Business Development and Social Enterprise Officer – PEACEPLUS
Organisation: Greysteel Community Enterprises
Reference Number: DSEO/001
Closing Date: Monday 17th August 2026 at 12 noon
A project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programme Body (SEUPB). A project supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)
1.0 Job Description
Job Title: Business Development and Social Enterprise Officer – PEACEPLUS
Reference Number: DSEO/001
Organisation: Greysteel Community Enterprises
Location: The Vale Centre, Clooney Road, Greysteel, Co. Derry,BT47 3GE
Hours: Part-time (16 hours per week)
Salary: £34,434.00 (Pro Rata)
Contract Period: To 29th March 2029
Probationary Period: 6 months
Reporting to: Programme Manager Manager, but will also be required to attend Board Meetings to deliver progress reports.
To download the application pack please use the below link:
Download Application Pack
2.0 Project Background
Greysteel Community Enterprises (GCE) developed and manage the Vale Centre, a social-economic hub of Greysteel and surrounding areas. The Centre boasts a range of business and community spaces, including playing fields, indoor hall, meeting rooms and fitness suite. Further information available at https://thevalecentre.co.uk/.
GCE has been successful in its funding bid under PEACEPLUS Investment Area 4.2 ‘Rural Regeneration and Social Inclusion’.
The GROWTH Project (Growing Resilience, Opportunities & Wellbeing, Through Healing) is a new and truly innovative project, developed jointly by Greysteel Community Enterprises (GCE) (Lead Partner), Creeslough Community Association (CCA) and Developing Healthy Communities (DHC) (Project Partners).
The project focusses on building stable, peaceful, cohesive, and prosperous cross-community/cross-border relations between the rural communities Greysteel (NI) and Creeslough (ROI) - two areas which have and are continuing to deal with the impact of tragic events within their communities.
The project focusses on the following four themes:
- Social Enterprise
- Health and Wellbeing
- Rural Enterprise/Tourism
- Capacity Building
The anticipated benefits from this project includes:
- Enhanced/improved cross-community and cross-border relationships, social inclusion and integration;
- Physical/mental health improvements through development of sustained positive social determinants of health;
- Underused/derelict rural physical and green spaces rejuvenated for community use;
- Enhanced opportunities for shared learning/working together within/between communities contributing to increased community capacity and empowerment for future co-working, collaboration and peacebuilding work;
- Focus on developing skills and human capital associated with sustaining Social Enterprise;
- Opportunities to showcase both areas as ones of hope and resilience with the capacity to attract visitors/tourists to stimulate economic regeneration.
Programme of Activity
A complementary programme of activity (encompassing separate programmes relating to the core themes) will be delivered to animate and engage people in shared spaces and develop innovative solutions to identified need. Programmes, focussed on the aforementioned themes, will allow for meaningful, sustained cross-community, cross-border contact.
This project is supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). It represents a funding partnership between the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
3.0 Purpose of Role
The Business Development and Social Enterprise Officer will play a strategic role in maximising the long-term sustainability, utilisation and social impact of the GROWTH Project through the development of the Vale Centre Dome and wider social enterprise opportunities.
Working closely with the Programme Manager, project partners and key stakeholders, the postholder will lead on developing the Dome as a vibrant, financially sustainable and widely utilised community and events venue. The role will focus on identifying new users, developing partnerships, generating earned income and creating opportunities that contribute to long-term community resilience and economic regeneration.
The postholder will also support the development of social enterprise initiatives across the partnership, helping identify opportunities that create employment, generate income, strengthen local enterprise and contribute to lasting peace and prosperity within Greysteel, Creeslough and the wider region.
The role will work with community organisations, businesses, statutory agencies, sports organisations, tourism bodies, health organisations and other stakeholders to maximise the social, economic and community benefits arising from the project and ensure the long-term sustainability of its investment.
3.1 Key Duties Responsibilities
The responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
Venue Development & Sustainability
- Develop and implement a sustainable business development plan for the Vale Centre Dome.
- Identify opportunities to maximise utilisation of the Dome throughout the year across community, commercial, sporting, cultural and tourism markets.
