Academy Community Pioneer

Salary: NJC5 - NJC11 £26,427 - £29,071 FTE (£13.70 - £15.07ph 36 hrs pw)

Location: Various across our Trust

Working Pattern: Part-time | 0.2 FTE (1 day / 7.4 hours per week) | Flexible working, All Year Round

Reports to: Regional Community Development Manager

Are you passionate about making a real, lasting difference in your local community?

As Co-op Academies Trust we are looking for passionate, connected local champions to join us as Academy Community Pioneers!

We know that strong schools build strong communities - and strong communities support thriving children. In this unique and rewarding role, you will act as the vital link between our schools, local families, youth groups, and community partners. Working just one day a week (with flexible hours to suit your life), you’ll help turn community priorities into real action.

We have positions available across 3 of our Trust academies:

1. Co-op Academy Beckfield (Bradford)
2. Co-op Academy Walkden (Salford, Manchester)
3. Co-op Academy Smithies Moor (Kirklees)

What You’ll Do (The Role)

As an Academy Community Pioneer, you won't be sitting behind a desk all day - you'll be out in the neighbourhood building connections, listening to local voices, and bringing people together.

1. Understand & Represent Your Community: Use your local knowledge to identify what your school’s community needs most, focusing particularly on family support and youth engagement.
2. Bring the Community Plan to Life: Partner with the Regional Development Manager to design and deliver a tailored local action plan.
3. Build Powerful Partnerships: Connect with local Co-op food stores, Funeralcare branches, local authority teams, charities, and grassroots community groups to unlock support and resources.
4. Embed Support Culture: Help embed youth work and family support initiatives directly into the daily life and culture of the academy.
5. Champion Co-op Values: Promote local Co-op membership and collaborate across our wider Trust Community Pioneer network to share ideas and best practices

Who We’re Looking For

You don’t need a traditional academic background to excel in this role - what matters most is your connection to the local area and your passion for helping others.

1. Lived Experience: You live in (or very close to) the community served by the school and truly understand its unique strengths, opportunities, and challenges.
2. Relationship Builder: You are friendly, approachable, and able to talk to anyone - from parents and young people to local business owners and charity leaders.
3. Proactive & Self-Motivated: You love taking initiative, solving problems, and managing your own flexible schedule.
4. Values-Driven: You align naturally with Co-op values - fairness, equality, solidarity, and working together to achieve more

Why Join Co-op Academies Trust?

1. Flexible Hours: Fits perfectly around family life, studying, or other part-time work.
2. Co-op Colleague Benefits: Enjoy discounts in Co-op Food stores, plus access to flexible benefits and credit union services.
3. Making a Local Impact: See the direct, positive results of your work right on your doorstep.
4. Network & Support: Full training, continuous support from your Regional Development Manager, and a strong network of fellow Pioneers across the Trust

How to Apply

Ready to shape the future of your local community?

To apply or request more information about individual school allocations, contact Elizabeth Garrity, Head of Community Development, at [email removed].