Communities and Outdoor Education Manager

Suffolk County Council; Haverhill; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading community-focused organization is seeking a Communities and Outdoor Education Manager to spearhead innovative outdoor education programs aimed at improving health and wellbeing. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership and communication skills, relevant qualifications, and a passion for community development. This position offers a salary of £33,000 - £35,000 per annum, benefits including a multisite membership, and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Multisite membership

Discounted multisite membership for a cohabitant

Free child swims

Annual leave entitlement

Pension scheme with NEST

Career development opportunities

Westfield Health Benefits

Qualifications

• Experienced in outdoor education and community development.
• Committed to equity and inclusion.
• Knowledgeable about outdoor learning best practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and evaluate outdoor education initiatives.
• Oversee food education programmes.
• Collaborate with local organisations and schools.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Relevant Outdoor Education qualifications

Health Coaching Qualification

Forest School qualifications

Job description

Overview

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Job Description

• Employer: Abbeycroft
• Address: Across West Suffolk and Babergh, Suffolk
• Salary: £33,000 - £35,000 per annum
• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent. Required as soon as possible
• Reference: 0444

Are you passionate about connecting communities with nature and empowering people through outdoor learning? We’re looking for a motivated and visionary Communities and Outdoor Education Manager to lead our outdoor education team in innovative programmes that promote health, wellbeing, and inclusion within outdoor spaces.

We’re looking for someone who is experienced in outdoor education, community development and stakeholder engagement. A confident leader with excellent communication and project management skills. Committed to equity, inclusion, and the power of nature to transform lives. Skilled in partnership working and managing grant funded projects. Knowledgeable about safeguarding, risk management, and outdoor learning best practices and safeguarding.

Your responsibilities

As Communities and Outdoor Education Manager, you'll be responsible for designing, delivering, and evaluating a range of outdoor education and community engagement initiatives as well as overseeing our food education programmes. You'll work collaboratively with schools, local organisations, and local authority partners to create accessible, inspiring experiences in green spaces that support physical and mental wellbeing.

You will need

• the ability to work between the hours of 7am - 8pm
• a DBS enhanced disclosure will be required for this post.

Qualifications

• Relevant Outdoor Education qualifications (essential)
• Forest School qualifications (desirable)
• Health Coaching Qualification (desirable).

We are a not-for-profit social enterprise and registered Charity- with a £11 million turnover and all profits are reinvested in the services we provide.

We generate £7.8 million of Social Value per annum in West Suffolk wards alone and we work as part of the wider "Suffolk System" as a willing and trusted partner to complement existing services and activity.

We manage 12 facilities on behalf of West Suffolk Council and Babergh District Council and have local reach in 10 communities across Suffolk.

We develop and sustain initiatives that focus on improving the health and wellbeing of those communities

Benefits

• a multisite membership
• a discounted multisite membership for someone that lives with you
• free child swims (not lessons)
• annual leave entitlement
• a pension scheme with NEST
• opportunities for career development and progression.

We also offer Westfield Health Benefits which include Mental, Physical health and financial support, a 24/7 DoctorLine™, access to Togetherall and generous Highstreet discounts and cashback.

How to apply

To apply please email a copy of your CV and a covering letter FAO Alison to [e-mail]

Closing date: 5 pm, 16 October 2025.

Interview date: week commencing 20 October 2025.

About the Team

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