priority groups such as ethnic minorities, veterans, the homeless, and social housing tenants
- A background in smoking cessation or lived experience is a plus.
Please refer to the job description and person specification for full details of this exciting opportunity.
Why work for us?
- Holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 29 days after 5 years (pro rata if part time) plus bank holidays (with an option to buy up to 10 extra days each year subject to approval)
- Generous pension scheme – contribute between 5.5% and 6.8% (depending on your salary) and the council will contribute 16.4%
- Life assurance – a payment of three times your annual salary
- Flexible working options to enable work/life balance
- Agile working - ability to work in the office and from home
- Access to a unique employee benefits package which includes discounts and cashback on supermarkets, high street shops, holidays, mobile phones, electrical goods, savings and loan schemes and many other products and services
- Salary sacrifice benefits including Cycle to Work scheme, Tusker Leased Car Scheme and SmartTech (buy the latest tech products interest free and repay through your monthly salary)
- Rail and bus staff discounts
- A range of Health and Wellbeing initiatives including an employee assistance programme
- Discounted membership at Abbeycroft Leisure centres
- A culture of learning inspiring staff to focus on continuous learning
- Modern office accommodation.
For more information:
For an informal discussion and further information please contact either:
- Georgina Howe, Strategic Manager for Feel Good Suffolk, by either calling 01284 757116 or emailing georgina.howe@westsuffolk.gov.uk
- Laura Cooledge, Smoking Cessation lead for Feel Good Suffolk, by either calling 01473 433273 or emailing laura.cooledge@ipswich.gov.uk
How to apply:
Please complete your application online via the West Suffolk Council’s website. Please note, we are unable to accept CVs (Curriculum Vitae).
Closing date: 1.00 pm, 20 July 2026.
Interview date: 30 and 31 July 2026.
West Suffolk Council has been rated in the top 10 district councils for climate action (Climate Scorecards 2023) and as a member of UK100 has demonstrated its commitment to a rapid transition to Net Zero with Clean Air in our communities. The council has declared a climate and biodiversity emergency and is committed to working towards net zero emissions by 2039.
Development Officer in Bury St Edmunds employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
West Suffolk Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a generous benefits package, including flexible working options, a strong pension scheme, and a commitment to continuous learning, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a healthy work-life balance in the beautiful setting of Bury St Edmunds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Officer in Bury St Edmunds
✨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 Suffolk Jobs Direct.
✨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 Suffolk Jobs Direct.
✨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 Suffolk Jobs Direct.
✨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 Suffolk Jobs Direct. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Officer in Bury St Edmunds
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 Suffolk Jobs Direct. 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 Development Officer, 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 Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨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 Suffolk Jobs Direct. 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!
