Community Outreach Officer

Job description

We’re pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a Community Outreach Officer to join the parkrun team, based in South Africa. parkrun is a health and wellbeing charity and our vision is to create a healthier and happier planet. Since our conception in 2004, parkrun has evolved into a global social movement with a vibrant and inclusive community at its core. As of 2024, we have recorded over 100-million instances of walking, jogging, running, and volunteering. Our mission is to transform lives by empowering people to be active and outdoors in their local community; and to protect parkrun for the generations to come. Each and every weekend, we deliver free, weekly timed 5k events that people from all backgrounds can join in. By tackling barriers to participation, we encourage communities to come together and embrace regular physical activity. Now in its 22nd year, parkrun spans over 2,800 locations in 23 countries with more than 11 million people registered, and counting. And we have really only just begun. What this role is all about The community outreach officer will build genuine relationships in underserved communities across South Africa, and lay the groundwork for new parkrun events in townships and areas with limited access to free recreational opportunities. The focus is squarely on communities where physical activity is hardest to come by, and where a free, local, weekly 5k event can make a real difference to health and happiness. Working closely with our country manager and our incredible network of local volunteer ambassadors, this person will: Lead outreach initiatives to grow the number of parkrun events in underserved areasBuild trust and lasting relationships with community groups, local partners, schools, clinics, NGOs, and government stakeholders, including the national department of healthSupport new event teams from first contact right through to launch day and beyond, including recruiting and training volunteer event directors and core volunteer teamsWork with municipal parks departments to secure suitable venuesRepresent parkrun at community events, forums, and conferencesGather insight from communities to help shape how we grow, including understanding local barriers to participationMentor volunteer teams and help build leadership capacity within communitiesWhy it matters Every parkrun event is powered by volunteers and rooted in community trust. Growing into new, underserved areas takes patience, relationship-building, and someone who genuinely understands the communities they’re working with. This role exists to do exactly that work, opening doors so that more people, regardless of where they live or their starting fitness level, can experience the simple joy of a free Saturday morning parkrun. The details Contract: Fixed-term, 6 months subject to renewalHours: Full-time (37.5 hours/week), with evening and weekend work requiredLocation: Johannesburg-based (open to relocation), three days a week in our Parktown office (Mondays compulsory), with extensive travel to target regionsBenefits: 25 days paid annual leave plus public holidays, approved business travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the parkrun SA travel policy. Operational support, skills development through ongoing training and skills development, flexible working arrangements, and the chance to make a genuine difference in underserved communities as part of a global movement.If you’re passionate about community building, physical activity, and making parkrun accessible to everyone, we’d love to hear from you. How to apply Carefully read through the full job description here.Submit a tailored CV and covering letter as a single combined PDF, using the file upload link here. Your covering letter should explain why you’d like to work at parkrun and highlight the skills or accomplishments that make you a strong fit.This combined PDF document should; be saved as your full name, include all contact details including your phone number.The deadline for applications is  Friday 21 August 2026 If you have any specific questions with regard to the role or require reasonable accommodation to complete your application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [[talent@parkrun.com]] Please note: You will receive a notification once your combined CV and covering letter has been submitted via the file upload link. Files sent will be used solely for the purposes of recruitment. Files will be deleted 12 months after the selection process has concluded. Please see our privacy policy for more information.

Requirements

Community engagement Develop and implement a community engagement strategy and outreach programme that identifies priority underserved communities, grows the number of parkrun events within them, and increases participation among target demographicsBuild grassroots trust and strong, lasting relationships with the parkrun volunteer community, local event teams, ambassadors, community groups, partners, and key local contacts, particularly those working with target groups where outreach can have the greatest impactLiaise with the national department of health and other government partners, and build partnerships with local organisations, schools, clinics, NGOs, and municipal parks departments to promote participation and secure appropriate venuesRepresent parkrun at community events, meetings, conferences, and forumsHelp develop resources and content to support outreach efforts Apply by email: talent@parkrun.com