Voluntary, Community, Faith & Social Enterprise Sector Lead (VCSE

Voluntary, Community, Faith & Social Enterprise Sector Lead (VCSE)

Final date to receive applications: 7 September 2026

Department: Mayor's Office

Employment Type: Fixed Term
- Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Reporting To: Chris Caulton

Compensation: £47,181 - £50,269 / year

• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Contract: Fixed Term
  - Until March 2028
• Salary: £47181 - £50,269
• Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

We are looking for an experienced and well-connected Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector Lead to join our Strategic Partnerships team.

This is a unique opportunity to strengthen collaboration between South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector. You will play a leading role in building partnerships that improve outcomes for people across South Yorkshire.

Interviews for this role are expected to take place w/c 21st September.

Reporting to the Principal Officer
- Strategic Partnerships, you will act as a key link between SYMCA and the VCSE sector, helping to build strong relationships and ensure community voices help shape policy, programmes and services.

In this role, you will:

• Lead engagement and partnership activity with VCSE organisations across South Yorkshire
• Act as a central point of contact between SYMCA and the sector, ensuring effective communication and collaboration
• Bring together VCSE organisations, partners and stakeholders to support shared priorities and collective action
• Support organisations to access opportunities, resources and funding where appropriate
• Ensure community insight and lived experience inform policy development and service delivery.
• Provide advice and recommendations to SYMCA leaders on strengthening relationships with the VCSE sector
• Monitor the impact and effectiveness of engagement activities, identifying opportunities for improvement

Represent SYMCA at regional and national forums, building partnerships and promoting South Yorkshire's interests

Develop strong relationships with local authorities, anchor institutions and other partners to support shared objectives

This is a high-profile and collaborative role that offers the opportunity to influence how public services and community organisations work together to deliver positive change.

You will be a relationship-focused professional with a strong understanding of the VCSE sector and a passion for improving outcomes for communities.

You will bring:

• Significant knowledge of, and experience working with, the VCSE sector in South Yorkshire
• A strong understanding of local partnerships, funding landscapes and community networks
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and influencing skills
• Experience building and maintaining effective partnerships across organisations and sectors
• The ability to bring people together, facilitate collaboration and develop shared solutions
• Strong organisational skills and the confidence to work independently and proactively
• A commitment to improving health, wellbeing and social outcomes for residents
• The ability to translate community insight into practical recommendations and actions

You will be passionate about creating meaningful partnerships, amplifying community voices and helping ensure the VCSE sector plays a central role in shaping South Yorkshire's future.

All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.

In addition to the above, some of our benefits include
-Holiday Entitlement – From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro-rata for part time colleagues.

Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your…