At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage communities and co-design activities to support young people affected by cancer.
- Company: Join Young Lives vs Cancer, a passionate team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy wellbeing days, flexible working, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: We welcome diverse applicants, especially those with lived cancer experience.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people facing cancer challenges.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid, with regular meetings in central London
Closing date: 29 July 2026, 11:59pm
Interview dates: 3–5 August 2026
Change lives in a life-changing career. When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, the impact reaches far beyond their medical treatment. At Young Lives vs Cancer, we help children, young people and families navigate the emotional and practical challenges cancer brings, ensuring they get the support they need when it matters most.
We're looking for a Community Engagement Practitioner to join our Research, Learning and Systems Change team. Working as part of the North Star Cancer Collective, you'll help shape a new project focused on improving psychosocial support for young adults from the Global Majority affected by cancer and their loved ones. You'll build trusted relationships with communities, facilitate engagement and co‑design activities, and help ensure lived experience drives meaningful change in cancer care.
We're looking for someone who is passionate about equity, community‑led change and meaningful participation. You'll be a skilled relationship builder, confident communicator and collaborative partner, comfortable working across communities, charities and healthcare settings. We particularly welcome applications from candidates with lived experience of cancer and individuals from the Global Majority.
Key responsibilities:- Build and maintain relationships with Global Majority communities and partner organisations.
- Recruit and support young people and families to participate in engagement activities.
- Deliver workshops, listening events and co‑design sessions.
- Gather insights and feedback to influence services and decision‑making.
- Work with NHS, charity and community partners to improve culturally responsive support.
- Share learning, champion inclusion and contribute to project evaluation.
- Strong communication and relationship‑building skills.
- Empathy and cultural sensitivity.
- Experience engaging communities and supporting participation or co‑production.
- Good organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
- Confidence gathering, analysing and communicating insights.
- A flexible, reflective approach with a willingness to test and learn.
As part of Team Young Lives, you'll benefit from four Wellbeing, Thinking & Growth Days each year.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Engagement Practitioner in London
✨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 Young Lives vs Cancer.
✨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 Young Lives vs Cancer.
✨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 Young Lives vs Cancer.
✨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 Young Lives vs Cancer. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Engagement Practitioner in London
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 Young Lives vs Cancer. 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 Practitioner, 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 Young Lives vs Cancer
✨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 Young Lives vs Cancer. 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!
