Eden Communities - Community Engagement Officer

Job title:

Job family:

Engagement, Learning and Entertainment

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Job family definition

Roles within the Engagement, Learning and Entertainment job family focus upon the Eden experience, providing activities, learning programmes, encounters and events, which engage, inspire and entertain, thus enhancing individuals understanding, experience, skills and enjoyment.

Role purpose

Eden Project is an educational charity, we demonstrate and inspire positive action for the planet, we reconnect people with nature, demonstrate and communicate positive change, and we recognise the importance of strong communities to overcome challenges    

This role sits within our unique community outreach programme which demonstrates engagement, positive action for people and planet and the creation of real social capital on a mass scale. The post holder will support audience engagement and participation in activities and events, including our flagship campaign, The Big Lunch and build a variety of entry points for Big Lunch organisers to join a UK-wide peer-to-peer community. 

This UK-wide role will help grow engagement and participation in The Big Lunch and Eden Projects’ wider community programme.  Designing, facilitating and hosting welcoming online and in-person networking opportunities for people to connect, share ideas, build skills and support one another.  The role holder will support national events and The Big Lunch ambassadors programme engaging and strengthening a growing network of people working together to create healthier, happier and more connected communities  

Key accountabilities 

1 

Work with participants to enable them to take small steps into further community action, providing opportunities that support people to engage with one another and community resources available to them.  Ensure that all participants have access to peer support, content, information, organisations and a network of like-minded individuals. 

2 

Develop, facilitate and deliver primarily online engagement, learning and networking opportunities, complemented by targeted in-person activities, within a small budget. Work with charities, partners and colleagues to support the growth of The Big Lunch, the Big Lunch Ambassador Programme and the peer-to-peer network, creating opportunities for participants and Ambassadors to connect, share learning and take further steps in community action. 

3 

Identify projects, organisations and partners to support the growth of The Big Lunch, Month of Community and the network to increase engagement levels. Develop partnerships to support and provide easy signposting for participants to relevant organisations, that can support people at different stages of community activism and with different interests. Ensure partnerships are mutually beneficial partnerships to sustain progress

4 

Support the evaluation and research of the programme by gathering case studies and other relevant information to demonstrate impact and inspire community action. Work with participants to support them to share their story on and, where applicable help maintain that ongoing relationship, ensuring the visibility of positive action taken in communities and for nature, to encourage others to join in. 

5 

Work closely with and reporting into the Community Engagement lead, working within small team with the Country Managers and Head of Communities the post holder will support delivery of a team action plan that supports the growth of participation in all elements of The Big Lunch and the Month of Community via a mixture of online and in person activities that aim to strengthen The Big Lunch and Network and ensure those involved benefit from it. 

Demands of the role

Education & qualifications

Educated A-level or equivalent with excellent communication and people engagement skills. Full clean driving license required for regular travel across the UK

Knowledge & skills

A minimum of 2 years’ experience in community development and organising events and experiences.  Experience of working in the community sector or on developing networks essential. A strategic thinker with strong relationship building and networking skills.  Experience of delivering projects and developing content materials highly desirable.  Excellent communication and IT skills including confidence across social media and online delivery platforms such as Zoom, Teams etc. Essential.

Decision-making

The post will require a significant amount of lone working, and whilst connected to a team and supported by a Line Manager, the post holder will need to be able to think strategically to drive the development of and implementation of the engagement and support model UK wide, factoring in local context and needs. Working to short term objectives where decisions made will impact within a few weeks and will influence the development o and engagement in the network. 

Resourcefulness

This role requires a high level of innovation, strategic thinking and creativity.  Adaptive thinking is key to maximizing opportunities and ensuring delivery against outcomes. The post holder will review the most appropriate channels and platforms required to support participants and the network and develop a format that works for a UK wide community audience. Working with the existing network to support and sustain it, will require the trialing of different approaches and applying the learning from these in a short space of time.

People & asset management

No Line management responsibility but strong team working and relationship building skills. Responsible for some assets, resources and for identifying and managing individual small community event costs to line manager. Responsible for the safety and protection of participants involved in the programme at events run remotely and for the maintenance of personal data relating to those participants.

Communication & visitor experience

Highly developed communications, tact, strength of personality and strong team working and relationship building skills are integral to this role. The post holder must be experienced in formulating, articulating and communicating to people at all levels from partners, local councils and local organisations to the considerate handling of individuals in local communities. Confident public speaker and facilitator.

Operational environment

This role will require lone working and is home based. Work with communities can be outside of usual hours including weekend and evening work and UK based travel. The role forms part of a hardworking, fun and passionate team spread across the UK, with offices at the Eden Project in Cornwall. All home-based roles will need the role holder to ensure they have a suitable space to work effectively in.  There may also be some long distance travel and overnight stays required to deliver this role, therefore a full clean driving license is essential.

Additional features

Driven and ambitious, with enthusiasm and gravitas. Ability to connect and engage people and encourage participation.