Regional Community Development Manager

About the role

Are you passionate about turning schools into the vibrant heart of their local communities? At Co-op Academies Trust we believe our schools should act as true anchors for the communities they serve, guided by our vision of "collaborating for a fairer world." As the Regional Community Development Manager you will shape and deliver our Trust‑wide community strategy across designated academies in South Cumbria, championing the belief that local schools are essential drivers of social cohesion, family support, and opportunity. You will work closely with Headteachers, senior leaders, local authorities, and third‑sector organisations to map local needs, harness local assets, and create tailored community plans that deliver real impact.

Responsibilities

• Line Management & Leadership: Line manages local Academy Community Pioneers, empowering them to deliver high-impact community plans tailored to their specific school contexts.
• 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.
• 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.
• Funding & Bid Writing: Identify relevant grant opportunities and lead or support funding applications to bolster local community initiatives.
• Collaboration & Best Practice: Share best practice across our regional and cross-Trust networks, reporting progress and impact to local Academy Governing Councils (ACCs).

Requirements

• Relationship & Partnership Builder: A proven ability to connect with people, collaborate across sectors, and establish positive, sustainable partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strategic & Action-Oriented: Skilled in turning community data and consultation into clear, actionable, high-quality community plans.
• Values-Driven: A genuine commitment to community-led development and the co-operative values of fairness, equality, and self-help.
• Organisation & Drive: Excellent communication, administrative, and project management skills, with the ability to manage priorities efficiently under pressure.

Qualifications

• Educational background to A-Level or equivalent, including GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or above.
• Willingness and ability to travel across our academy sites in Cumbria.

Skills

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

Benefits

• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), Co-op colleague discounts, and wellness benefits.
• Flexible Working: Part-time arrangements (3 days / 21.6 hours per week) with hybrid flexibility tailored to school and site visits.
• Exceptional Support: High level of cross-Trust support, continuous professional development (CPD), and peer-to-peer network groups.
• Purpose-Driven Culture: The chance to make a tangible, positive difference in the lives of children, families, and wider local neighbourhoods.

Pay

Competitive Salary: £23,106 – £24,706 actual per annum (pro‑rata to 0.6 FTE).

Schedule

Hours per week: 22.20; Weeks per year: 52.143. Part‑time arrangement