Job Description
The South Willesborough & Newtown Community Association is a long-established community charity which runs the Swan Community Centre in South Willesborough, Ashford.
We are seeking a part-time (15 hours per week - £11,700pa) Community Engagement & Development Coordinator to strengthen community connections, build partnerships, and expand the Swan Centre’s local impact.
This is primarily a community-facing development role. The postholder will:
* Engage with local residents, community groups and agencies to understand need
* Develop new opportunities for community use of the Swan Centre
* Build sustainable partnerships and encourage collaboration
* Recruit, support and develop volunteers
* Contribute to shaping the Centre’s future direction
A key strand of the role will be leading the development of the Cygnet Community Café as part of a wider community engagement strategy. This will involve consulting on the café’s purpose and offer, establishing appropriate systems and compliance, and ensuring it operates as an inclusive, welcoming space that supports social connection.
You will be the sole staff member dedicated to this area of work. The role requires confidence working independently within a small charity setting, strong organisational skills, and the ability to combine strategic thinking with practical delivery.
This is a flexible 15-hour per week role. The pattern of work will vary according to community engagement activity and the development and operation of the Cygnet Café. As opening hours are not yet defined, and will be informed by local consultation, the postholder must be able to adapt their working hours accordingly. Much of the work will involve being in the Centre or consulting with people in the community, so although the desk work can be done remotely there will be a requirement to be on-site for a some of the working week, especially once the cafe is in development and opened. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience in community engagement, volunteer coordination or grassroots development work. Experience in food service or community cafés would be beneficial but is not essential. The post is initially funded for 12 months by The National Lottery Community Fund and we will seek to attract further funding.
This is an opportunity to shape community provision from the ground up and to build something that responds directly to local need.
The application window closes on Monday 20th April at 5.00pm.
The Swan Centre is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.