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 - 5 months part-time temporary opportunity

This role could be extended subject to funding.

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

Working Hours & Location

This role follows a 30-hour working pattern, typically in 4 days, 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 at the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port or Rose Grove, Burnley for collaborative working. There will be regular travel required throughout the Northwest region focused on the project areas of Rochdale, Wigan and Ellesmere Port. You should feel comfortable working independently for the majority of the week, with support available when needed.

Role Overview

The Engagement Coordinator connects people and communities with their local waterways through volunteering, environmental projects, health and wellbeing initiatives, and community engagement.

Working across the North West, you will lead the delivery of key outcomes within the Sport England-funded programme, engaging inactive adults, young people and underrepresented groups to increase participation and connection with local canals and rivers. You will build strong partnerships with communities, volunteers and stakeholders, develop inclusive paddlesport and environmental volunteering opportunities, and support people to improve their wellbeing, skills and confidence.

The role involves recruiting and supporting volunteers, coordinating safe and accessible activities, managing project administration, monitoring impact, and ensuring safeguarding, equality, diversity and health and safety are embedded throughout delivery. Through a place-based approach, you will help create thriving waterways that are valued, used and supported by local communities.

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.