Rural Manager

Rural Manager

An exciting opportunity for a dynamic, community-driven Rural Manager to lead rural development across Hertfordshire and help shape the future of sustainable countryside living.

Position: Rural Manager
Location: Hybrid, home-based with one day a week in the Hertford office.
Salary: £32,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours/week which may include some evening or weekend work as we operate a flexible working system.
Contract Type: Fixed term until 31 March 2026 (with strong potential for extension)

Closing Date: Wednesday 11th June 2025 at 11.59pm

About the role:
As Rural Manager, you'll lead a range of community-led projects that strengthen Hertfordshire's rural infrastructure and support sustainable living. You'll be the key voice for rural communities, working directly with residents, local councils, and statutory partners to drive forward initiatives from concept to delivery and long-term sustainability.

Your work will span everything from facilitating rural housing projects to conducting Asset Based Community Development mapping, and from advising parish councils to managing grant applications and training sessions. This is a hands-on role with a meaningful legacy. Act as the voice of Rural Hertfordshire to statutory bodies, guiding policy decisions to incorporate and consider the unique needs of rural communities.

About you:
You'll be a self-starter with a passion for rural life and community development. You will also bring:

• Experience in rural community work or development.
• A successful track record in partnership building and multi-agency collaboration.
• Experience with funding applications and project delivery.
• Excellent communication skills and a proactive, strategic mindset.
• A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
• Level 3 qualifications including A-levels or international Baccalaureate diploma, Level 3 NVQ, Level 3 National Diploma or Certificate, Advanced Apprenticeship or equivalent experience in a relevant field would be desirable.
• Knowledge of rural policy, asset-based community development, and digital communications would also be desirable.

About the organisation:

Our client is a respected community development organisation working to foster vibrant, inclusive, and resilient rural communities. This is a rare opportunity to make a tangible impact on people's lives and ensure the unique voices of Hertfordshire's rural populations are heard and acted upon. Based in Hertfordshire where they have helped communities and delivered projects and services for over 50 years to help improve life for both rural and urban Hertfordshire.

As the Rural Community Charity for Hertfordshire they work to raise awareness of the needs of rural communities, farmers and businesses. Bringing together people and communities, champion the disadvantaged and provide advocacy for minorities and excluded groups.

This is a great opportunity to shape a role going forward.

Other roles you may have experience of could include:
Community Development Officer, Rural Affairs Officer, Community Engagement Manager, Project Manager (Rural Development), Strategic Partnerships Manager, or similar.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.