Engagement Coordinator

About the Trust 

We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you? 

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year. 

Join Our Team: Engagement Coordinator - 12 month Fixed Term Opportunity 

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Working Hours & Location 

This role follows a 37 hour working pattern, typically Monday to Friday, but as it's an engagement role, there will be some weekend and evening working to facilitate interaction with communities.

The role is home-based with an assigned local hub in Gloucester for collaborative working. There will be regular travel required throughout the Wales & South West region on the following canals: Gloucester & Sharpness Canal and River Severn, Kennet & Avon Canal, Mon & Brec Canal and Bridgwater & Taunton Canal. Gloucester will likely be your focus area for 60% of your time due to the 200th anniversary of Gloucester Docks in 2027, however this may be subject to change. You should feel comfortable working independently for the majority of the week, with support available when needed. 

Role Overview 

The Engagement Coordinator plays a vital role in connecting people and communities with their local waterways through volunteering, create and health & wellbeing projects, youth engagement and place-based community development. Working across South Wales and the South West, the role focuses on building meaningful relationships with communities, volunteers, partner organisations and local stakeholders to create opportunities for people to engage with canals and rivers. We deliver a diverse range of activities including paddlesports, walking programmes, community events, youth engagement initiatives, training opportunities and volunteer development, as well as key events and celebratory programmes such as open day events and the 200th anniversary of Gloucester Docks.

The role involves recruiting, training and supporting volunteers, coordinating safe and inclusive activities, managing project administration and budgets, preparing risk assessments and evaluations, and ensuring participants have positive experiences that improve wellbeing, skills, confidence and connection to place. The Engagement Coordinator works closely with community groups, schools, local authorities, funders and partner organisations to co-design activities that reflect local needs and encourage greater use, understanding and ownership of waterways.

A key aspect of the role is developing volunteering pathways and supporting volunteers to gain new skills, qualifications and leadership opportunities. The post-holder also helps identify future funding opportunities, captures impact through monitoring and reporting, promotes activities through communications and events, and ensures that safeguarding, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded throughout delivery. The overall aim is to create thriving waterways that are valued, supported and used by local communities for recreation, learning, wellbeing and environmental stewardship. Through a place-based approach, you will help create lasting social and wellbeing benefits for communities living nearby.

Key Responsibilities Directly deliver activities for children, young people and targeted community groups particularly those living within 1km of the canal. To recruit, train and support a team of volunteers including young people. To deliver Trust initiatives such as the Let’s programme and other place-based projects.  Co-create activities volunteering, community activity and recreation with targeted and underrepresented groups including youth groups and those with additional support needs to improve health and wellbeing and engagement along the canal.   Carry out consultations and research within the community including underrepresented groups, children young people and those facing additional barriers to participation.   Initiate, develop and maintain positive and strong relations with key stakeholders, partners and communities particularly amongst underrepresented groups including young people and those from deprived and diverse backgrounds.   Ensure local groups are embedded into the Trust’s regional teams for continued support and management. Prepare progress and financial reports to allow for efficient and effective monitoring and evaluation of the project. Work closely with the Regional Directors and steering group to develop models for success that can be utilised across the Trust’s network of canals and waterways. Assess the risks and make adjustments to work methods where appropriate. Ensure that diversity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of the project.   Collaboratively investigate further funding opportunities which may enhance your workstreams.  Display the Trust values and behaviours at all times Ensure that diversity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of Trust life and promote inclusion by challenging behaviour, practices, actions, or decisions that are counter to the objectives of the Trust’s policies and values About You

You will have experience in community engagement, volunteering and youth-focused projects, with the ability to build positive relationships across diverse communities and stakeholder groups. A confident communicator and organiser, you can lead and manage projects effectively, inspire volunteers and work collaboratively to deliver meaningful community outcomes. You are passionate about inclusion, wellbeing and creating lasting impact.

Skills & Qualifications Experience working within community engagement and volunteering environment. Experience in delivering community and volunteering projects. Experience in youth engagement. Ability to work with a diverse group of people, including minority or marginalised communities Ability to communicate effectively both internally and externally to a wide variety of audiences and using a variety of methods suitable to different audiences. Experience of budget management and control. Proven ability to be able to influence and collaborate with other departments/stakeholders. Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills. Ability to operate in a complex organisation and influence the delivery of others. A proven ability to build robust relationships with key stakeholders to deliver excellent services, programmes or projects.   Evidence of developing relationships with partner organisations and communities to deliver mutual benefits and outputs, building strong relationships and influencing stakeholders. Ability to work well under pressure, be motivated and self-managed. Able to represent the Trust externally and to professionally represent the values and aspirations of the Trust. Demonstrate personal resilience and the ability to use initiative to overcome difficulties. Utilise and share information appropriately to continuously develop self, team and the delivery of community engagement. 

Contact & Application 

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at [email removed - click apply for more details].  We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates. 

What We Offer 

We offer a starting annual salary of £31,450. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: EVP - 1.

Learn more: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits

Our values

We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.

All of our jobs can be considered on a part time, flexible or job share basis.  

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.

At Canal & River Trust, we are committed to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices. As part of our hiring process, we may use AI to analyse applications and support us work more efficiently. However, all hiring decisions – without exception - are made by our hiring managers.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Find out more about us on our website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us