Communities Development Lead
Terms:
Employed by: Makespace Oxford shire CBS
Salary: £34,925 per annum (pro rata)
Starting date: Oct/Nov 2026
Contract: permanent
Hours: 0.8 FTE Partially funded (0.4) by the National Lottery
Holiday: 25 days + bank holidays
Pension: Statutory (3%) employer contribution to the NEST pension scheme
Role scope
The Communities Lead holds the strategy, mission and yearly plan for community development across Makespace's buildings, and leads and manages the Communities Team in line with our organisational strategy and our North Star of spatial justice. The purpose of the role is to widen access to space and build local capacity and agency, creating an environment where Makespace and local residents can transform their neighbourhoods towards social justice and ecological resilience.
The role is also the strategic and project lead for our funded community work: currently the Common Rooms project within a three-year National Lottery programme, Reclaiming Place. Rebuilding Power. Alongside any future funded community projects. This role manages the Community Organisers, who hold the day-to-day support of residents and the running of the Common Rooms, so this role can stay lighter-touch and focused on the bigger picture.
Is it the right job for you?
This role suits someone who is confident and adept at leading a team or a programme, and feels at home being accountable for how something turns out. You hold the wider view naturally, whilst still paying close attention to the details to ensure high quality and timely delivery.
You'll be someone who can hold several projects at once without losing sight of the bigger picture, you are comfortable setting priorities, working under pressure, and comfortable making a call and being accountable for it. You lead with and through others. You’re a natural collaborator, excellent listener, empowering enabler and able to bring people along the journey with you; whether that's team members, local residents or partners. You know how to turn a good idea into an action plan with a set of deliverables that makes a real impact.
You can hold a vision for where the work is heading, translating it into clear, steady guidance for the people you're responsible for day to day. You read relationships well, and you know when to step in and when to let someone find their own way. If that mix of vision, making impact and care for people appeals, this could suit you well.
The full person specification is in the application pack.
How to apply
We don't ask for CVs. Please go to makespaceoxford.org/careers/ to see our full Application pack and fill in the online Application form there.
The deadline for submission is 8am on 15 September 2026.
If invited to interview we will give you the questions in advance. We want to have a conversation, rather than giving you a memory test.
We recognise that systemic inequalities exist and have developed an inclusive approach to recruitment that takes positive action. We actively encourage applications from global majority candidates.
If you need any adjustments to apply or to interview, please contact us at [email protected]. You do not need to explain why, and asking will not affect how your application is considered.
Pay: £34,925.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Sick pay
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Oxford
