Community Development Manager
Position: Community Development Manager
Location: West Sussex
Salary: £36,729
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 25th May 2026
Interview Date: W/C 1st June 2026
About
As a Community Development Manager, you will be working for a people‑led organisation whose mission and values are to inspire change across Sussex.
About Pathfinder West Sussex
Pathfinder West Sussex is a partnership of mental health, homelessness and employment support organisations working together to improve people’s wellbeing across the county.
About the Role
This is a new and exciting role in which you will be developing and leading the Community Development workstream within the Pathfinder West Sussex Mental Health Support Service. Its purpose is to address health inequalities and you will be working with specialist VCSE partners to deliver tailored interventions and services via a small grants scheme. It is a fantastic opportunity to help reach people in need and make a real difference.
Key Responsibilities
* Establish and manage the small grants programme associated with the workstream.
* Develop operational and strategic partnerships with VCSE organisations, local authorities, NHS partners and community leaders; act as a key point of liaison between communities and Mental Health Support Services.
* Represent the service at locality networks and strategic meetings; cultivate relationships that enhance pathways, referrals and community outcomes.
* Identify funding opportunities; contribute to high‑quality bids and tenders; manage small project budgets and resources effectively.
* Embed co‑production and lived experience throughout; support volunteers and peer leaders; provide training and capacity‑building for community groups.
Person Specification
To be successful in the role you will need to have great communication skills and be committed to the values of BHT Sussex. Some of the key skills and experience you will need to bring with you include:
* Experience of establishing, developing and maintaining effective working relationships with voluntary and statutory partners.
* Knowledge of relevant procurement legislation and best practice.
* Well‑developed networking, promoting, presentation and negotiating skills.
* Experience of effective financial/business management including the preparation and management of budgets.
* Experience in contract management within the charity or public sector.
Benefits
* 5.5% stakeholder pension scheme and life assurance scheme.
* Medical cash plan with BHSF.
* Access to BHT Sussex’s Learning & Development platform.
* Free and confidential employee assistance helpline for both personal and work‑related concerns.
* Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
* Free new starter 28‑day Network Saver Brighton bus pass.
* Generous holiday allowance starting at 27 days per annum pro rata, rising 1 day for each year of service to a maximum of 32 days pro rata.
* The opportunity to participate in well‑being and fundraising activities throughout the year.
BHT Sussex is an equal opportunities employer using a fair and open recruitment process that fully complies with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. We are committed to encouraging equality, equity, inclusion, and diversity within the workplace. As an employer we are committed to promoting and supporting our people’s social, physical and psychological health at work. Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or reasonable adjustments if called for interview. BHT Sussex welcomes applications from individuals with lived experience.
BHT Sussex reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applicants for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
An Enhanced with Adults DBS Check (Disclosure and Barring Service) is required on all successful applicants as a condition of employment for this post.
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