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
Thurrock Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that empowers employees to make a tangible impact in the community. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, flexible working options, and ongoing professional development opportunities, staff are encouraged to grow and thrive while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance the quality of life for residents in Thurrock.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Engagement and Grants Officer in Grays
✨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 Thurrock Council.
✨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 Thurrock Council.
✨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 Thurrock Council.
✨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 Thurrock Council. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Engagement and Grants Officer in Grays
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 Thurrock Council. 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 Community Engagement and Grants 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 Thurrock Council
✨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 Thurrock Council. 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!
