Job Description

Salary

Circa 30,000 per annum

Contract type

Fixed Term

Location

Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6AD (Agile; approximately 2 days a week from our office)

This is a fixed term

,

12-months, full time vacancy.

The VacancyThe Community Engagement Officer will play a crucial role in delivering the Dementia Community Champions (DCC) programme for Alzheimer's Research UK (ARUK). Launched in 2022, the programme aims to disseminate dementia information to underserved communities who face barriers in accessing health and research information and are at higher risk of dementia. The programme to date has focussed on South Asian communities, working in Leicester, Nottingham and Derby. In 2026 the programme will expand into Black African and Black Caribbean communities in East London. With the programme expanding, the Officer will have significant scope to support, shape and develop this important area of work.


Dementia Community Champions are volunteers trained by Alzheimer's Research UK to deliver events in their communities to increase knowledge and understanding of dementia, brain health and dementia risk factors. They also emphasise the importance of taking part in research in their local communities.


They do this by, attending training sessions run by the team, holding events to share dementia information, sharing leaflets and other resources, speaking to local people about their experience of dementia and signposting them to appropriate support.


In the role as Community Engagement Officer, you will assist in the recruitment, training and support of the volunteers to deliver their activities and events. We are looking for a confident and friendly, organised and proactive person to join the team. You'll be part of the Information & Involvement department, whose mission is to improve understanding of dementia and the diseases which cause it and encourage and support the public and people affected by dementia to get involved in research. The department forms part of the Policy, Communications & Involvement directorate and works closely with colleagues both within the directorate and across the charity.


This is a 12-month FTC.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Day to day support of volunteers

Assist in the recruitment and management of DCC volunteers, ensuring a smooth onboarding process and volunteer journey. Act as a point of contact for DCC volunteers, providing guidance, support, and timely responses to their enquiries. Empower volunteers by helping them build skills and confidence to talk about dementia and dementia research, and to engage effectively with their audiences. Plan, facilitate, and deliver monthly online meetings. This includes coordinating with volunteers, arranging logistics, addressing queries, and liaising with internal stakeholders.

Comprehensive admin support

Provide comprehensive administrative support for the programme, including assisting volunteers in organising and evaluating their events. Collect key metrics from the programme to monitor progress and evaluate activities. Maintain relevant files and documents, ensuring accurate recording of data and adherence to GDPR.

Support the delivery of Dementia Community Champions in underserved communities.

Assist in the development and delivery of DCC training and ongoing support to volunteers to hold their own events. Act as a champion for DCC across Alzheimer's Research UK, effectively communicating the importance, successes and challenges of the programme. Share insights and support colleagues across ARUK in their efforts to reach underserved communities. Collaborate with the DCC Manager to produce ongoing evaluation of the programme. Proactively suggest new initiatives and continuous improvements.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Science graduate or equivalent level of education (biomedical or biological subject) or equivalent level of worked experience. Experience of discussing health or research with the public. Experience of communicating complex health information in a simple and accessible way. Awareness of current topics in dementia and dementia research Understanding of GDPR and information governance. Demonstrated experience in providing comprehensive administrative support for programmes or initiatives. Experience of working with and supporting volunteers. Experience of partnership working with external organisations to deliver programmes. Project and events coordination experience. Effective written and spoken communication skills. A confident, friendly, and professional attitude; would feel at ease representing the charity to a range of audiences. Willingness and ability to travel independently in the UK and occasionally to work outside of regular office hours when needed. Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise responsibilities, and meet deadlines effectively, especially in a fast-paced environment. The willingness to learn and understand about dementia and dementia research and be able to use learning to effectively train others on topics of diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Willingness to work collaboratively with colleagues across different departments, as well as external stakeholders and volunteers, to achieve common goals. Openness to adapting to changing circumstances and priorities, as well as flexibility in approach when working with diverse communities and volunteers. Ability to understand and empathise with individuals affected by dementia, as well as volunteers who may have personal connections to the cause. Dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the programme and ensuring that all volunteers feel valued and respected regardless of their background.


The closing date for applications is the

1st June 2025

, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

The Charity

Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.


There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer's Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

The Benefits

It is important to offer a range of benefits which are designed to meet both the organisational and individual needs, are market competitive and designed to attract and retain employees.

Holiday entitlement

Healthcare

Sick pay

Pension

Cycle to work scheme

Family friendly policies

Learning & development

Documents

Community Engagement Officer - FTC - Download