Durham Area Lead

About the role

The Durham Area Lead will be embedded within County Durham, working directly with local communities, organisations and coalitions to shape just and regenerative futures. Reporting to the Emerging Futures team, you will help steer the regional programme’s strategy, partnerships and funding decisions.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and nurture relationships with local authorities, universities, funders, businesses and grassroots groups.
• Provide strategic direction on funding, partnership models and programme design for the Durham strand.
• Translate research, learning and practice into actionable place‑based initiatives.
• Support and protect community‑led projects, helping them scale and sustain impact.
• Contribute to the Regional Team’s culture, strategy and cross‑regional knowledge sharing.

Required profile

• Resident of County Durham with deep knowledge of its economic, social and political context.
• Interest in solidarity economy, community wealth building and regenerative development.
• Proven ability to build and steward complex, purpose‑aligned partnerships across public, community and private sectors.
• Strong strategic insight and experience in place‑based programme delivery.
• Excellent communication and collaborative skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• Permanent full‑time contract (35 hours per week).
• Competitive salary of £57,239 per year.
• Opportunity to influence transformative social change in Durham.
• Supportive, mission‑driven work environment.