At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage community grants and support local projects that make a real difference.
- Company: Thurrock Council, dedicated to community development and engagement.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on inclusive community engagement.
- Why this job: Empower communities and turn their ideas into impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in grant management and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 29253 - 32736 £ per year.
The Community Engagement and Grants Officer is a key part of the Council’s Community Development Team, which sits within the Communications and Engagement Service and supports residents to thrive, strengthen local networks and enable community‑led change. While the wider service focuses on building resilient, connected neighbourhoods, this role provides the practical link between engagement and delivery - turning community ideas into funded projects with real local impact.
Working across the Council and with elected members, residents and the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector, the postholder will support the delivery of the Council’s Transforming Neighbourhoods Programme, helping communities access funding, influence local priorities and deliver initiatives that improve quality of life. Through transparent grant management, inclusive engagement and close partnership working, the role will play a vital part in widening participation, building community capacity and strengthening neighbourhood resilience across Thurrock.
As a Community Engagement and Grants Officer, you will be responsible for:
- Managing community grant programmes end‑to‑end, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and maintaining accurate, auditable records.
- Supporting applicants and grant recipients by providing clear guidance on eligibility, assessment criteria and monitoring requirements.
- Coordinating grant assessment panels and administering applications, payments and documentation in a timely and transparent way.
- Monitoring funded activity, tracking outcomes, and preparing reports, updates and grant transparency information.
- Contributing to wider community engagement activities and working flexibly to meet service needs.
This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference by helping communities turn ideas into action, ensuring public funding is invested fairly and effectively, and supporting local projects that improve wellbeing, resilience and quality of life across Thurrock.
We’re looking for someone who has:
- Experience of administering grant funding or managing funding programmes in line with financial and compliance requirements.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to provide clear guidance and build positive relationships with residents, community groups and partners.
- The ability to manage competing priorities, work to deadlines and maintain accurate records and monitoring information.
- Experience of working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, including voluntary, community and faith organisations.
- A commitment to inclusive engagement and ensuring under‑represented communities are supported to participate.
Essential qualifications: N/A
DBS Check: Yes – Basic Check Required
At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Staff discounts and local offers
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 7th May 2026
Closing Date (Internal & External): 17th May 2026
Interview Date: Tuesday, 26th May 2026
If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact: Rebecca Lee – Community Development Team Manager – rlee@thurrock.gov.uk
Community Engagement and Grants Officer in Grays employer: Thurrock Council
Contact Detail:
Thurrock Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Engagement and Grants Officer in Grays
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the community and local organisations. Attend events, workshops, or even casual meet-ups to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for community engagement! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas on how to improve community projects. This will demonstrate your commitment and creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Council’s current initiatives. Knowing what they’re working on will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Engagement and Grants Officer in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Community Engagement and Grants Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key for this role, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've built positive relationships in the past. We want to see your ability to engage with various stakeholders!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your points are easy to understand. We appreciate straightforwardness and clarity in applications.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thurrock Council
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research the local community and its needs. Understand the key issues residents face and think about how your role as a Community Engagement and Grants Officer can address these. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Grant Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with grant funding and compliance. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your ability to manage funding programmes effectively. Highlight any successful projects you've been involved in and the impact they had on the community.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. During the interview, make sure to listen actively and respond thoughtfully to questions, showcasing your ability to build positive relationships with various stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Inclusivity
This position requires a commitment to inclusive engagement. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure under-represented communities are supported. Share any past experiences where you successfully engaged diverse groups and how you plan to continue this in the role.