Development officer jobs in Milton keynes

Regional Development Officer (RDO) - Midlands 

Location: Midlands (home-based with travel and use of hot desk office in Midlands) 
Salary: £35,100 FTE (£18/hour £21,060) 
Contract: 2-year fixed term (22.5 hours/week) 
Reports to: National Fundraising & Development Manager 

This is not an administrative role. It is comparable to: 

• Regional Development Officer (charity sector)

• Community Development Officer

• Partnerships / Outreach Officer

• Network Growth or Membership Development roles

The role combines business development, community engagement, and programme delivery, with clear responsibility for growing Phab’s national footprint and reputation. 

Why this role matters  

This is a rare opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up. 

You’ll be the person who brings Phab to new communities—connecting disabled and non-disabled people, creating life-changing social opportunities, and building a network of clubs that transform lives. 

We’re looking for someone who thrives on meeting people, spotting opportunities, and making things happen—someone who can walk into a room, inspire others, and leave with new partners, volunteers, and future club leaders excited to get involved. 

If you’re energised by purpose and disability-inclusion, love being out in the community, and want to play a key role in growing a national charity’s reach—this role is for you. 

Role Purpose  

To grow and strengthen the Phab network by: 

• Launching new Phab Clubs in underserved areas in the Midlands 

• Supporting and energising existing clubs

• Building strong regional relationships that drive participation, partnerships, and sustainability

A critical part of this role is identifying and supporting outstanding Club Leaders—the individuals who make clubs thrive. 

What success looks like (2-year targets) 

Year 1: Establish & Build Momentum 

• Launch 3–5 new Phab Clubs in priority areas

• Identify and develop a pipeline of future club leaders and volunteers

• Build relationships with local authorities, schools, disability organisations, and community groups

• Visit and engage with existing clubs in the region to strengthen relationships and identify growth opportunities

• Generate local funding or in-kind support for new and existing clubs

• Represent Phab at key regional events and networks

Year 2: Grow & Sustain 

• Support Year 1 clubs to become fully sustainable and independently run

• Launch an additional 3–5 new clubs or affiliate groups

• Increase membership and engagement across existing clubs

• Develop regional partnerships that provide ongoing referral pathways (e.g. professionals, services, schools)

• Contribute to income generation (grants, partnerships, training opportunities)

• Establish a strong regional identity and presence for Phab

Key Responsibilities  

1. Network Growth & Club Development 

• Identify areas of need and actively develop new Phab Clubs

• Recruit, mentor, and support Club Leaders and volunteer teams

• Set up clubs alongside the club leaders (venue, structure, governance, initial membership)

• Build relationships with professionals (e.g. SEND services, social workers, educators) who can refer members

• Reconnect with former Phab participants and supporters to re-engage them

2. Supporting Existing Clubs  

• Regularly visit and engage with existing clubs

• Identify challenges and opportunities, offering practical support

• Encourage growth in membership, activity quality, and sustainability

• Share best practice and connect clubs to wider opportunities (training, funding, events)

3. Community Engagement & Partnerships 

• Act as a visible, energetic ambassador for Phab

• Attend networking events and build strong regional relationships

• Develop partnerships with community organisations, corporates, and funders

• Promote Phab’s wider offer (Phab ACTS training, Phab Adventures, events)

4. Income & Sustainability 

• Identify and secure local funding opportunities

• Support clubs to access grants and sponsorship

• Contribute to Phab’s broader income generation strategy

5. Internal Collaboration & Delivery 

• Work closely with Marketing, Fundraising & Development, and Charity Support teams

• Use CRM (Beacon) to track engagement, contacts, and progress

• Contribute to planning and delivery of regional and national initiatives

Experience & Background  

We are looking for someone who has done this kind of work before, not just worked “in charity or business”. 

Essential experience: 

• Experience in community development, outreach, or network growth

• Proven track record of starting or growing initiatives, projects, or groups

• Experience building partnerships and engaging external stakeholders

• Experience recruiting, supporting, or managing volunteers or community leaders

• Experience working in or alongside disability, inclusion, or community services

• Knowledge of UK charity landscape and safeguarding/good practice

Desirable: 

• Experience setting up or running community groups, clubs, or programmes

Experience securing local funding or sponsorship

Equal Opportunities, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Phab is committed to creating an inclusive organisation where disabled and non-disabled people can thrive together as equals. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, lived experiences and identities, particularly disabled people and those who are underrepresented within the charity sector.

We believe diversity strengthens our organisation and helps us better support the communities we work alongside. Recruitment decisions are made based on skills, experience, values and potential, and we are committed to ensuring a fair and accessible recruitment process for all applicants. 

Reasonable adjustments will be offered throughout the recruitment process and during employment. If you require any adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know. 

As a Regional Development Officer, you will play an important role in promoting inclusion, accessibility and equality across our network of clubs, projects and partnerships. 

Safeguarding Statement 

Phab is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. We expect all staff, volunteers and partners to share this commitment and to uphold a culture of safety, dignity and respect. 

The successful candidate will be required to work in line with Phab’s safeguarding policies and procedures and may be subject to an enhanced DBS check, depending on the nature of the role and responsibilities. 

We are looking for someone who shares our values of inclusion, respect, integrity and participation, and who is committed to helping create safe and welcoming environments for everyone involved in Phab activities.