Community Development Worker (Eastbourne - Maternity Cover)
About Community Action East Sussex:
We are Voluntary Action for Eastbourne, Lewes and Wealden, a leading organisation supporting community groups, voluntary organisations, and individuals across East Sussex. We champion the vital work of the voluntary sector, advocating on their behalf and providing essential support to improve quality of life and equality of opportunity for all.
The Role:
Are you passionate about making a difference in your local community? Do you have experience supporting voluntary groups and building strong relationships? We’re looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Community Development Worker to join our team on a maternity cover basis, focusing specifically on Eastbourne.
In this role, you'll be instrumental in developing, supporting, and facilitating a vibrant and connected voluntary and community sector. You will work closely with individuals, groups, and partners to build capacity, address local needs, and deliver key programmes including Beachy Head Ambassadors, Homes for Ukraine, Wealden Food Partnership and Lewes District Cost of Living initiatives. You’ll also manage the disbursement of funding to support vital community projects.
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop and deliver general and thematic Community Networks (digitally and face-to‑face).
* Provide support and training on topics such as constitutions, funding, evaluation, and volunteering.
* Build strong relationships with voluntary sector organisations and statutory partners.
* Gather intelligence, identify community needs, and facilitate engagement opportunities.
* Manage the disbursement of approximately £10,000 annually to support key community initiatives.
* Contribute to Community Action East Sussex strategic development through consultations, surveys, and project planning.
* Prepare reports for funding contracts as required.
* Represent Community Action East Sussex at meetings and events.
Key Deliverables (aligned with LIQA):
This role contributes directly to the four functions of the Local Infrastructure Quality Award (LIQA), focusing on: Leadership & Advocacy, Partnerships & Collaboration, Capacity Building, and Volunteering Inspiration & Promotion. (A full list of key deliverables is available in the attached document - Appendix 1).
About You:
We’re looking for someone who is:
* Passionate about community development and making a positive impact.
* Able to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
* Organised, proactive, and able to manage competing demands.
* A confident communicator, both written and verbal.
* Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
* Knowledge of the third sector landscape and relevant policies/legislation.
* Experience in managing projects successfully.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to build rapport and work constructively with others.
* Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
* Professional or technical qualification related to community development.
* Experience supporting specialist groups.
* Report writing and data management skills.
* Research methodologies knowledge.
What We Offer:
* Hours: 21 hours per week
* Pension: 4% employer contribution
* Holiday: Pro rata entitlement increasing annually plus statutory holidays.
* Hybrid working – a blend of home and community-based work.
* Opportunity to make a real difference in the Eastbourne community.
The closing date is 2 nd December 2025
Interviews will be held in Eastbourne on 9 th December
Doing something in the voluntary sector for Eastbourne, Lewes or Wealden?
3VA
49 Station Road
Polegate
East Sussex
BN26 6EA
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