- Develop pricing structures, booking opportunities and packages that maximise income while maintaining community accessibility.
- Identify new market opportunities and innovative uses for the Dome.
- Monitor venue performance, occupancy and income generation, making recommendations for continuous improvement.
- Support the development of operational procedures that ensure the venue operates efficiently and sustainably.
Partnership Development
- Build and maintain relationships with sports clubs, governing bodies, promoters, schools, community organisations, tourism providers, statutory agencies and businesses.
- Develop partnerships with health organisations, local authorities, education providers and regional organisations to encourage regular use of the Dome.
- Identify opportunities for collaborative programming and joint initiatives that increase participation and venue utilisation.
- Represent the project at networking events, conferences and partnership meetings.
Social Enterprise Development
- Support the development of new and existing social enterprise initiatives across the partnership.
- Identify opportunities to generate sustainable income that supports long-term community benefit.
- Work with partner organisations to strengthen business planning, sustainability and enterprise development.
- Identify funding, investment and partnership opportunities that support future growth.
- Promote innovation and entrepreneurship that contributes to social inclusion, rural regeneration and community prosperity.
Business Growth & Opportunity Development
- Research emerging opportunities for further project development, investment and diversification.
- Prepare business cases, concept proposals and development plans for future initiatives.
- Identify opportunities for expanding services, activities and enterprise opportunities beyond the lifetime of the project.
- Support the development of strategic partnerships that strengthen the long-term resilience of partner organisations.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
- Engage local communities and stakeholders in identifying opportunities for enterprise development.
- Work collaboratively with project partners to ensure enterprise activities complement wider programme objectives.
- Promote awareness of the Dome and wider social enterprise opportunities through networking and stakeholder engagement.
- Develop relationships with local employers, enterprise agencies and economic development organisations.
Monitoring & Reporting
- Monitor venue utilisation, income generation and enterprise performance against agreed targets.
- Prepare reports on business development activity, partnerships and social enterprise outcomes.
- Collect evidence demonstrating economic, social and community impact.
- Contribute to project monitoring, evaluation and sustainability reporting.
General
- Ensure compliance with organisational policies and PEACEPLUS requirements.
- Participate in Project Board, Steering Group and partner meetings where required.
- Undertake any other duties within the scope of the post as may reasonably be required.
4.0 Person Specification
4.1 Qualifications & Experience
Essential Criteria
- Experience of developing or managing community assets.
- Experience in identifying opportunities to increase income, participation or organisational sustainability.
- Valid driving licence and access to a form of transport which will allow the full requirements of the post to be met and is insured for use when travelling on work duties.
Desirable Criteria
- A recognised third-level qualification (in Community Development, Social Enterprise, Business Development or related field).
4.2 Key Competencies
Business Development
Ability to identify and develop new opportunities that generate income, strengthen sustainability and maximise community benefit.
Social Enterprise Development
Understanding of social enterprise principles and the ability to develop initiatives that balance commercial viability with social impact.
Strategic Partnership Working
Ability to build productive relationships with businesses, community organisations, statutory agencies and regional stakeholders.
Stakeholder Engagement
Ability to engage a wide range of organisations and develop collaborative opportunities.
Opportunity Identification
Ability to identify emerging funding, investment, enterprise and development opportunities.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Ability to identify creative solutions that contribute to economic regeneration, peacebuilding and community prosperity.
Planning & Organisation
Ability to manage multiple development projects and priorities effectively.
Communication & Presentation
Ability to present ideas and opportunities clearly to partners, funders and stakeholders.
Monitoring & Performance Management
Ability to monitor utilisation, income generation and enterprise performance using evidence to inform future development.
How to Apply
To download the application pack please use the below link:
Download Application Pack
The full, completed application will consist of:
- Completed Application Form; and
- Completed Equality and Opportunities Monitoring Form.
Completed applications must be submitted by email only to valecentredome@gmail.com before 12 noon on 17th August 2026.
Please include ‘Business Development and Social Enterprise Officer Application’ in the subject line of the email.
Late or incomplete application forms will not be accepted.
