Community Engagement and Innovation Officer

Craven College; Skipton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution is looking for a Community Engagement and Innovation Officer to develop community learning initiatives and promote inclusion across West and North Yorkshire. This role involves organizing events, supporting disadvantaged individuals, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have a Level 2 qualification in English and Maths, excellent organizational skills, and experience in project management. The position offers an opportunity to impact the community positively.

Qualifications

• Experience in developing community learning initiatives.
• Proven success in educational project management.
• Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategies to support disadvantaged individuals.
• Gather and disseminate community engagement practices.
• Organize inclusive events to promote the College.

Skills

Community engagement initiatives

Team leadership

Interpersonal skills

Planning and organizational skills

Education

Level 2 in English and Maths

Level 3 teaching qualification

Tools

Spreadsheets

Databases

Job description

Community Engagement and Innovation Officer

Employer: Craven College

Date Posted: December 8, 2025

Post No.: B265

Location: Skipton

Hours: 18.5

Responsible to: Head of Adult Learning

Closing Date: January 4, 2026 23:59

Special Conditions: This post is subject to a probationary period of 6 months upon successful completion of which will become permanent. A full enhanced check via the Disclosure & Barring Service will be required for this post.

Key Duties

This job description is a guide to the duties you will be expected to perform. These may change in the future in line with the strategic direction and development of the College.

• Gather, develop and disseminate community engagement practices that have an impact on inclusion across West and North Yorkshire.
• To perform a skills analysis to identify skills gaps in literacy, numeracy and digital skills within identified communities.
• Support the HoD with developing strategies to support disengaged, disadvantaged, and underrepresented individual and communities across the region.
• Work with wider Adult team (including Tyro Training) to develop and maintain community relationships with key influencers within the community groups, to open up avenues for students to engage.
• To create delivery solutions for the HoD to approve, ensuring contribution is achieved.
• Share best practice in engaging diverse communities.
• To facilitate connection and engagement with community agencies.
• Organising and facilitating inclusive events to promote the College offer.
• Networking with partnerships and local agencies through online forums and events.
• To meet recruitment and income targets for Adult delivery as set by the HoD.
• To support operational delivery of courses within this area in liaison with management.
• To deliver IAG and manage the enrolment process where applicable.
• Follow College HR policy where looking to recruit teachers to deliver within communities.
• To represent the College in appropriate meetings with external stakeholders.
• You will be expected to be fully conversant with the College’s range of equality and diversity and safeguarding policies and procedures, to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all learners and staff.
• To participate in the College’s appraisal scheme and undertake further professional development in line with the needs of the College.
• Any other duties commensurate with grade and status as may reasonably be requested.

Person Specifications

• Experience of identifying needs and developing successful community learning initiatives.
• Qualified to Level 2 (GCSE Grade A*-C or equivalent) in English and maths (or willing to work towards completion within a specified time frame).
• Proven success in team leading or educational project management.
• Experience of maintaining accurate records.
• Experience of producing high quality written and verbal reports.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to negotiate effectively.
• Experience of working within a team and with a variety of partners.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, on own initiative to pre-determined targets and deadlines.
• Experience of effective strategies for engaging hard to reach learners.
• Level 3 teaching qualification or a willingness to work towards this.
• Computer literate with the ability to set up and maintain spreadsheets and databases, supported by a relevant IT qualification.
• Access to an appropriately insured vehicle and hold a clean, current driving licence.
• Ability to work flexibly around the needs of the College which will include regular travel within West and North Yorkshire.