Regional Community Development Manager

Are you passionate about turning schools into the vibrant heart of their local communities?

At Co-op Academies Trust, we firmly believe that our schools should act as true anchors for the communities they serve. Guided by our core vision of "collaborating for a fairer world," we are seeking a dedicated, energetic Regional Community Development Manager to join our team in South Cumbria.

If you are a natural relationship builder who thrives on forming meaningful partnerships, championing youth and family support, and driving community-led action, we would love to hear from you.

About the Role

As the Regional Community Development Manager, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering our Trust-wide community strategy across designated academies in South Cumbria. You will champion the belief that local schools are essential drivers of social cohesion, family support, and opportunity.

Working closely with Headteachers, senior leaders, local authorities, and third-sector organisations, you will map out local needs, harness local assets, and create tailored community plans that deliver real impact.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Line Management & Leadership: Line manages local Academy Community Pioneers, empowering them to deliver high-impact community plans tailored to their specific school contexts.
2. Partnership Building: Build robust relationships with local Co-op food stores, funeral care, local businesses, charities, statutory providers, and youth services to expand our community offer.
3. Strategy & Delivery: Co-develop and roll out bespoke community strategies for each academy that reflect local priorities, including youth work, family support, and community engagement.
4. Funding & Bid Writing: Identify relevant grant opportunities and lead or support funding applications to bolster local community initiatives.
5. Collaboration & Best Practice: Share best practice across our regional and cross-Trust networks, reporting progress and impact to local Academy Governing Councils (ACCs).

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking an authentic, proactive, and values-driven professional who understands the unique challenges and strengths of South Cumbria's communities.

Essential Criteria:

1. Relationship & Partnership Builder: A proven ability to connect with people, collaborate across sectors, and establish positive, sustainable partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
2. Strategic & Action-Oriented: Skilled in turning community data and consultation into clear, actionable, high-quality community plans.
3. Values-Driven: A genuine commitment to community-led development and the co-operative values of fairness, equality, and self-help.
4. Organisation & Drive: Excellent communication, administrative, and project management skills, with the ability to manage priorities efficiently under pressure.
5. Qualifications: Educational background to A-Level or equivalent, including GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or above.
6. Mobility: Willingness and ability to travel across our academy sites in Cumbria.

Experience in line management, bid writing, and delivering impactful community support or youth work is highly desirable.

What We Offer

When you join Co-op Academies Trust, you become part of a collaborative, welcoming network where support is always close at hand.

1. Competitive Salary: £23,106 – £24,706 actual per annum (pro-rata to 0.6 FTE).
2. Generous Benefits: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), Co-op colleague discounts, and wellness benefits.
3. Flexible Working: Part-time arrangements (3 days / 21.6 hours per week) with hybrid flexibility tailored to school and site visits.
4. Exceptional Support: High level of cross-Trust support, continuous professional development (CPD), and peer-to-peer network groups.
5. Purpose-Driven Culture: The chance to make a tangible, positive difference in the lives of children, families, and wider local neighbourhoods.

How to Apply

If you are ready to lead community transformation across South Cumbria, we would love to receive your application.

1. Interview Date: Thursday, 12th November in Cumbria
2. To Apply: Please submit your completed application form highlighting how your skills, experience, and values line up with the role expectations outlined in JD &PS.

Co-op Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All post-holders are subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of background.