Community & Partnerships Coordinator

VIN is working in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) to strengthen community coordination, partnership working and VCFSE infrastructure across West Northamptonshire. The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) will be an important early focus, but the role is wider: it is about building stronger local partnerships, improving routes into support, and helping the sector contribute to prevention, resilience and community wellbeing.

The post is hosted by VIN and will include embedded working with WNC.

Job purpose

To lead and coordinate the relationship between VIN, WNC and the local VCFSE sector, helping to create a more connected, place-based system of support for residents across West Northamptonshire.

The postholder will act as a key connector between organisations, services and communities. They will support collaboration, reduce duplication, identify gaps and opportunities, and help build sustainable partnerships that improve access to timely and appropriate support.

This is a strategic and practical role. The postholder will need to think system-wide, build trusted relationships and influence across organisational boundaries, while also being willing to get involved in hands-on delivery, coordination and problem-solving.

Key responsibilities

1. Strategic Community Coordination and System Leadership

Act as a key connector between VIN, WNC, VCFSE organisations, community groups and wider partners, supporting a joined-up approach to community-based support.

2. VCFSE Partnership Development

Build trusted relationships and facilitate partnership working, including networks, forums, workshops and conversations between organisations with shared or complementary aims.

3. VCFSE Infrastructure Support

Support VCFSE organisations to understand local priorities, funding opportunities, partnership expectations and how their services fit within the wider system.

4. Crisis and Resilience Fund Coordination

Coordinate VIN's contribution to the CRF by supporting clear communication, fair engagement, sector readiness and partnershipdevelopment, while keeping funding decision-making separate from the support role.

5. Intelligence, Insight and Place-Based Working

Gather and use local intelligence to identify needs, gaps, duplication, strengths and opportunities, feeding insight into relevant VIN and WNC planning, reporting and governance processes.

6. Embedded Working with WNC

Work flexibly between VIN and WNC, helping local authority colleagues understand the sector and helping the sector engage with WNC in a coordinated and appropriate way.

7. Monitoring, Reporting and Impact

Monitor progress, maintain clear records, identify risks and produce concise updates, reports and learning summaries for VIN, WNC and relevant governance groups.

8. "Think and Do" Delivery

Work proactively and practically, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, problem-solving and follow-through.