Business Development Officer

We are looking for a highly motivated and passionate Digital Inclusion Community Builder to join our team of committed, value-driven people focused on mobilising community-led social change across Gloucester.

The Digital Inclusion Community Builder role is part of an exciting partnership, the 'Gloucestershire Digital Hubs Project' which aims to increase digital inclusion across all six districts in Gloucestershire, offering free, accessible, tailored support to individuals, facilitated by a group of seven partner organisations.  As the partner covering Gloucester, we aim to establish digital hubs in communities across the city, enabling people to access and use digital technologies to enhance their lives and participate fully in society. The primary focus is on addressing existing digital inequalities that prevent people from reaching their full potential.

Supported by our team of community builders, you will continue the work of facilitating the development of community-based digital hubs, leveraging existing connections, spaces, and organisations within local communities. Your role will involve understanding how digital tools can support and enhance people's existing skills and passions, as well as encouraging them to share their expertise through formal and informal volunteer roles.

Gloucester Community Building Collective is an independent social enterprise whose vision is for Gloucester to be a great place to live, where everyone can have a good life, by bringing about people-led action to build strong and resilient communities.

We value diversity and want to create an inclusive organisation with equal opportunities for all. We want to attract, develop, and retain a diverse range of people from many different backgrounds who reflect the community we serve. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Digital Inclusion and Community Engagement:

• Facilitate digital inclusion by building confidence and capacity within communities to take action for themselves.
• Encourage the use of digital tools and social networks to build connections within communities. 
• Develop strengths-based approaches to digital inclusion and engage with communities to understand their needs and aspirations.

2. Digital Hub Development and Support:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of existing digital "assets" and community meeting spaces within Gloucester.
• Create, and work towards, an action plan outlining how communities can be encouraged to establish or build upon existing digital hubs, sharing good practices and ideas.
• Develop a training and skills plan to maximise the contribution of existing community builders, organisations, and volunteers, enabling mutual support within communities.
• Identify any gaps or specific training needs and leverage existing opportunities.
• Ensure existing hubs are supported.

3. Collaboration and Network Building:

• Work to establish a network for digital inclusion across Gloucester, fostering partnerships and collaborations with voluntary, community, and business organisations.
• Contribute to the countywide Digital and Community Hub Forum, ensuring consistent progress and momentum.

4. Digital Champion Volunteer Programme:

• Recruit, train, and manage Digital Champion volunteers to build sustainability across digital hubs in Gloucester.
• Provide ongoing support and create a welcoming and inclusive environment for volunteers.

5. Funding and Resource Support:

• Signpost and share knowledge between hubs on how to access funding for their ideas or projects.
• Support the development of a sustainable strategy for digital inclusion across Gloucester.

6. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Storytelling:

• Undertake risk assessments of all activities as required.
• Collect information on successes and lessons learned, contributing to the monitoring and evaluation requirements of the project.
• Help people share and celebrate their stories of success.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Curiosity and interest in people, communities, and their experiences.
• Good general education.
• Strong IT and digital skills, confidence in using a wide range of IT software.
• Understanding of barriers to digital inclusion and their impact on participation.
• Ability to use and promote the effective and safe use of social media.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including active listening, effective communication, empathy, and a positive attitude.
• Ability to motivate and inspire people.
• Self-direction and the ability to seek support and leverage the skills and experience of the wider team
• Ability to build networks and work with a range of people and organisations within communities.
• Creativity and problem-solving skills.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Gloucester and its communities.
• Experience in supporting people's digital needs.
• Understanding of strengths-based approaches and recognising people's contributions.
• Formal mentoring and coaching skills. 
• Experience in working with volunteers, including recruitment and management.
• Experience in managing health and safety requirements, including risk assessments.
• Knowledge of the voluntary and community sector in Gloucestershire and its stakeholders.
• Experience in contributing to action learning and project evaluation.

Values and Principles:

The successful candidate will embody the values and principles of Gloucester Community Building Collective, which include being People-led, Strengths-based, Relationship-focused, Rooted in Local Communities, and Inclusive for All.

How to Apply:

Please submit your most recent CV and a covering statement (maximum 2 pages) or a video explaining how you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. 

If you would like to have an informal chat about the role, please contact us via our website.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on 8th July 2024.

Interviews will be held the week commencing 15th July 2024.

Secondments from local organisations in Gloucester are also welcome.