Far Northern Suburbs Community Builder

Role Description
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About us
Befriend is a Perth-based non-profit nurturing inclusive, connected, thriving communities. We’re currently looking for a warm-hearted community builder to help grow community spirit in the Far Northern Suburbs of Perth!

About Befriend

Since its launch in 2010, Befriend has grown to become a powerful change agent in the space of relationships and inclusion. Our grassroots community building initiatives have sparked 20,000+ West Australians to take action to nurture community connection, and our work in partnership with citizens, community organisations, researchers and government is changing the conversation around the power of community. We’re continuing to develop our capability to contribute towards systemic change.

About the Team

We are a small but mighty team, working in a fairly flat organisational structure, trusting and supporting each other to work autonomously and make informed decisions. We are avid learners, experimenters, collaborators and do-ers. We aspire to develop Befriend as a radically-inclusive, participatory organisation that values the contributions of all, and acts with intention to create spaces for autonomy, connection, growth and fun!

Local Context & Position Purpose

Befriend has been active in the Far Northern Suburbs (Currumbine to Two Rocks) for over eight years. During this time, our work has been focused on nurturing a social ecosystem, supporting local people to start groups, host gatherings, and build strong friendships. What began as small seeds of connection has grown into a vibrant, locally-led network of community groups & initiatives, woven together through strong community relationships and local leadership.

We have observed that the community culture is now evolving into an exciting new phase of our journey together. With a strong foundation in place, the focus is shifting from growth to sustainability. This next chapter is focused on strengthening what already exists, supporting local people to grow their leadership, deepen relationships, and build the capacity of the community to carry and shape its own future through mutual support, peer-learning and self-organised, informal collaboration.

This role will work alongside another Community Builder in the local area; Lee Graf, who has lived in the community for the last 27 years, and volunteered and worked with Befriend for the past 8. Together with Lee, you’ll support existing and emerging social group Hosts, and strengthen the sustainability of the local community network.

Key Responsibilities

  • Relationship Building – Develop genuine, strengths-based relationships with local residents from diverse backgrounds, listening deeply to their interests, values and hopes, and exploring possibilities for community life together.
  • Facilitation – Design and facilitate inclusive learning spaces (workshops, roundtables, small group conversations) that build confidence, skills and shared understanding of community-building practices.
  • Capacity Building – Support community members to recognise and grow their gifts, step into leadership, support each other, and contribute meaningfully to local initiatives.
  • Community Storytelling & Promotion – Create and share engaging content across platforms (social media, newsletters, and print formats) to celebrate community activity, invite participation, and amplify local voices.
  • Learning & Co-valuation – Work with community members to capture stories and data that reflect personal and community change, contributing to team learning, continuous improvement, and demonstrating impact to partners and funders.
  • Team Collaboration – Work in close partnership with Lee and the broader Community Building Team, bringing your unique strengths while contributing to a shared vision and approach.

What the Work Looks Like (in Practice)

Whilst no two days at Befriend are the same, over time, we expect this role will involve:
  • Meeting with local residents, organisations and networks to explore community-led ideas
  • Supporting individuals and groups to design and grow community-connecting initiatives
  • Facilitating conversations, workshops and peer co-learning spaces
  • Connecting people with shared interests, complementary strengths or common purpose to support one another on their community journeys
  • Supporting grant applications, partnerships and local opportunities
  • Developing and sharing engaging invitations that resonate with people from various backgrounds and comfort levels
  • Documenting insights, learnings and outcomes
  • Working in rhythm with your co-Community Builder to support a wide range of local activity
  • Contributing to a mutual learning culture across Befriend’s broader Community Building Team

Who This Role Might Suit

The Far Northern Suburbs is looking for someone who is warm, relational and community-minded. Someone who enjoys bringing people together, while also knowing how and when to step back and support others to lead the way forward! You might be:
  • A natural connector who builds trust easily across diverse ages, backgrounds and life experiences
  • Someone who is open-hearted, curious and grounded in the belief that everyone has something to offer
  • Self-directed and organised, with the ability to manage your time and priorities
  • A collaborative team player who values shared learning and mutual support
  • A clear and engaging communicator, confident across written and digital platforms
  • Comfortable using tools such as social media, Canva, Mailchimp, Asana and Google Suite
  • Flexible and available to connect with community at varied times (including some evenings/weekends)
  • Highly connected within the Far Northern Suburbs, and knowledgeable about the community through living, working, studying or spending time locally
As this community continues to grow and evolve, we’re particularly interested to hear from people who can help us reach and resonate with a broader cross-section of the Far Northern Suburbs community. This may include:
  • An ability to reach and engage effectively with younger adults and young families
  • Having deep firsthand experiences of living in the Far Northern Suburbs and an understanding of how people connect in this area today
  • Confidence in using social media in a way that feels authentic, engaging and community-oriented
  • Helping more men feel welcomed, represented and invited into community life
We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive team, and we encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply.

Position Details

  • Part-time position (0.5FTE) on a fixed-term contract to 30/06/2029, with the possibility of extension
  • Salary $80,085 pro rata, plus 12% employer superannuation contribution
  • Optional salary packaging of up to $15,900 in tax-free pay per year
  • Four weeks annual leave plus bonus Christmas leave period
  • A supportive, values-driven team environment
  • Flexible, self-directed working arrangements

Here is what the community in the Far Northern Suburbs have to say about their involvement in our community building network

“I have a sense of purpose in life, just by being involved and being supported“
“I’m learning to share my skills with others”
“I’m making friends, I’m more sociable and I feel a sense of belonging. I now join in conversation more confidently”
“I have kept myself isolated since I had a stroke. Now I’m in a group, learning new things, and meeting people who are friendly. It’s made a big difference”
“I have more confidence in public speaking, and I enjoy new friendships”
“I am seeing my strengths to help people learn new skills”

Contact Us

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