This post, within our Aspiring Communities Fund Tandem project, combines client-facing community engagement and development activities with a business development function. The Tandem Development Officer will develop a cohesive service across the 4 target neighbourhoods. TDW will work with individuals, community groups and partners to deliver new activity and services as follows:

1) Tailored capacity building and lifelong learning programme

2) Social enterprise awareness and training

3) Establish community groups

4) Facilitate collaboration and resource sharing

5) Establish constituted KA8 Community Support Network and Social Enterprise Forum

6) Proposals to establish new community hub(s)

7) Liaise with Community Builders, supporting their grass roots work in this exciting and challenging role.

The focus will be to build on the current work undertaken through the Ahead project and develop the Tandem approach. This will focus on empowering local people through new skills, confidence and networks – to take the lead in developing the services, assets and enterprises North Ayr needs.

The Person

The successful candidate will have many, or all, of the following:

Experience in Community Development or at least 3 years’ experience within a community setting. Experience of programme design, development / workshop / course design and coordination; experience of working on personal development, training / employability programmes with people furthest from the job market. Track record in establishing and developing strategic partnerships with external organisations including statutory and charity/voluntary sectors. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Experience in successful project / enterprise development and management and bid writing and budget management experience. Knowledge of community development / regeneration. Experience of budgets and reporting. Experience of devising and delivering training programmes for a range of audiences. Knowledge of the social enterprise sector and business development. Experience of working with local authorities and public sector contracting. Driving licence.

In addition we are looking for someone who displays the following personal qualities:

Commitment to asset-based community development - desire to make a positive difference to disadvantaged communities. Proactive and solution focused team member. Flexible, and willing to work in the fast-paced and constantly changing environment of a community anchor organisation. Conscientious and responsible. Support and enthuse others and maintain a professional image.

This post is part funded by European Structural funds with match funding from The Community Fund.