Community Co-ordinator

A library can be so much more than a place to borrow a book.

It can be a place to meet people.

A place to learn something new. To access support. To try something different. To make a new connection or simply feel part of your community.

At Weston Community Library, we're looking for a friendly, creative and organised Community Co-ordinator who wants to help make that happen.

You'll help bring the library to life by supporting volunteers, organising activities and events, connecting with local residents and making sure the library is a welcoming place for everyone who walks through the door.

You don't need to have worked in a library before. What matters most is that you're passionate about people and communities, confident working with volunteers, well organised and full of ideas for creating fun, engaging activities.

A role at the heart of the community

No two days will necessarily look the same.

One day you might be welcoming a new visitor, helping someone access technology or supporting a volunteer with their role. Another might involve organising a community event, coordinating a room booking, planning a new activity or connecting with a local business about fundraising support.

You'll help make sure the library is open, welcoming and running smoothly, while also looking for new ways to bring local people together.

It's a role where you'll have the opportunity to turn ideas into activities that make a genuine difference to the people who use the library.

The Community Co-ordinator position is offered on a part-time, permanent basis, working 20 hours per week.

Welcome to Weston Community Library

Weston Community Library is at the heart of the local community in Southampton.

It's a place where people can access their local library service, but it's also much more than that.

From knit and natter groups and community activities to digital support and children's events, the library provides opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect, participate and feel part of their community.

The library is part of YMCA Fairthorne Group, a community-based charity committed to helping people belong, contribute and thrive.

As Community Co-ordinator, you'll play an important role in making sure the library continues to be a place where people feel welcome, supported and able to get involved.

You'll work closely with volunteers and Southampton City Council, while also helping to develop activities and services that respond to what local residents want and need.

The difference you'll make

For visitors, you'll be a friendly and welcoming face.

For volunteers, you'll be someone who provides support, encouragement and direction.

For local residents, you'll help create opportunities to meet others, learn, participate and have fun.

And for the community, you'll help make sure Weston Community Library remains a vibrant and welcoming place for everyone.

Your role might include:

• providing exceptional customer service and encouraging volunteers to do the same
• making sure the library is open at the right times and remains clean, safe and welcoming
• supporting and overseeing volunteers, including their training and deployment within the library
• encouraging local residents to get involved in volunteering
• planning and delivering activities, programmes and events throughout the year
• developing programmes that respond to the needs and interests of the local community
• coordinating bookings for the meeting room and main library space
• working closely with Southampton City Council around library stock, technology and other aspects of the service
• maintaining library stock and carrying out regular checks
• promoting activities and events within the local community, working with the YMCA Fairthorne Group marketing team where appropriate
• organising fundraising activities and events
• building relationships with local businesses and other community partners to encourage support for YMCA Fairthorne Group
• helping to manage the agreed budget
• completing regular health and safety checks and arranging any necessary works
• maintaining appropriate risk assessments and operating procedures
• acting as a key holder for the venue
• producing monthly statistics and reports for internal and external organisations
• helping to identify other YMCA Fairthorne Group services that could benefit visitors to the library
• working independently while also being part of the wider YMCA Fairthorne Group team
• following YMCA Fairthorne Group's safeguarding, health and safety and other policies and procedures.

It's a role that combines people, community, creativity and organisation — so being able to take an idea and turn it into something people can enjoy is just as important as keeping the practical details on track.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who enjoys meeting people, bringing ideas to life and making a positive difference within their local community.

You'll ideally be:

• confident working with and supporting a team of volunteers
• welcoming and approachable when communicating with people from different backgrounds
• able to work independently and use your own initiative
• creative and innovative, with ideas for fun and engaging programmes and activities
• passionate about books, libraries and the role they can play within a community
• organised, reliable and able to manage your time effectively
• confident managing diaries, bookings and competing priorities
• comfortable using IT, including Microsoft Word and Excel
• confident talking to people about YMCA Fairthorne Group and the services we provide
• committed to providing excellent customer service
• able to take ownership of projects and see them through from an initial idea to completion
• committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

You'll also need:

• some experience of working with communities or groups
• experience of overseeing or supporting volunteers
• a First Aid qualification, or a willingness to work towards one.

It would be great if you also have:

• some experience of working in, or an understanding of, libraries
• experience of managing a budget
• a health and safety qualification such as IOSH, or a willingness to work towards one.

You don't need to tick every box.

If you're someone who is passionate about people, loves being part of a community and enjoys creating activities and experiences that bring people together, we'd love to hear from you.

More than a library role

Joining YMCA Fairthorne Group is about more than keeping a building open and making sure the day-to-day details are taken care of.

It's about creating a space where people feel they belong.

You'll have the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, support volunteers, develop new community activities and help local residents connect with services, opportunities and each other.

You could help someone discover a new hobby, support someone to build their confidence with technology, bring a group of residents together or create an event that gives local families something to look forward to.

Those moments can make a real difference.

And you'll be part of an organisation that believes everyone should have the opportunity to lead happy, healthy lives.

At YMCA Fairthorne Group, we're committed to helping our people develop too, with opportunities to learn, build new skills and share ideas across our organisation.

And you'll receive a range of benefits, including:

• refer a Friend Scheme
• employer pension contribution
• 25 days' annual leave (pro rata), increasing with service up to 30 days
• the option to purchase up to 10 additional days' leave each year
• Celebration Leave for life's special moments
• Employee Assistance Programme with Health Assured
• discounts on YMCA day camps, family activities and holidays
• campsite and activity discounts at YMCA Fairthorne Manor
• cycle to Work Scheme
• a welcoming and supportive culture
• opportunities for personal and professional development.

Could you help make Weston Community Library a place where everyone feels they belong?

If you're looking for a role where you can combine your people skills, creativity and organisation to make a genuine difference within your local community, we'd love to hear from you.

Whether you're already experienced in libraries or you're coming from another community, customer service, events or volunteer-focused role, we want to hear from people who can bring enthusiasm, ideas and a genuine commitment to helping others.

Join YMCA Fairthorne Group at Weston Community Library and help us create a community where people can belong, contribute and thrive.

Safeguarding

YMCA Fairthorne Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults who access our services. Successful applicants will be required to complete appropriate safer recruitment and pre-employment checks.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

YMCA Fairthorne Group is committed to creating an inclusive organisation where everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and respect.

We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We want YMCA Fairthorne Group to be a place where everyone feels welcome, respected and able to thrive.

Role details

Job title: Community Co-ordinator
Location: YMCA Weston Community Library, Southampton
Hours: 20 hours per week
Contract: Part-time, permanent