Community Centre Coordinator - Sustainable Communities Team

We’re looking for a proactive and enthusiastic Community Centre Coordinator to oversee the day-to-day running of our 4 Community Centres. This is a fantastic opportunity to work at the heart of local communities, helping to shape activities and services that truly benefit residents. You’ll work with community groups, local organisations, and partners to co-produce an engaging programme of activities while ensuring the centres are welcoming, safe, and financially sustainable.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as a diverse and inclusive team will be key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the role:
We are looking for a Coordinator who is driven, has problem solving and strategic skills to work across multi-partnerships to maximize the use of our community centres. The Sustainable Communities Team manage 4 community centres across the Reading, providing opportunities for activities, services and experiences that create a greater sense of connection and belonging.

You will oversee the smooth running of four community centres, ensuring they are well-maintained, safe, and accessible for all. A key part of your role will be managing bookings and financial processes, keeping everything on track so that the centres operate efficiently and effectively.

Building strong partnerships will be at the heart of what you do. You’ll work closely with residents, community groups, businesses, and service providers to bring in a variety of activities and events that meet local needs. By encouraging collaboration and participation, you’ll help empower communities to shape what happens in their centres.

Alongside this, you’ll support the development of community-led activities, manage an apprentice, and represent Reading Borough Council at events. From promoting services to ensuring compliance, you’ll play an active role in making sure the centres are vibrant hubs of activity that benefit everyone in the community.

Working alongside the wider Community Partnership Service Team, Facilities Management and Housing to co-produce a programme of community activities which will directly benefit residents. To maximize income and funding opportunity to ensure the sustainable delivery of the community centres and community engagement.

About you:
We’re looking for someone with experience in community development, engagement, or managing community buildings. You’ll be confident working with a wide range of people, from residents to contractors, and bring strong organisational and communication skills.

You’ll also need:

• Experience of delivering a customer-focused service.
• Strong partnership-building skills.
• Ability to manage budgets, bookings, and reports.
• A flexible, hands-on approach and the ability to work across different sites.

• Proven experience in either the voluntary, community or business sector

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success.

Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading
Drive Efficiency - create an environment in which resources are used efficiently and employees’ skills are developed and used effectively
Be Ambitious - aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential
Make a Difference to Reading - inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity

Our offer:
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day Nursery – at the Civic Offices) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

For more information on this position please contact Pennylope Kapere - Sustainable Communities Manager - Pennylope.Kapere@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: Sunday 7th September 2025
Interview Date: Interviews will take place week commencing 15th September 2025

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.