Senior Community Strategy Officer

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.Job detailsJob reference REQ00000019214 Date posted 18/11/2025 Application closing date 14/12/2025 Location Various Locations Salary £45,091 - £46,142 Package Blank Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Attachments BlankSenior Community Strategy Officer - WMF2445eLocation: Kendal, Barrow, PenrithContract Type: PermanentAbout this opportunityThe Senior Community Strategy officer post is based in the Thriving Communities Directorate and will work across Safe and Strong Communities strategic service areas to enable us to deliver excellent inclusive services that empower residents and communities in Westmorland and Furness to thrive. The service area includes: Community Power, Poverty alleviation, Grants Programmes, Community Safety and Cohesion and Community resilience.The role will support the Strategic Lead and provide supervisory support to the wider team in developing services in line with council plan priorities.The role will take responsibility for budget management and reporting for Community Power and Poverty programmes.Key Project areas will include:Poverty alleviation policy and the corporate poverty programmeCommunity Power programmeGrant Programmes and Community Grants including the Crisis and Resilience Fund (formerly the Household Support Fund)Assets of Community ValueWho we are looking for…The following are required from the successful applicant:Understanding of the challenges facing local government and Westmorland and Furness Council specificallyExtensive and specialist knowledge and experience of relevant work/ project areas gained through education, vocational training, on or off the job training or practical experience.Experience of supporting projects and/or programmes of change using formal project management methodology/processes.Proven track record of coordination, planning and leading projects.Managing the work programmes of project teams to deliver successful outcomesDeveloping and maintaining effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholdersDevelopment and implementation of polices/procedures.Ability to develop networks in order to contribute to long term developments.Excellent interpersonal skills including negotiating, influencing and motivating communities to achieve shared goals.Proven track record of developing effective partnerships.Political awareness and sensitivityCreative thinking and problem-solving skillsWhat can we offer youWorking at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)Would you like to find out more?For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Simon Blyth on: simon.blyth@westmorlandandfurness.gov.ukApplication and Interview informationInterview date: From 07/01/26We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.Safer Recruitment & DBSAt Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.Equality, Diversity, and InclusionWestmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role. #J-18808-Ljbffr