Community Development Lead (Pilot Project)

Overview

While the buildings of Barton Park are going up, the community infrastructure is still catching up. We believe that a true sense of belonging is vital for good mental health. Our school is launching an exciting 20‑week pilot project to transform our school community hall into a vibrant daytime hub where local residents can connect, socialise, and thrive.

Responsibilities

• Research & Connect: Talk to parents, residents, and local partners to find out what classes and support groups they want.
• Launch & Run: Establish a weekly community drop‑in cafe/session and help set up activities like pre‑school playgroups or conversational language classes.
• Promote: Run a hyper‑local marketing campaign using social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok), WhatsApp groups, leafleting, and banners.

Essential Experience, Knowledge and Skills

• Experience working with the public, community groups, or in a customer‑facing role.
• Experience using social media platforms effectively.
• Understanding of the barriers faced by isolated groups (e.g., single parents, new immigrants).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Highly organised with good IT and administrative skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding, health & safety, and data protection.

Desirable Experience, Knowledge and Skills

• Experience in community development, networking, or project management.
• Experience working within a school or community charity setting.
• Experience of a system such as “Buffer” to schedule social media posts.
• Knowledge of the Barton / Oxford local community landscape and local partners.
• Ability to analyse basic data (tracking attendance and feedback).

Benefits

• A dedicated office space in the school building with limited administrative support and the friendship of a great school staff.
• Direct weekly development meetings with the Headteacher and School Business Manager.
• A chance to shape a project from the ground up—if this pilot succeeds, we intend to bid for long‑term National Lottery funding to extend the role.

This role includes regulated activity relevant to children.

The school reserves the right to consider and interview candidates ahead of the closing date if appropriate. An offer may be made to an exceptional candidate in this instance.

For more information on what it is like to work for the Trust, and the benefits you could access, please see our “Working in RLT” guide.

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