Community Development Manager

Community Development Manager

(A new and exciting position funded by The National Lottery Community Fund)

About Us

Queen Street Community Centre (QSCC) is based in the heart of the Anglesey Ward of Burton upon Trent, East Staffordshire We provide a welcoming, inclusive community space that brings people together through a wide range of activities, health and wellbeing services, learning opportunities and cultural celebrations.

We work in partnership with voluntary, statutory and community organisations to address health inequalities, reduce isolation and build stronger, more connected communities. As the centre has grown and now operates seven days a week, we are strengthening our staffing structure to support our next phase of development.

We believe the strongest and most sustainable community solutions are built with people, not for them.

Role Overview

The Community Development Manager (CDM) will play a key leadership role for Queen Street Community Centre, bridging day-to-day operations and strategic governance.

You will work from the community upwards, ensuring community and partner voices are embedded in decision-making, service development and future planning.

You will bring a strong understanding of diverse communities and health inequalities, helping QSCC continue to build spaces that matter both physically (inside and outside the building) and socially (activities, groups and partnerships).

The post will also provide line management, supervision and annual appraisal for staff, while leading on fundraising, partnership development and sustainability to support the long-term future of the centre.

Key Responsibilities

Community Development & Engagement

• Work from the community upwards, embedding community voice in planning, delivery and evaluation
• Increase meaningful community engagement, participation and ownership of QSCC
• Build strong relationships with residents, families and community groups
• Understand and respond to diverse communities and health inequalities using both data and lived experience
• Support and encourage community-led and parent-led activities
• Help create and improve spaces that matter to the community, both indoors and outdoors

Partnerships & Strategic Development

• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with voluntary, statutory and community organisations
• Ensure community and partner voices are included in decision-making and service design
• Represent QSCC at local forums, steering groups and partnership meetings
• Identify opportunities for collaborative projects that benefit the community

Funding, Fundraising & Sustainability

• Lead on small fundraising and grant applications, with proven experience of securing funding
• Manage funded projects in line with agreed outcomes, monitoring and reporting requirements
• Work with Trustees to grow income streams and ensure long-term sustainability of the role and organisation

Management, Governance & Safeguarding

• Oversee organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding
• Act as the operational safeguarding lead (training provided if required)
• Support safer recruitment, staff supervision and volunteer development
• Provide regular supervision and annual appraisal for staff, supporting wellbeing, development and performance
• Provide regular written and verbal reports to the Trustee Board
• Ensure compliance with funder requirements, governance expectations and charitable standards

Operational Oversight

• Oversee bookkeeping and financial processes in liaison with Trustees and Bookkeeper
• Planning and Coordination of internal and external building improvements
• Ensure QSCC remains welcoming, accessible inclusive and well-managed
• Have responsibility for health and safety, reporting concerns to the Trustees

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience in community development, engagement or a related field
• Strong understanding of diverse communities and health inequalities
• Experience of working from the community upwards, embedding community and partner voices in decision-making
• Proven experience of fundraising and grant management
• Experience of partnership working across voluntary, statutory and community sectors
• Experience of supervising staff or volunteers and supporting development through supervision and appraisal
• Strong communication, relationship-building and organisational skills
• Knowledge of safeguarding and inclusive practice
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Flexible approach to working hours, including occasional evenings or weekends

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting
• Understanding of charity governance and working with trustees
• Experience of working in areas facing social or health inequalities

What We Offer

• Flexible working hours
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference within a local community
• Supportive and experienced Trustee Board
• A welcoming, values-led organisation rooted in community voice

Closing Date: Sunday 1st March 2026

Interviews: Wednesday 11th March 2026