Lea Road Community Church are seeking to recruit a
Community Development & Project Manager to deliver
their Together in Penn Fields project.
Details of the post
Location: Lea Road Community Church, Penn Fields, Wolverhampton, WV3 0LW
Hours: 25 hours per week (including occasional evenings and weekends as required)
Reporting to: The Neighbourhood Projects Management Committee (NPMC)
Contract Type: Part-Time
Fixed Term: 18 months till the end of the Project Funding March 2028
Job Purpose
The Community Development & Project Manager will lead the day-to-day development and
coordination of a church-based community project Together in Penn Fields (TIPF) serving
the Graiseley and Penn Fields community in Wolverhampton. The role will focus on
strengthening existing community activities, overseeing and supporting both the paid staff
and volunteers, developing new opportunities to meet local needs, and building effective
partnerships with statutory and voluntary sector organisations. The primary role of this post
is not to lead the groups that are part of the project but to ensure they have effective
leadership through a combination of paid staff and volunteers and that the impact of the work of the groups is being monitored, evaluated and recorded.
The Community Development & Project Manager will lead the day-to-day development and
coordination of a church-based community project Together in Penn Fields (TIPF) serving
the Graiseley and Penn Fields community in Wolverhampton. The role will focus on
strengthening existing community activities, overseeing and supporting both the paid staff
and volunteers, developing new opportunities to meet local needs, and building effective
partnerships with statutory and voluntary sector organisations. The primary role of this post
is not to lead the groups that are part of the project but to ensure they have effective
leadership through a combination of paid staff and volunteers and that the impact of the
work of the groups is being monitored, evaluated and recorded.
The post holder will help ensure the centre remains a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible
space that supports individuals and families through a range of activities including
community groups, family drop-in sessions, mental health and wellbeing groups, junior
clubs, youth work, and other community initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Community Development
- Develop and expand the programme of Project activities in response to local needs
and in line with the overall aims and objectives of the Project.
- Identify opportunities for new projects, services, and activities that benefit local
residents.
- Support and strengthen existing Project groups using the centre.
- Promote community participation and encourage local people to become actively
involved in the centre and Project activities.
- Gather feedback from service users and community groups to measure the impact of
the work on people’s lives and inform future developmentsVolunteer Recruitment, Development and Support
- Lead the recruitment of new volunteers from diverse backgrounds within the local
community.
- Develop clear volunteer roles and pathways for involvement.
- Provide induction, training, mentoring, and ongoing support to volunteers.
- Ensure volunteers feel valued, recognised, and supported in their roles.
- Maintain appropriate volunteer records and support compliance with safeguarding
and organisational policies.
- Create opportunities for volunteers to develop skills and progress into leadership
roles where appropriate.
Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement
- Organise and host two networking events per year at the Centre which is becoming
seen as a strong local hub for activities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local statutory agencies, schools, health
services, community organisations, faith groups, and voluntary sector partners.
- Represent the Project at local meetings, forums, and networking events.
- Identify opportunities for partnership working and collaborative projects.
- Promote the work and impact of the centre to external stakeholders.
- Signpost community members to relevant local services and support agencies.
Programme Coordination
- Oversee and coordinate activities including:
o Family drop-in sessions
o Community groups
o Mental health and wellbeing groups
o Junior club activities
o Youth work programmes
o Seasonal and community events
o Holiday activity days
- Support and supervise the part time staff, leaders and volunteers in programme
planning, the effective delivery of sessions and monitoring and evaluation. This
will include monitoring attendance, participation, and the outcomes and impact.
Safeguarding, Health and Safety
- Promote a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all users.
- Ensure safeguarding policies are implemented and followed.
- Maintain appropriate risk assessments for activities and events.
- Support compliance with health and safety requirements.
Administration and Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of activities, volunteers, attendance, and outcomes.
- Produce reports for trustees, funders, and stakeholders as required. Identifying and accessing funding opportunities and completing applications
- Fulfilling monitoring and evaluation and reporting, requirements where appropriate.
- Support the promotion of activities through newsletters, social media, and
community networks.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience of community development, community engagement, youth work, family
support, or a related field.
- Experience of recruiting, managing, or supporting volunteers.
- Ability to build positive relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Experience of partnership working with statutory, voluntary, or community
organisations.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
- Good organisational and administrative skills.
- Understanding of safeguarding principles and good practice.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Have the legal right to work in the UK
Desirable
- Knowledge of the Penn Fields area and local community issues.
- Experience working within a community centre, faith-based organisation, charity, or
voluntary sector setting.
- Experience of supporting mental health and wellbeing initiatives.
- Experience of youth work, family support, or children's activities.
- Experience of fundraising, project development, or grant monitoring.
- Relevant qualification in community development, youth work, social care, or a
related discipline.
Key Outcomes
The successful post holder will:
- Ensure the work of TiPF keeps in line with the Project’s aims and objectives.
- Increase community participation and engagement.
- Recruit, develop, and retain a strong volunteer team.
- Strengthen links with local statutory and voluntary sector partners.
- Support the successful delivery of community, family, mental health, junior, and
youth programmes.
- Enhance the community centre's role as a valued local resource for Graiseley and Penn Fields residents.
- Apply for small grants to support the continuing programmes of work.
- Contribute to the long-term sustainability and growth of the work within the centre.Values and Approach
The post holder will be expected to:
- Demonstrate compassion, respect, and integrity.
- Promote inclusion and community cohesion.
- Work collaboratively with church leaders, volunteers, community members, and
partner organisations.
- Support the church’s and the Project’s mission of serving and strengthening the local community.
Pay: £22,000.00-£24,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Transport links
Work Location: In person
