Executive Director (National Parks England)

NATIONAL PARKS ENGLAND; York and North Yorkshire; Remote; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A national environmental organization in the United Kingdom is seeking an Executive Director to lead their strategic efforts in championing national parks across the country. This influential position involves policy advocacy, building partnerships, and managing a dedicated team. An ideal candidate will have experience in public affairs and possess strong leadership and communication skills. The role offers remote working with national travel and a competitive salary package.

Benefits

Salary of £70,000 per annum

25 days’ annual leave, increasing with service

Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience managing a small team and budget.
• Track record in delivering impact in public affairs.
• Proven ability to build consensus among diverse views.

Responsibilities

• Lead National Parks England as the Executive Director.
• Support policy development and political engagement.
• Manage the NPE Secretariat and oversee implementation.

Skills

Management experience

Policy engagement

Strong communication skills

Consensus-building

Networking skills

Job description

Executive Director (National Parks England)

Remote working (with national travel)

National Parks England (NPE) is a not-for-profit company that acts as a collective voice of England’s National Park Authorities (NPA). These organisations provide place-based leadership of the statutory purposes that underpin National Parks. NPE exists to champion the role of NPAs in delivering national priorities, particularly in relation to nature recovery, climate change, and public health and to influence policy, funding, and legislation that supports their work.

NPE are now looking for an Executive Director to join us on a permanent, full-time basis, working 37 hours per week. This role is remote, with travel between National Park Offices and London.

The Benefits:

• Salary of £70,000 per annum
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising annually to 30 days after five years’ service, plus public holidays
• Pension Scheme

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a senior leader with a strong policy, public affairs or strategic influencing background to guide our national organisation and deliver on our profound purpose.

You’ll join us at a defining moment for England’s National Parks, where your leadership will directly influence the landscapes, communities and environments that shape our national identity.

Empowered and entrusted to steer our collective strategy, strengthen our national voice and champion the value of protected landscapes at the highest levels, you’ll be our guiding light throughout the country.

What’s more, you’ll discover this is a rare opportunity to unite diverse perspectives, build national consensus and influence policy that supports nature recovery, climate action and community wellbeing.

So, if you are seeking a truly influential role where you will be able to leave a lasting and visible impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The Role

As our Executive Director, you’ll lead National Parks England (NPE), serving as our most senior employee and Company Secretary, and acting as the central point of co-ordination for the Board and NPE Chair.

You’ll support the Board in developing influential, evidence-led policies and harnessing the collective expertise of all ten National Park Authorities, to ensure our work is aligned, strategic and impactful.

Acting as a key link between National Parks and government, you’ll strengthen our national presence, deepen engagement with political stakeholders and the Protected Landscapes Partnership, and ensure Members have the insight and intelligence needed to navigate evolving government policy.

You’ll lead the delivery of NPE’s influencing strategy, securing investment, tools and powers that support our shared statutory purposes. Overseeing policy development, you’ll co-ordinate national advocacy efforts and ensure the smooth running of our functions and governance.

Additionally, you will:

• Lead and manage the NPE Secretariat
• Oversee the development and implementation of NPE’s policy positions
• Build strong national partnerships with government departments, political stakeholders and key sector organisations
• Promote the role and value of the National Parks with credibility, passion and authority

About You

To be considered as the Executive Director, you will need:

• Sufficient management experience to lead a small organisation of approximately five staff and a budget of around £1 million
• A track record of delivering tangible impact in a policy or public affairs environment through effective engagement and influencing strategies
• Experience leading a team where diversity, inclusion and collaboration are valued
• Evidence of consensus-building skills, with the ability to unite diverse views behind shared positions
• Strong communication and networking skills, with experience of political influencing, including parliamentary processes
• Experience developing trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, including Chairs and Chief Executives
• The ability to advocate for protected landscapes and National Parks with authenticity and passion

Other organisations may call this role Chief Executive, Director, CEO, Managing Director, Director of Operations, Operations Director, Policy Director, Government Affairs Director, or Director of Policy Operations.

So, if you’re ready to guide the national voice of England’s National Parks as our Executive Director, please apply via the button shown.