Development Officer

DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
12 month Fixed Term Contract to Cover Maternity Leave
Full Time (35 Hours per week)
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Salary £24,500 - £27,000 per annum depending on experience
Based at The Frances Hay Centre, Banbury, Oxfordshire

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development work of Dogs for Good, and is an interesting and varied role, working closely with the Research & Development Manager and members of the training department teams, as well as external collaborators.  The Development Officer supports the inclusion of research and evaluation into the development of all projects as well as current services to enable an evidence-based approach to service delivery and development.  Here the role involves assisting with the evaluation of current services, gathering and analysing data to assess effectiveness, and contributing to the creation of new initiatives.  The Development Officer may also research potential new development opportunities and services, which may involve collaboration with other organisations.

In addition to the research component, the Development Officer can be involved in practical trialling and testing of new ideas, which can mean working hands-on with dogs, volunteers, and clients who have a range of needs.  These projects may be based around any of the services currently offered by Dogs for Good.  The role may also assist in training and supporting staff to deliver new projects, as well as supporting them in applying research findings and evidence-based practice.

Applications will be considered from people who are able to demonstrate research experience including data collection and analysis, as well as experience working with people with varying needs, showing a commitment to a person-centred approach.  Ideally applicants will also have some practical dog training and handling experience and be able to demonstrate knowledge of the field of Assistance Dogs and Animal Assisted Services.  Personally, the successful candidate will be creative, keen to learn and challenge their own thinking, analytical, self-disciplined and have a flexible approach.  They must be a strong team player, demonstrate good people skills, and enjoy a varied role.

The role can be home based, ideally within an hour’s travel to our Banbury centre, and available to attend on average once a week.  The role will also involve regular travel to other project locations.

Accompanying dogs in the charity’s vehicles is part of the job, so a full driving licence is preferred but, where applicable, we will work with the chosen candidate to find alternative solutions where reasonable adjustments are required.

Dogs for Good have a generous contributory pension scheme, death in service benefit and an income protection plan, after a qualifying period.  Employees are entitled to 25 days holiday per year (plus Bank Holidays), which increases with every five years’ service completed up to a maximum of 31 days holiday after 20 years’ service.  Dogs for Good is committed to staff continuing their learning and CPD is regularly reviewed.

If you are interested in the role, please visit the Current Vacancies page on the Dogs for Good website, where full application instructions can be found.

Applications for the vacancy will close at noon on Thursday 31 October 2024.

In person interviews will take place on Monday 11 November 2024.  These will be at our Banbury site and will involve a formal interview and practical elements.

The interview date cannot be altered, so please ensure you are available for interview on this date.