At a Glance
- Tasks: Build relationships and create pathways for community engagement and participation.
- Company: Mai-Wel Group, a trusted not-for-profit with 65 years of impact.
- Benefits: Purpose-driven role with autonomy, collaboration, and a focus on community growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
The Mai-Wel Group is a Hunter region not-for-profit connecting people with possibilities for nearly 65 years. We partner with people with disability, young people and those experiencing disadvantage to build independence, confidence and real pathways into community, education, training, employment and enterprise. With a team of more than 370 people, we deliver integrated, person-centred supports across daily living and independence, social and creative participation, and real-world work-readiness programs that lead to jobs—reinvesting every dollar to grow impact across our region. Trusted, local and outcomes-driven, Mai-Wel is Full of Possible.
Description
At Mai-Wel Group, community engagement isn’t about turning up and handing out brochures. It’s about building trusted relationships, creating real pathways, and making sure connection turns into action, opportunity and impact. We’re looking for a Community Engagement Specialist who thrives on being out in the community, understands how to open doors, and knows how to turn conversations into referrals, partnerships, sponsorship opportunities and increased participation across our services.
The Role
Reporting to the Senior Manager, Engagement, this role works across all Mai-Wel service streams including NDIS supports, employment services, education and training pathways, and social enterprise. You’ll plan and deliver targeted engagement activities, represent the organisation at events and forums, and work closely with internal teams to ensure engagement doesn’t stop at the conversation — it’s captured, followed up, and converted into outcomes. This is a role for someone who enjoys people and understands the importance of structure, systems and accountability.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Designing and delivering an annual Community and Stakeholder Engagement Plan aligned to organisational priorities
- Building strong relationships with referrers, employers, education providers, community organisations and government agencies
- Identifying and progressing partnership and sponsorship opportunities that support service growth
- Promoting clear referral pathways and working with internal teams to improve conversion from lead to intake
- Planning and delivering outreach activities, presentations and community events, including approvals, risk assessments and evaluation
- Accurately recording engagement activity in CRM systems and contributing to reporting and insights
- Representing Mai-Wel professionally and consistently in all community settings
- Ensuring engagement activities meet safeguarding, privacy, WHS and sector compliance requirements
Skills and Experiences
Essential
- Experience in community engagement, stakeholder engagement, business development or networking
- Strong communication skills and confidence presenting to diverse audiences
- Experience working with, or engaging, vulnerable cohorts (such as people with disability, young people or people experiencing disadvantage)
- Ability to work across multiple service streams and translate engagement into measurable outcomes
Highly regarded
- Tertiary qualifications in Business, Marketing, Community Engagement, Disability, Employment Services, Social Science, Education or a related field
- Experience using CRM systems and contributing to engagement or performance reporting
- Knowledge of compliance frameworks including NDIS Quality & Safeguards, child safe standards, privacy and WHS
Why join Mai-Wel?
- A purpose-driven role where your work directly strengthens community impact and service growth
- A collaborative Corporate Services team that values initiative, accountability and outcomes
- A values-led organisation committed to Respect, Integrity and Excellence
- An inclusive workplace that welcomes diversity and encourages innovation
- A role with autonomy, visibility and real influence
Pre-employment checks
The successful applicant will be required to complete:
- National Police Check
- NDIS Worker Screening Check (or willingness to obtain)
- Working With Children Check
- Valid driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle
- Right to work in Australia
How To Apply
To apply via SEEK, please submit: Your current resume, and A short cover letter (1-2 pages) outlining your community or stakeholder engagement experience and how you’ve turned engagement into outcomes (for example referrals, partnerships or participation growth).
Community Engagement Specialist employer: The Mai-Wel Group
Contact Detail:
The Mai-Wel Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Engagement Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Get out there and network! Attend community events, workshops, and forums where you can meet potential partners and referrers. Remember, it’s all about building those relationships that can lead to real opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups. After meeting someone, drop them a quick email or message to keep the conversation going. This shows you’re genuinely interested and can help turn those initial chats into solid partnerships.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to showcase your impact. When you’re chatting with potential stakeholders, have some success stories ready to share. This not only highlights your experience but also demonstrates how engagement can lead to meaningful outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission at Mai-Wel Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Engagement Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your community engagement experience and how you've turned conversations into real outcomes. Keep it concise, engaging, and tailored to the role at Mai-Wel.
Showcase Your Skills: In your resume, don’t just list your previous jobs—show us how your skills align with what we’re looking for. Use specific examples of how you’ve built relationships and created opportunities in your past roles.
Be Authentic: We want to see the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for community engagement and why you’re excited about the opportunity at Mai-Wel.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Mai-Wel Group
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research the local community and the specific challenges they face. Understanding the needs of vulnerable cohorts will help you demonstrate your commitment to making a real impact.
✨Showcase Your Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific instances where your engagement led to referrals or partnerships, as this aligns perfectly with what the Mai-Wel Group is looking for.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Compliance
Brush up on compliance frameworks relevant to the role, such as NDIS Quality & Safeguards and child safe standards. Being knowledgeable about these areas will show that you understand the importance of safeguarding and privacy in community engagement.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the current community engagement strategies and how success is measured. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively.