At a Glance
- Tasks: Connect with communities, support local groups, and help residents thrive.
- Company: Wessex Community Action, dedicated to strengthening local communities.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, 25 days leave, health plan, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a friendly team and enjoy a rewarding role with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building strong community connections.
- Qualifications: Strong people skills and a passion for community development.
The predicted salary is between 25200 - 30800 £ per year.
Salisbury | 15 hours per week (2 days) | Fixed-term 12-month contract
Salary: £28,000 FTE (pro rata)
Are you a natural people person who enjoys bringing communities together?
Wessex Community Action is looking for a VCSE Development Advisor to help strengthen communities across Salisbury, with a particular focus on Bemerton, the Friary and minoritised communities.
This is a place-based role focused on building relationships, supporting local groups and helping communities thrive.
You'll connect with residents, community organisations and local partners, helping to build confidence, skills and resilience while creating stronger connections across the city.
It's an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys meeting new people, listening to different perspectives and helping communities turn ideas into action.
You don't need to be an expert in community development.
What matters most is your ability to connect with people, build trust and inspire others.
If you're approachable, organised and passionate about making a difference, we'd love to hear from you.
What you'll be doing
You'll spend much of your time out in the community, meeting residents, local organisations and grassroots groups to understand what already exists and where additional support may be needed.
You'll
- Build positive relationships with residents, community leaders and local groups.
- Map community assets, activities and networks across target neighbourhoods.
- Support new and existing groups to become stronger, more sustainable and better connected.
- Help organise and deliver workshops, training sessions and community events.
- Encourage collaboration between community organisations and wider local initiatives.
- Represent the project at meetings, forums and events.
- Track progress and help demonstrate the impact of the work to partners and funders.
- Who we're looking for
We're looking for someone who
- Is a confident and genuine relationship builder.
- Can quickly gain trust and make people feel comfortable.
- Enjoys working with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
- Is an excellent listener and communicator.
- Is organised and able to manage their own workload.
- Cares about reducing inequalities and strengthening communities.
- Brings energy, enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
- Don't worry if you don't tick every box
Experience in community development, volunteer management, governance or supporting community groups would be useful, but it's not essential.
We know that great community workers come from a variety of backgrounds.
If you have strong people skills, a willingness to learn and a passion for helping communities thrive, we'd encourage you to apply.
We'll provide support, training and development opportunities to help you succeed.
What we offer
- A rewarding role where you can make a real difference in local communities.
- Flexible and supportive working arrangements.
- The opportunity to work alongside inspiring community organisations, volunteers and local leaders.
- A friendly, values-driven team committed to strengthening communities.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata).
- Additional leave between Christmas and New Year (subject to organisational arrangements).
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Health plan.
- Training and professional development opportunities.
- Dedicated external training budget.
If you're someone who enjoys building relationships, inspiring confidence and helping communities realise their potential, we'd love to hear from you.
- Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 20 September
Interviews: 29 and 30 September - #J-18808-Ljbffr
VCSE Development Advisor (Salisbury) employer: WESSEX COMMUNITY ACTION
Wessex Community Action is an exceptional employer that offers a rewarding role as a VCSE Development Advisor in Salisbury, where you can truly make a difference in local communities. With a flexible and supportive work culture, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with inspiring community organisations and receive ongoing training and professional development to enhance your skills. Join a friendly, values-driven team dedicated to strengthening communities while enjoying generous benefits like 25 days of annual leave and a contributory pension scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VCSE Development Advisor (Salisbury)
✨Get Involved in Local Volunteering
Dive into some local volunteering opportunities! Nonprofits often look for temp workers who have a connection to the community they serve. By getting involved, you not only gain experience but also make valuable contacts in the sector.
✨Tap into Nonprofit Networks
Use platforms like Idealist or local nonprofit job boards to find temporary gigs. These spaces are buzzing with opportunities specifically tailored for social impact projects, making it easier for us to spot the ideal role at companies like WESSEX COMMUNITY ACTION!
✨Attend Sector-Specific Events
Join meetings, workshops, or talks hosted by organisations in the nonprofit realm. These events are perfect for making connections and learning about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised. Plus, you can showcase your passion for social impact right there!
✨Don’t Forget Online Applications!
When you spot a temporary role at WESSEX COMMUNITY ACTION that piques your interest, go ahead and apply through their website! Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their mission – it shows you care about the cause, which is key in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace VCSE Development Advisor (Salisbury)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at WESSEX COMMUNITY ACTION. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for WESSEX COMMUNITY ACTION.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at WESSEX COMMUNITY ACTION!
How to prepare for a job interview at WESSEX COMMUNITY ACTION
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of WESSEX COMMUNITY ACTION resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Non-profit projects often require quick pivots and resourcefulness. Be ready to share examples from your past where you've adapted to changing circumstances or tackled unexpected challenges. This will show your potential as a valuable, nimble team member for the VCSE Development Advisor (Salisbury) position.
✨Know Your Community Tools
Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.