With fresh Big Lottery funding and a committed team, this is an exciting time to join ESS Education and Support Services. We’re not just sustaining what we’ve built — we’re developing new projects, partnerships and potential. The Community Engagement Co‑ordinator will play a central role in shaping this future, providing the community direction needed to grow our impact, strengthen our foundations, and champion our mission.
Employer: ESS Education and Support Services (CIO)
Location: Community Hub, Langport, Somerset (with some outreach across Somerset)
Contract: Fixed‑Term (12 months), Part‑time (20 hours per week)
Salary: £15 per hour
Start date - April 2025.
Key Responsibilities
Community Engagement & Advocacy
* Act as the visible and accessible advocate for the local community.
* Build strong relationships with residents, local groups, charities, schools, councils and businesses.
* Lead regular open community meetings and drop‑in sessions to gather feedback and strengthen collaboration.
* Support and amplify the voices of community members, particularly those facing hardship or exclusion.
Programme Development & Delivery
* Oversee and coordinate the Community Hub’s programme of events, groups, workshops and activities.
* Identify emerging community needs and develop new projects and services to meet them.
* Ensure events and workshops (e.g., cancer and addiction support, digital cafés, employability skills, literacy/numeracy, budgeting, and healthy eating) are well‑organised, accessible, and impactful.
* Collaborate with local partners to create and deliver learning opportunities and skill‑building workshops.
Leadership & Coordination
* Head up the Community Committee, facilitating collaboration and decision‑making.
* Work closely with the Hub team and wider charity team to ensure a joined‑up approach.
* Document successes, impacts, and learnings to help shape future projects and funding opportunities.
Outreach & Communication
* Improve signposting and access to information about local services.
* Strengthen connections with other community hubs and networks across Somerset
* Actively promote the Hub’s work to increase awareness, footfall, and engagement.
Fundraising
* Identify and pursue income opportunities including grants, trusts, foundations, corporate sponsorship, and individual giving.
* Write compelling funding proposals, reports, and grant applications tailored to funder requirements and deadlines.
* Maintain a fundraising pipeline and calendar of opportunities.
* Work closely with colleagues to identify projects and impact stories that align with fundraising goals.
* Steward relationships with funders and donors through timely communication and updates.
Marketing & Communications
* Develop and implement a marketing and communications strategy to raise awareness of ESS Education and Support Services’ mission, services and social enterprises.
* Manage content creation for digital and print platforms including social media, newsletters, website, and press releases.
* Develop and maintain ESS’ brand identity across all channels.
* Create marketing materials to support our wellbeing hub, events, and volunteering programme.
* Work with the team to plan and promote seasonal campaigns, open days, and fundraising events.
Person Specification
Essential Skills & Experience
* Proven experience in fundraising and/or marketing roles.
* Demonstrable success in securing income from a variety of sources (e.g. grants, donations, crowdfunding).
* Excellent writing skills with the ability to craft persuasive funding applications and engaging communications.
* Confident with social media platforms, content creation tools, and basic design.
* Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
* Highly organised and able to manage competing deadlines.
* Passion for community, social justice and the values of ESS Education and Support Services
Desirable
* Experience working in the non‑profit or charity sector.
* Familiarity with CRM tools or supporter databases.
* Knowledge of homelessness, mental health, or rural disadvantage issues.
* Ability to use basic design software (e.g. Canva, Adobe Express) and email marketing platforms (e.g. Mailchimp).
What We Offer
* A meaningful role where you can make a tangible difference in the community.
* The opportunity to shape and grow a vital community service.
* Supportive induction, training, and ongoing development.
* Pension contributions and other statutory entitlements.
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