Social Enterprise Officer

Job Description

DLDC is a community-led local development company working across most of County Donegal. We support people, communities and organisations to create opportunities, build capacity and make a positive difference in their local areas.

We are seeking a Social Enterprise Officer to support the growth and development of social enterprises and community-based organisations across Donegal.

As part of DLDC’s SICAP goal 1 Team, you will work directly with local organisations to understand their goals, identify opportunities and help them overcome challenges. You will provide practical advice, mentoring and development support, helping organisations strengthen their operations, improve sustainability and access new opportunities.

This is a varied and people-focused role that involves building relationships, supporting organisations to access funding, training and other resources, and connecting them with the wider supports available through DLDC and our partners.

The role would suit someone with experience in community development, social enterprise, business support, project delivery, fundraising or a related area. We are looking for someone who understands communities and enjoys working with people, building relationships and supporting organisations to develop and succeed.

• Fixed term contract covering the duration of the SCIAP programme ending 31 December 2028 and is subject to funding.
• Full time 35 hours per week – Monday to Friday.
• A probationary period of six months will apply. Performance in role will be reviewed & supported as part of ongoing one-to-ones.
• The role will be primarily based in the Letterkenny office
• Benefits include: 
  • Travel & Subsistence Allowance 
  • Eligibility for a 6% employer-contributed pension scheme  
  • 25 days annual leave & other leave options 
  • Flexible working arrangements 
  • Hybrid working options post probation
  • Learning and development opportunities  
  • Employee Assistance Programme

1

Social Enterprise Development and Support

• Coordinate the delivery of the Social Enterprise programme of activity for DLDC.
• Support the growth, development and sustainability of existing and emerging social enterprises across the DLDC catchment area, ensuring programme targets are achieved.
• To provide business mentoring support to existing and start-up Social Enterprise
• Supporting social enterprises to:
  • Undertake research on prospective corporate, major, trust and public donors and develop new fundraising ideas, products and events and market them
  • Write reports for trusts and foundations on the use of existing grants and maintain and update donors’ records on a fundraising database
  • Analysing fundraising progress on a monthly or periodic basis
  • Arrange fundraising events and tours of the social enterprise’s projects for potential donors
  • Liaise with external agencies such as telephone or street fundraising agencies
• Support existing social enterprises to review and update their business plans and explore the potential to expand.
• Organise and deliver training, workshops and tailored development supports to meet the needs of social enterprises.
• Provide guidance, learning and support with applications on funding opportunities available through SICAP and other programmes and agencies. 
• Promote and support the implementation of the National Social Enterprise Policy and DLDC’s Social Enterprise Strategy, while keeping up to date with relevant policy, funding, legislative and sector developments.
• Support, develop, monitor, and manage own caseload of Social Enterprise Groups efficiently and effectively in line with good governance and established company and funders procedures and guidelines.

2

Programme Monitoring and Impact

• Ensure that appropriate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are in place to gauge the effectiveness of Social Enterprise work within the SICAP Goal 1 department.
• Research and develop case studies on the impact of the SICAP programme on Social Enterprise.
• Provide oral and written reports to the management and relevant Working Groups on progress and issues of relevance.
• Maintain accurate programme records and monitoring information, including updates to IRIS, SharePoint and other reporting systems, and provide regular updates on activities, outcomes and targets.

3

Partnerships and Collaborative Working

• Develop and promote the Social Enterprise Network and organise networking, outreach and promotional activities to support the growth of social enterprise across Donegal.
• Liaise with key agencies within the County and other networks.
• Participate in both internal and external working groups, committees, teams, networks etc. as are relevant to the Social Enterprise Team/SICAP Goal 1 Team/DLDC.
• To demonstrate a willingness to take on additional duties and work outside schedule as and when required.

Essential Experience

Applicants must be able to demonstrate:

• At least three years’ experience working in community development, social enterprise, enterprise support in the voluntary sector, or a related field.
• Experience of working directly with community groups, social enterprises, businesses or voluntary organisations to identify needs and support development.
• Experience of delivering projects, programmes, training, mentoring or capacity-building initiatives.
• Experience of fundraising, funding applications or supporting organisations to access funding opportunities.
• Experience of building partnerships and working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders.

Knowledge and Skills

Applicants should be able to demonstrate:

• Knowledge of the social enterprise sector, including the opportunities and challenges facing social enterprises.
• An understanding of funding, sustainability and organisational development.
• Strong communication, facilitation and relationship-building skills.
• Strong report writing, administration and record-keeping skills.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a varied workload and meet deadlines.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and online communication tools.
• A commitment to community development, equality and social inclusion.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A relevant third-level qualification in Community Development, Business, Social Enterprise or a related discipline; or  Equivalent relevant work experience.

Other Requirements

• Full clean driving licence and access to a car.
• Permission to work in Ireland.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends when required.

• Experience of working day to day in/with a Social Enterprise 
• Experience in the use of the Department’s Reporting System IRIS.
• Experience of generating trading income – whether in a social enterprise or enterprise setting.
• External experience on community-based committees/boards et al.

DLDC reserve the right to enhance criteria, depending on the response to the advertisement.

A panel may be formed from this recruitment process.