Community Engagement Officer - Culture

Job Description

Job Title: Community Engagement Officer - Culture
Salary: £39,027 – £44,463 per annum (pro rata to hours worked as part-time)
Grade: E
Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months)
Working Hours: 22.2 hours per week

About the department

The Economic Development and Skills Team plays a vital role in driving Thurrock’s economic growth and supporting its residents. The Team manages business engagement and support programmes, oversees arts, culture and heritage including the Museum, Archives, and Thameside Theatre, and oversees key employability services such as Thurrock Adult Community College and the Inspire Hub, providing vital education, career, and skills support to residents of all ages.

Coalhouse Fort is an iconic heritage site with a rich history and vibrant community potential. Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Reanimating Coalhouse Fort Project aims to breathe new life into the Fort by engaging diverse audiences through innovative, inclusive, and community-led activities.

About the Role

As a Community Engagement Officer – Culture you will be responsible to:

Plan and execute pilot engagement activities tailored to different audiences, working in partnership with communities, local groups and key stakeholders.

• Develop and implement an Audience Development Strategy focusing on inclusivity, diversity, and community engagement.
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers supporting activity delivery at the Fort.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and support project communication efforts.
• Provide ongoing monitoring and evaluation of engagement activities, supporting reporting to funders and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with schools, community organizations, and heritage groups to encourage site use and build networks of supporters.
• Support future funding identification alongside the Heritage Consultant.
• Contribute to overall project management and administration as directed by the Economic Development Manager.

This role offers the chance to make a real difference by engaging with communities, managing volunteers and building strong partnerships with local groups and stakeholders to ensure Coalhouse Fort is a lasting cultural, heritage and economic asset for future generations.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who has:

Experience in community engagement, particularly within cultural or heritage settings.

• Strong project management skills and ability to work independently.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with experience in partnership working.
• Commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and engaging a wide range of community members.
• Experience of planning, implementing and monitoring community initiatives.
• Enthusiasm for heritage and community development.

Essential qualifications: N/A
DBS Check: Standard Level is required for this post.

Benefits of Working with Us

At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• Staff discounts and local offers
• A supportive and inclusive working environment

Important Dates

Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 18th September 2025

Closing Date (Internal & External): 28th September 2025

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Additional Information

If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact:

Lisa Ricketts – Economic Development Manager - Culture

lricketts@thurrock.gov.uk

07542 229880

To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:

Download Job Profile (PDF Document)

About us

Why Thurrock?

Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.

Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.

This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.

Our location

Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.

We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.

Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.

Staff benefits

We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.

Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.

We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.

For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council