Careers Profiles

Community Development Manager

Community development workers interact with local people and community groups to help them tackle local issues and improve their quality of life, often in socially and financially deprived areas. 

It can also mean working alongside disadvantaged or marginalised groups such as the homeless, long-term unemployed people or ethnic minorities.

The job is testing, varied and challenging. It involves: identifying communities’ needs and problems; raising public awareness; building a network of contacts; organising events and meetings; brokering agreements between opposing groups; developing strategies for change; managing a limited budget and fundraising; training volunteers; and writing reports and general admin.

The skills and experience you need

Good written and verbal communication skills are the tools of successful community development work. The language skills of bilingual minority ethnic candidates are highly prized.

Teaching, youth work, community work and experience in the health sector are popular ways into this career.

A degree in social sciences is particularly relevant but all graduates should aim to get community project experience through volunteering.

The education and training charity, City and Guilds, offers a Level 2 National Vocational Qualification in community development work for those already actively engaged in their community. Applications for bursaries are considered in June and December. Visit www.city-and-guilds.co.uk

Postgraduate training is often necessary for promotion to more senior positions. Relevant subjects include: voluntary sector studies; housing practice; business and community; legal studies; public or community health; and social services management.

Likely types of employer

  • Local authorities
  • Housing associations (registered social landlords)
  • Voluntary organisations such as homeless projects, faith groups, women’s groups, environmental organisations, or mental health charities
  • Regeneration partnerships
  • Other statutory bodies such as primary care trusts

Salary ranges

Starting salaries range from £15,000 to £19,000; those with two or more years’ experience can expect to earn £19,000 to £25,000.

A survey by the Community Development Exchange found that 70% of community development workers earned less than £25,000 and many employment contracts are short-term.

More information