Community Connector - South Quadrant

The role is offered as a secondment opportunity until March 2026. Full-time, part-time and job sharing work patterns will be considered.  

The Role

This exciting role will support development of the Customer function’s outreach partnerships and activities within the Library Service. The role will shape services, cultivate partnerships and work with the community to ensure library services within Essex are promoted to all and throughout local communities.

Community Connectors will focus on delivering targeted library activities at other events and locations in the community and will identify opportunities to collaborate with other ECC functions and help shape delivery of joined-up initiatives.

The role will be the bridge between the Library Service and the community and will aim to significantly grow, develop and increase the user base and engagement. The holder will be promoting library services using events to proactively encourage people of all ages, to engage and participate.

The role holder will actively engage with library staff, community groups and partners, by promoting library services within the community for the successful delivery of key objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and promote a programme of events which support Customer and Library services in outreach settings.
• Shape and deliver events and activities which promote library services and encourage library membership.
• Contribute to and support the delivery of the plan for community and outreach Library Service activity.
• Developing partnerships and identifying new ways to promote library services, reaching residents including those that currently are not library users.
• Raise awareness of the range of library services and increase library use.
• Work collaboratively with local partners to promote literacy, reading, learning and the digital offer, to deliver against Essex County Council’s wider strategic aims.
• Work with partners and develop new partnerships to help reach target audiences and enable the delivery of events and activities. Through these partnerships target a wide segment of the community and engage residents in activities and events that interest them.
• Develop and manage outreach opportunities that are successful and have lasting impact within the community.
• Deliver on priorities and build new audiences across the County, supported by clear service guidance, training and model delivery examples.
• Responsible for using an evidence-based framework to monitor and evaluate programmes of activity in outreach settings, demonstrating value for money and a good fit for the customer.
• Support the development and effective delivery of services and activities, by building strong working relationships with internal and external partners, agencies, and the citizens of Essex.
• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Educated to Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) Level 3 or equivalent by experience.
• Effective communication skills and experience of working with diverse audiences and partners.
• Experience of working with community groups, customers and volunteers and the ability to develop strong relationships with library colleagues, internal and external partners and across the wider library network.
• Excellent co-ordination skills and experience in delivering projects including relationship building, time management.
• Willingness to develop knowledge of the service area.
• Experience of preparing and effectively delivering communications and managing the development and delivery of activities and events programmes.
• Experience of researching and developing new services.
• Experience of working in outreach with young people and/or families.
• Ability to prioritise work whilst maintaining focus on key activities, within defined timescales, on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Ability to build and form working relationships with library colleagues, internal and external partners and across the wider library network.

We are dedicated to building a team that reflects the diverse community we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Together, let's create a welcoming and inclusive library experience for everyone. Apply now to be part of our vibrant and diverse team!

To read more about us please visit: Climate, Environment and Customer Services

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex . With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.

We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles , including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

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If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk

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