Co-operative Development Officer
We are delighted to share this exciting opportunity for a Co-operative Development Officer to join a values-driven and dynamic organisation.
Position: Co-operative Development Officer
Location: Manchester (Holyoake House)
Salary: £27,004 per annum (pro rata to 21 hours – £16,202)
Hours: Part-time, 3 days per week (21 hours)
Contract: Fixed-term, 11 months
Working pattern: Hybrid working, with at least 1 day per week in the Manchester office
Closing Date: Midnight, Sunday 8 February 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 23 February 2026, in Manchester
Benefits: Flexible working options, pension scheme, discounted travel to work schemes, employee wellbeing assistance programme including free eye tests, personal and professional growth and development including coaching, trade union.
We reserve the right to close the role early should a suitable candidate be found before this date. Applicants must apply via the application form on our website – CVs cannot be accepted.
About the role
As Co-operative Development Officer, you will support the delivery of the organisation’s growth strategy by helping to plan and deliver events, business support programmes and partnership activities. Working closely with the Co-operative Development Team, you will help raise awareness of the co-operative model and support new and existing co-operatives to thrive.
This is a varied and rewarding role, offering the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that supports communities, values-led enterprises and a fairer economy.
Key responsibilities
Events and outreach
- Deliver small-scale online and in-person events, managing logistics such as venues, digital platforms and catering.
- Coordinate speakers and manage administrative tasks including payments and invoices.
- Communicate with attendees before and after events to ensure a positive experience.
- Work with communications teams to support promotional activity, including newsletters and email campaigns.
- Track event metrics, gather feedback and prepare reports.
- Attend external events and exhibitions to promote the organisation.
- Provide occasional out-of-hours or weekend support for specific events or campaigns.
Programme delivery
- Support the delivery of business support programmes
- Manage administrative processes, including contracts and payments.
- Track programme activity and prepare monitoring and evaluation reports.
Partnerships and funding support
- Support partnership activity aligned with organisational strategy, including youth engagement, digital innovation, community development and embedding co-operative values.
- Gather evidence, case studies and data for funding applications and funder reporting.
- Maintain accurate records and processes related to funding and partnership activity.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will be organised, proactive and passionate about supporting values-led organisations and community impact.
You will bring:
- Experience of running small events, both online and in person.
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent attention to detail and administrative capability.
- Clear and confident written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with colleagues and external partners.
- Highly developed IT skills, including confidence using Microsoft Office applications.
Desirable:
- An understanding of, or interest in, values-driven organisations.
- Experience supporting grant-funded programmes.
- Interest in areas such as youth engagement, ethical tech, community development or climate action.
- Experience using project management tools such as Asana or Trello.
About the organisation
As the voice of the UK’s co-operative movement, we empower and support co-operative enterprises with specialised knowledge and expertise, to grow the co-operative economy and create a fairer society. From football clubs and farms to convenience stores and pubs, there are more than 7,000 co-operatives in the UK, each owned and controlled by their members and based on a set of shared principles and values.
As an organisation we are led by our unwavering values of solidarity, self-responsibility, equity, and honesty, therefore if you share these core values, we would be delighted to receive your application.
Other roles you may have experience in could include Project Officer, Events Officer, Programme Coordinator, Community Development Officer, Partnerships Officer, or Business Support Officer.
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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Role Purpose
The Nuclear Institute benefits from a broad and growing membership base, with our enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers operating nine UK regional branches and more than seven Special Interest Groups (SIG). You will be pivotal to the delivery of the activities and events of each branch and SIG, sharing best practice and developing new network initiatives. The role will strengthen volunteer engagement and help to maximise volunteering satisfaction. Nuclear Institute communities foster connection, collaboration, and professional development, helping NI become a stronger professional home for nuclear professionals.
Job Description and Job Specification
Job title: Communities Officer
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, flexible hours with a 9-day in 10-day work pattern
Salary: £25,000 per annum
Annual leave entitlement: 25 days plus bank holidays.
Location: Wholly remote, UK based, with frequent travel
Reporting to: Events and Communities Manager
Key Tasks
Volunteer Engagement and Support
· Develop and grow the engagement in branches & SIGs and support volunteers to build new groups and networks.
· Build strong relationships with each branch and SIG community, providing administration support for their meetings and activities.
· With support, develop and deliver our annual in-person Volunteer Awards and annual in-person Volunteer Forum event.
· Work with the Communities and Events Manager to develop and deliver branch events and SIG conferences.
· Engage our volunteers with regular virtual ‘keep in touch’ meetings and other activities designed to maximise their satisfaction in their volunteer role – and share best practice across the networks.
· Create regular communications to engage and update our volunteers.
Community Development
· Support our communities with the development of their annual budgets and help them develop ideas for new, year-round activities to maximise member engagement and volunteer satisfaction.
· Identify opportunities for new communities and initiatives designed to broaden and grow our membership.
Operational Support
· Ensure our CRM is kept up to date with current volunteer details for each community.
· Work with each community to ensure their Terms of Reference are current and support their AGMs as required.
· Create volunteer resources, including a handbook to support and guide our volunteers to fulfil their roles successfully.
· Work with the Marketing and Communications Manager ensure communities have the digital branding and branded merchandise required, and access to their community email and community SharePoint areas.
Personal Specification
Essential experience
· Experience in a volunteer engagement role.
· Experience delivering events, both in person and virtual.
· Some experience using CRMs and reporting software.
Essential skills and knowledge
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal and engagement skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders.
- Strong time management and organisational skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a small team environment.
Essential Behaviours
- Takes ownership and accountability for delivery.
- Works collaboratively across multiple volunteer communities.
- Demonstrates an inclusive approach to working.
- Comfortable engaging senior stakeholders with credibility.
Desirable experience
· Experience of working with event management systems and applications.
· Experience working in or with the nuclear, energy, engineering or infrastructure sectors.
· Knowledge of professional bodies, CPD frameworks or membership models.
Flexibility and accessibility
We offer flexible hours and remote working options to accommodate individual needs. This role is wholly remote and can be carried out anywhere in the UK, with frequent travel especially to London and Manchester.
Support is available for remote workers who require specific adjustments, including ergonomic equipment or assistive technologies.
Commitment to inclusion
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the nuclear sector.
Our recruitment process is fair and accessible. Reasonable adjustments are available at any stage. If you require adjustments, please contact us so we can support you.
The Nuclear Institute is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing positive and supportive working conditions.
Please apply by sending your CV and covering letter. For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact: Rebecca Hughes, Events and Communities Manager.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
We are the professional membership body dedicated to nuclear, representing over 5000 professionals, and upholding professional standards for nuclear.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.