Community Wealth Development Officer

We are recruiting for a Community Wealth Development Officer to support the delivery of the LDC Community Wealth Building (CWB) plans. The role is being offered as a 24 month fixed term contract and is solely funded by Lewes District Council.

Community wealth building is a people-centred approach to local economic development, which redirects wealth back into the local economy, and places control and benefits into the hands of local people. The concept of CWB was developed by the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) which has supported the council in the development of its approach over recent years. The benefits will be measured in relation to the speed of economic recovery in the district, particularly in the SME and community sectors but also in terms of sustainable job creation and a higher-skilled population base.  We also hope that this approach will see us move further along the road to net carbon zero by 2030.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in delivering projects and initiatives that lead to change within and outside organisations. They will have the ability to build and sustain relationships with stakeholders (including colleagues, citizens, councillors and partner organisations) to achieve positive benefits for communities.  

This is a new role and the successful candidate will work with the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) for 1 day a week for the first 3 months to develop their knowledge and understanding of Community Wealth Building.

This is a high-profile position, requiring close liaison with elected members, senior managers and external stakeholders to ensure the promotion and delivery of the Community Wealth Building agenda.

The successful candidate will also have strong analytical and presentation skills and be able to act on their own initiative to formulate action plans and reports to champion Community Wealth Building within the Council and external organisations.