Community Volunteer and Grants Coordinator

At Rethink Mental Illness, we know that strong communities are built by people who care, connect and take action. We're looking for a passionate and organised Community Volunteer and Grants Coordinator to help grow volunteering opportunities and support community-led initiatives that reduce loneliness, strengthen social connections and improve wellbeing across Derbyshire. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of the Together Derbyshire service, supporting volunteers, community groups and local organisations to make a real difference in their communities. You'll play a key role in coordinating volunteering opportunities and administering a community micro-grants programme that empowers local people to turn great ideas into meaningful action. About the role As Community Volunteer and Grants Coordinator, you'll help develop a strong network of volunteers while supporting the delivery of the Community Involvement Fund. You'll work alongside colleagues, community members and partner organisations to encourage participation, support grassroots projects and ensure funding reaches the people and communities who need it most. Your work will contribute directly to:

• Reducing loneliness and social isolation.
• Increasing volunteering and community participation.
• Strengthening grassroots organisations and community resilience.
• Supporting inclusive and connected communities across Derbyshire.
What you'll be doing You'll:
• Support and coordinate a diverse network of volunteers and community leaders.
• Help create volunteering opportunities that respond to local needs.
• Assist with volunteer training, development and ongoing support.
• Work with local volunteer centres and partner organisations to maximise participation.
• Monitor volunteer activity, hours and impact.
• Support the administration of the Community Involvement Fund and micro-grants programme.
• Promote funding opportunities to local residents, community groups and grassroots organisations.
• Help deliver an accessible and inclusive grants process.
• Maintain accurate records of grant applications, awards and funded activities.
• Support community members to develop ideas into projects that improve social connection.
• Work closely with Community Builders and Community Listeners to identify community needs and opportunities.
• Gather evidence, case studies and data to demonstrate impact.
• Build strong relationships with voluntary, community, faith and statutory organisations.
• Ensure grant and volunteer processes are transparent, compliant and effective.
  
  We're looking for someone who is organised, community-focused and enthusiastic about empowering others.
You'll have:
• Experience coordinating volunteers or community engagement programmes.
• Experience administering grants, funding programmes or similar schemes.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Experience engaging diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of equality, inclusion and community development principles.
• Experience monitoring activities and reporting outcomes.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively across a range of partnerships.
It would be great if you also have:
• An understanding of public health, wellbeing or social isolation.
• Experience supporting grassroots or community-led organisations.
• Knowledge of co-design and asset-based community development approaches.
• The ability to speak another community language.
  
  Why join Rethink Mental Illness?
When you join Rethink, you're joining an organisation committed to creating a better quality of life for people severely affected by mental illness and strengthening communities through inclusion, collaboration and lived experience. You'll be part of a team that:
• Values community expertise and local knowledge.
• Champions inclusion, equity and diversity.
• Supports innovation and continuous improvement.
• Encourages learning and professional development.
• Makes a meaningful difference every day.
Our work is guided by our CARES values: Connect
• Accountable Respect Evolve Success
We welcome applications from everyone We are committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and supported. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental illness, carers, people from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQ+ people and disabled people. If you're passionate about bringing people together, supporting volunteers and helping local communities turn ideas into action, we'd love to hear from you. If you have any questions or want more information, feel free to email