Community Development Lead

Community Development Lead

Part-Time 31030 - 41980 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Waythrough

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead community initiatives that empower recovery and foster connections across Devon.
  • Company: Join Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Flexible part-time role with opportunities for personal growth and impact.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and build meaningful relationships.
  • Qualifications: Passion for community recovery and excellent interpersonal skills required.

The predicted salary is between 31030 - 41980 € per year.

Location: Templar House, Unit 2, Scott Close, Newton Abbot, TQ12 1GJ

Contract: Part-time (30 hours), permanent

Salary: £31,030 - £41,980 per annum (pro rata)

Are you passionate about people, community, and recovery? We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Community Development Lead to join our team in Newton Abbot.

About the role

In this vital role, you’ll be at the heart of building and strengthening recovery communities across Devon. You will work closely with individuals, volunteers, and partner organisations to co-produce inclusive initiatives that foster resilience, connection, healthier lifestyles, and community involvement.

As a Community Development Lead, you will be responsible for:

  • Collaborating with individuals and partners to develop vibrant and sustainable recovery communities across Devon.
  • Co-producing community initiatives that support wellbeing, resilience, and social connection.
  • Delivering service-focused projects that empower people with lived experience of addiction and recovery to shape and influence service development.
  • Coordinating our Flourish Cafés and Flourish in Nature activities.
  • Engaging, supporting, and developing mentors and volunteers.
  • Monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on outcomes to demonstrate meaningful social impact.

Please note this role is 30 hours per week.

About you

To succeed as a Community Development Lead you will ideally be a natural connector with excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for community-based recovery. You will be able to understand the value of lived experience and have a talent for bringing people together to create positive change.

About Waythrough

Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:

  • 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
  • Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
  • Life assurance (3× annual salary)
  • Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay
  • Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
  • Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
  • 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
  • Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals
  • £500 Recommend a Friend bonus
  • Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
  • Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
  • Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year

Inclusion and accessibility

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation. If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk

Closing Date: 2026-05-29

Community Development Lead employer: Waythrough

Waythrough is an exceptional employer located in Newton Abbot, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. With a strong focus on community development and recovery, employees benefit from a comprehensive package that includes generous annual leave, professional growth opportunities, and a commitment to employee wellbeing. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a culture that values collaboration and personal development.

Waythrough

Contact Detail:

Waythrough Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Community Development Lead

Tip Number 1

Get to know the community! Attend local events and engage with people in your area. This will help you build connections and understand the needs of the community, which is crucial for a role like Community Development Lead.

Tip Number 2

Leverage social media to showcase your passion for community work. Share stories, initiatives, and your experiences. This not only highlights your commitment but also helps you connect with like-minded individuals and organisations.

Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of networking! Reach out to professionals in the field, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that might not be advertised.

Tip Number 4

When you're ready to apply, make sure to do it through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role right there!

We think you need these skills to ace Community Development Lead

Interpersonal Skills
Community Engagement
Project Coordination
Service Development
Monitoring and Evaluation
Collaboration
Mentoring

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for community and recovery shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in people's lives!

Be Specific:Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills in community development. We love seeing how you've made an impact before, so don’t hold back!

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Community Development Lead. Highlight your interpersonal skills and any relevant experience that aligns with our mission at Waythrough.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to view the full job description.

How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough

Know Your Community

Before the interview, dive deep into the community initiatives and recovery programmes in Devon. Familiarise yourself with local organisations and their impact. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experiences to the role.

Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills

As a Community Development Lead, your ability to connect with people is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with individuals or groups in the past. Highlight your communication style and how it fosters inclusivity and resilience.

Emphasise Lived Experience

If you have personal experience related to addiction or recovery, be open about it. Discuss how this perspective shapes your approach to community development. It’s a powerful asset that can resonate with the interviewers and demonstrate your understanding of the role.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like engaging volunteers or evaluating community projects. Think through potential scenarios and outline your strategies. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and readiness for the challenges ahead.