Hate crime community engagement officer jobs
Lead innovative programmes that strengthen social cohesion and create lasting change. Join Belong and help communities thrive across the UK.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in delivering impactful, evidence-based programmes that bring people together and foster inclusion. As Belong enters its next phase of growth, we are expanding our reach and deepening our impact. The Programme Lead will be at the heart of this journey, shaping and delivering high-quality initiatives that respond to local needs and drive systemic change.
About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation focused on building a more united and less divided society. We work with communities, local authorities, and national partners to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience. Through place-based programmes, research, policy influence, and thought leadership, we help create stronger, kinder, and more connected communities. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The Role
As Programme Lead, you will design and deliver innovative programmes that make a measurable difference to communities. You will lead the development of local strategies, co-create solutions with partners, and ensure programmes are inclusive, impactful, and aligned with Belong’s mission.
Key responsibilities include:
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Programme Design and Delivery
- Lead the delivery of Belong’s local programmes, ensuring they are evidence-based and responsive to community needs.
- Design and facilitate workshops, training sessions, and community engagement activities.
- Apply strong research methods, including desk-based analysis, surveys, and social media insights.
- Manage programme budgets, timelines, and resources to ensure effective delivery.
- Monitor and evaluate programme outcomes, producing reports and insights for stakeholders.
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Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, community organisations, funders, and commissioners.
- Co-design programme approaches with partners, ensuring shared ownership and relevance.
- Represent Belong at external events, meetings, and forums to promote our work and build new opportunities.
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Strategic Development
- Contribute to Belong’s organisational strategy through programme innovation and learning.
- Support business development by identifying opportunities, developing proposals, and contributing to bids.
- Share learning and best practice across the organisation to inform future programme development.
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Planning, Delivery, and Risk Management
- Demonstrate strong project management skills, including coordination of deliverables and budget tracking.
- Conduct risk assessments and map risks and opportunities to ensure programme success.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in dynamic environments, enjoys working collaboratively, and is passionate about creating lasting change in communities.
About You
We are seeking a proactive and collaborative programme leader with:
- Proven experience in designing and delivering community-based programmes.
- Experience working in or with local government or voluntary sector organisations.
- Strong facilitation and engagement skills, with familiarity in participatory methods.
- Excellent project management skills and attention to detail.
- Experience in monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
- Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with strong communication skills.
- Relevant qualification in community development, public policy, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of social cohesion and integration issues.
- Highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities.
Desirable: Experience in Prevent, PCVE, community tensions, hate crime, or tackling misinformation.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
- Collaborative and solution-focused.
- Entrepreneurial and proactive in identifying opportunities.
- Practical, focused, and reliable.
- Able to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
- Committed to personal and professional development.
Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:
- 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Join us and help shape programmes that build stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.
Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.
Registered Charity 
Thank you!
This is an extraordinary opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Programmes, a pivotal role at the heart of our mission. You will lead the design, delivery, and impact of Belong’s programmes across England and Wales, ensuring they are strategic, inclusive, and evidence-based. Working closely with the CEO and senior colleagues, you will shape programme strategy, oversee complex portfolios, and drive systemic change that strengthens social cohesion nationwide.
As Director of Programmes, you will:
- Lead strategic development and delivery of Belong’s place-based programmes, ensuring alignment with our mission and values.
- Oversee programme design, implementation, evaluation, and learning to guarantee quality and measurable impact.
- Line manage a talented team of Programme Leads and Coordinators, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment.
- Apply systems thinking to understand the interconnected nature of community, policy, and service ecosystems.
- Build and maintain high-level partnerships with funders, commissioners, local authorities, and community organisations.
- Represent Belong at national forums, events, and networks, championing our work and influence.
- Identify and pursue new opportunities for programme development and funding, supporting organisational growth.
This is a senior leadership position that combines strategic vision with hands-on delivery. You will play a key role in shaping Belong’s future and ensuring our programmes make a lasting difference to communities across the UK.
About You
We are seeking a visionary and experienced leader with:
- Proven experience in leading complex programme portfolios and delivering impactful initiatives.
- Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a track record of shaping programme strategy.
- Excellent leadership and line management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
- Experience managing diverse stakeholders, from senior decision-makers to community partners.
- Familiarity with systems change and participatory approaches.
- Understanding of social cohesion, integration, and related social policy issues.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, able to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
- Highly organised, diplomatic, and politically astute, with experience in income generation and bid development.
Desirable: Experience in areas such as Prevent, PCVE, community tensions, hate crime, or tackling misinformation.
Personal qualities matter too: we’re looking for someone passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK, collaborative and inclusive in their leadership style, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:
- 30 days’ annual leave
- Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Closing Date: 12 January 2026
About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. We work with communities, local authorities, and national partners to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience. Through innovative place-based programmes, research, policy influence, and thought leadership, we help create stronger, kinder, and more connected communities. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses, and we are proud to champion collaboration, diversity, and evidence-led approaches.
*Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.*
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.