Location
Birmingham

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£35,565 per annum

About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated Membership and Development Officer to support and empower communities passionate about their local parks and green open spaces. You will help create sustainable volunteer Friends Of groups by assisting them to establish constitutions, open bank accounts, adopt core policies, and join our network to access available support. You will also support existing volunteer groups in their ongoing development, fostering positive collaborations with landowners, primarily Birmingham Council, and other stakeholders to maximise opportunities for volunteer action and improvements to parks and green spaces.

In this role, you will support BOSF events and encourage Friends Of groups to organise similar activities to promote peer-to-peer support, mutual learning, and enjoyment. You will identify opportunities to grow the number of Friends Of groups by raising awareness of BOSF among local community leaders and provide tailored support to volunteers formalising their involvement.

Key responsibilities include facilitating workshops and mentoring sessions on group formation, governance, and fundraising; assisting with drafting constitutions, policy documents, and appointing group officers; supporting groups in opening and managing community bank accounts; helping plan and deliver initial events safely and confidently; developing and sharing resource packs and templates; promoting networking and collaboration between new and established groups; maintaining accurate records and producing reports for funders and stakeholders; and working collaboratively with Birmingham Council and other stakeholders to influence improvements and achieve better outcomes for volunteer groups and green spaces.

Experience
- Proven experience in community engagement
- Experience supporting grassroots community groups or voluntary sector organisations
- Informed understanding of governance and community group structures
- Understanding of protocols and sensitivities involved in working on Birmingham Council land or similar

About you
- Strong facilitation and mentoring skills
- Excellent communication and diplomacy
- Highly organized with good administrative skills
- Confident using social media and basic IT for communication and record keeping
- Driving license and access to a car
- Commitment to inclusion, equality and community empowerment
- Passion for community action and ability to communicate this effectively

Qualifications
- Enhanced DBS check or willingness to obtain one
- Willingness to travel across Birmingham
- Ability to work some evenings and weekends as required by community and organisational needs

Desirable
- Familiarity with the volunteer Friends Of model and urban green space management
- Experience delivering training or workshops
- Knowledge of relevant Birmingham networks and local authority processes
- Knowledge of Birmingham’s parks and green open spaces
- Understanding of safeguarding