Community Engagement Officer

Background

Smart Rural Innovation Driven Empowerment (STRIDE)

South West College, alongside a consortium of key partners, has been awarded €3.5 million in PEACEPLUS funding to launch the Smart Rural Innovation Driven Empowerment (STRIDE) programme. The initiative, designed to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities, brings together South West College, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Alacrity, Atlantic Technological University, Leitrim County Enterprise Fund, and Ulster University.STRIDE will operate out of two key innovation hubs—The Workhouse in Enniskillen and The HIVE in Carrick-on-Shannon. With a team of specialist staff embedded within rural communities across Fermanagh, Tyrone, Leitrim, and Sligo, the programme aims to empower local citizens by using cutting-edge digital technologies to tackle societal and economic challenges. The ultimate goal of STRIDE is to enhance the quality of life in rural areas, enabling more effective delivery of social and economic services while promoting long-term community sustainability.

Key Purpose of the Post:

The postholder is responsible to engage with 100+ community, voluntary, education & statutory organisations across Fermanagh, Tyrone, Leitrim & Sligo to secure the involvement of 1000+ rural citizens in STRIDE. To co-ordinate all marketing & promotional activities & 4 annual cross border symposiums. To co-ordinate the involvement of statutory partners to maximise adoption of digital based solutions to social service delivery in the target areas and beyond.