Community Engagement Coordinator - Reading Students’ Union
Location: University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, Berkshire
Salary: £ 26,992.04 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday
Location: Office based
Help students make a difference and strengthen connections across our community!
About Reading Students’ Union
We are a dynamic, student-focused organisation dedicated to empowering students and enhancing their university experience. Our vision is to be a place for everyone, we inspire and empower students to change the world. Check out our exciting new strategy
Community Engagement Coordinator
Are you passionate about volunteering, community engagement and creating opportunities for people to make a difference? We're looking for an enthusiastic and organised Community Engagement Coordinator to support students in building meaningful connections, developing valuable skills and creating positive change in their communities
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering volunteering programmes, building community partnerships and supporting student-led initiatives that have a lasting social impact.
What You'll Do
You'll coordinate volunteering opportunities, support student leaders, develop partnerships with local organisations and deliver impactful projects that bring together students, the University and the wider community.
This is a fantastic opportunity to help students turn their passion into action while creating meaningful benefits for the community.
Develop Community Partnerships & Opportunities
Build strong relationships with local charities, community organisations, University colleagues and external partners.
Identify and coordinate volunteering and community engagement opportunities that meet student interests and community needs.
Connect students and student groups with rewarding opportunities to volunteer and contribute to their communities.
Support the development of new volunteering initiatives and partnerships.
Promote and celebrate the positive impact students make through volunteering and social action.
Lead Projects & Community Initiatives
Coordinate and deliver volunteering and community engagement projects from planning through to evaluation.
Work with University and community partners to deliver activities such as Celebration of Volunteering, Community Festival and Community Fair.
Lead or support awareness and social action campaigns including White Ribbon Day, Reclaim the Night and similar initiatives.
Contribute to major Students’ Union events including Welcome, Freshers’ Fair and the SU Awards.
Ensure projects have clear objectives, strong stakeholder engagement and measurable outcomes.
Support Student Volunteers & Leaders
Act as a key point of contact for student volunteering groups and leaders.
Provide guidance, advice and resources to help students deliver effective, inclusive and sustainable activities.
Deliver training, inductions and development opportunities for volunteers and student leaders.
Support students to develop new volunteering projects and community initiatives.
Build positive relationships with student leaders and provide support to overcome challenges.
Increase Participation & Community Connections
Promote volunteering and community engagement as an accessible and rewarding part of the student experience.
Identify and help remove barriers that prevent students from participating.
Develop opportunities that reflect different interests, skills and levels of commitment.
Support students to recognise and articulate the skills and experience gained through volunteering.
Create opportunities that strengthen relationships between students, local residents and community organisations.
Deliver Safe, Effective & Impactful Activity
Coordinate the day-to-day delivery of volunteering and community engagement activities.
Support projects to operate in line with Students’ Union policies, safeguarding requirements and legal obligations.
Coordinate risk assessments and safe activity processes, escalating significant concerns where appropriate.
Maintain accurate records and oversee the administration of community engagement activity.
Monitor participation, gather feedback and use data to improve future projects and opportunities.
About You
ESSENTIAL
Experience supporting volunteers, student leaders or individuals delivering community activity.
Experience coordinating projects, events or initiatives from planning through to delivery.
Experience building effective relationships with external organisations and partners.
Experience developing and delivering training, guidance or resources.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Excellent organisation, planning and prioritisation skills.
Ability to coordinate multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Understanding of volunteer support, safeguarding, risk assessment and inclusive practice.
Confident use of Microsoft 365 and digital tools.
A proactive, collaborative and student-focused approach. A passion for helping students create positive change.
DESIRABLE
Experience within a Students’ Union, charity, community, membership or volunteer-led organisation.
Experience developing volunteering or community engagement opportunities.
Experience delivering awareness, social action or community-based initiatives.
Knowledge of the Students’ Union or Higher Education sector.
Understanding of approaches to measuring and evaluating volunteering, community engagement or social impact.
Why Join Us?
- Inclusive and supportive team culture
- Flexible working options
- 35 days’ annual leave including Christmas and Easter closure days
- Professional development opportunities
- Unique working environment in the heart of a vibrant Student’s Union, set on a stunning, green campus.
Ready to make our data-led strategy a reality? Apply today!
Committed to equality, celebrating diversity, and embedding sustainability—building an inclusive workplace and a brighter future for all.
