Community Development Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for a Community Development Manager to play a vital role in providing support in Pathfinder West Sussex

Position: Community Development Manager

Location: West Sussex

Salary: £36,729

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 25th May 2026

Interview Date: W/C 1st June 2026

About:

As a Community Development Manager, you will be working for a people-led organisation whose mission and values is to inspire change across Sussex.

About Pathfinder West Sussex

Pathfinder West Sussex is a partnership of mental health, homelessness and employment support organisations working together to improve people’s wellbeing across the county.

About the Role

This is a new and exciting role in which you will be developing and leading the Community Development workstream within the Pathfinder West Sussex Mental Health Support Service. Its purpose is to address health inequalities and you will be working with specialist VCSE partners to deliver tailored interventions and services via a small grants scheme. It is a fantastic opportunity to help reach people in need and make a real difference.

Key Responsibilities:

· Establish and manage the small grants programme associated with the workstream.

· Develop operational and strategic partnerships with VCSE organisations, local authorities, NHS partners and community leaders, act as a key point liaison between communities and Mental Health Support Services.

· Represent the service at locality networks and strategic meetings; cultivate relationships that enhance pathways, referrals and community outcomes.

· Identify funding opportunities; contribute to high-quality bids and tenders; manage small project budgets and resources effectively.

· Embed co‑production and lived experience throughout; support volunteers and peer leaders; provide training and capacity‑building for community groups.

Person Specification:

To be successful in the role of Community Development Manager, you will need to have great communication skills and be committed to the values of BHT Sussex. Some of the key skills and experience you will need to bring with you include:

· Experience of establishing, developing and maintaining effective working relationships with voluntary and statutory partners.

· Knowledge of relevant procurement legislation and best practice.

· Well-developed networking, promoting, presentation and negotiating skills.

· Experience of effective financial/business management including the preparation and management of budgets.

· Experience in contract management within the charity or public sector.

In return:

In recognition of our commitment to staff, BHT Sussex has been awarded Gold Accreditation from Investors in People. We are also signed up to the Disability Confident employer scheme and have made the Mental Health at Work commitment.

You will also receive a fantastic benefits package including:

· 5.5% stakeholder pension scheme and life assurance scheme

· Medical cash plan with BHSF

· Access to BHT Sussex’s Learning & Development platform

· Free and confidential employee assistance helpline for both personal and work-related concerns

· Cycle-to-work scheme

· Free new starter 28-day Network Saver Brighton bus pass

· Generous holiday allowance starting at 27 days per annum pro rata, rising 1 day for each year of service to a maximum of 32 days pro rata

· The opportunity to participate in well-being and fundraising activities throughout the year

BHT Sussex is an equal opportunities employer using a fair and open recruitment process that fully complies with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. We are committed to encouraging equality, equity, inclusion, and diversity within the workplace. As an employer we are committed to promoting and supporting our people’s social, physical and psychological health at work. Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or reasonable adjustments if called for interview. BHT Sussex welcomes applications from individuals with lived experience.

BHT Sussex reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applicants for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

An Enhanced with Adults DBS Check (Disclosure and Barring Service) is required on all successful applicants as a condition of employment for this post.