Social enterprise development officer

A social enterprise is a business with a social purpose. The term embraces anything from housing associations and development trusts to healthy living projects or community cafés. The role of the social enterprise development officer is to nurture business ideas to fruition, advising on topics such as creating business plans, raising finance, marketing and liaising with public bodies.

Did you know?
Social enterprises are one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, from high profile businesses such as Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant to housing estate-based recycling projects and community radio stations.

Facts and Figures

  • Starting salary:

    Officers at a regional development agency earn £15,323, but salaries are lower than this in social enterprises themselves.

  • Senior level salary:

    up to £30,000

  • Education:

    No degree is required. Social enterprise development officers need a combination of training and experience.

  • Skills:

    This role would suit a community activist, community development worker, or an experienced member of a co-operative or social enterprise. A commitment to working in a co-operative or socially responsible environment is essential. The ability to listen and communicate is important, to help social entrepreneurs get their ideas off the ground. Previous business experience is an advantage, although not essential.

  • Likely employer type:

    Co-operatives, not-for-profit businesses, local authorities and regional development agencies

  • Opportunities:

    The Social Enterprise Coalition reports that with an ever increasing number of social enterprises being launched, the demand for social enterprise development officers is growing in the regional development, voluntary and local government sectors, as well as among social enterprises themselves.

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