The Dartington Recreation Association (DRA) is looking for someone to help make Meadowbrook Community Centre and Pavilion a vibrant, sustainable hub at the heart of the community. We'd love to hear from you if you're interested.
- Pay
- £15 per hour
- Hours
- Around 15 hours a week, worked flexibly
- Length
- 12-month contract
- Basis
- Self-employed, not an employed post
- Closing date
- Friday 13 November 2026
Please note: this is not a job
This is a freelance contract, more like a sole-trader project than employment. You'd invoice the DRA for your time and look after your own tax and National Insurance. There's no holiday pay, sick pay or pension. In return you get a lot of freedom over how and when the work gets done.
We'll talk with everyone who gets in touch before going any further, so we can both be sure the arrangement suits you.
What it's about
Meadowbrook Park, its buildings and facilities are run by a team of volunteer trustees, backed by a wider network of community volunteers. The Community Building has two tenants, a brewery and a pizza restaurant. The Pavilion is home to a sauna, a masseuse and the football club. The upstairs rooms are only hired now and then, so there's plenty of room to grow.
The role will build up community activities and events, strengthen partnerships, improve communication, grow and support the volunteer network, and create more chances for people to take part. It will also help Meadowbrook earn more of its own income.
The main tasks
- Make the most of Meadowbrook Community Centre and Pavilion so they meet local needs and bring in sustainable income.
- Be a key point of contact for community groups, partner organisations and tenants, and build good working relationships with them.
- Develop and deliver a programme of community events, shaped by what local people say they want and need.
- Improve communications and promotion so Meadowbrook becomes known as the heart of the community.
- Put simple, effective systems in place for recruiting, coordinating and thanking volunteers.
- Coordinate monthly volunteer days that make practical improvements to the community centre and pavilion.
Who we're looking for
You'll need:
- Training or a qualification in community engagement or development, volunteer management, or events
- Experience in grassroots or community-led organisations
- Experience of supporting and coordinating volunteers
- Experience of organising and delivering community events
- The ability to work well with trustees, volunteers, community groups and partners
- An understanding of the needs and challenges facing local communities, and of good practice in working with volunteers
- An adaptable approach, a strong sense of initiative and the ability to work on your own
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills, and a passion for helping communities thrive
It would be great if you also had:
- A degree in community development, community engagement, charity management or a related subject
- Experience of developing sustainable projects, or of spotting and developing ways to generate income
- Experience of capital improvements or building projects
- Knowledge of the Totnes and Dartington charity sector and local community organisations
How to express interest
Email us at contact@meadowbrookdartington.org by Friday 13 November 2026. You don't need a formal application. A short note is plenty, covering:
- a little about you and why the role appeals
- your relevant experience (attach a CV if you have one to hand)
- whether working on a self-employed basis suits you
- the best way and time to reach you
After the closing date we'll get in touch to arrange an informal conversation. If you'd like a chat before you write, just email and ask.