Head of Wilder Communities - Maternity cover

Sussex Wildlife Trust; England; On-site; GBP 41,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization in the UK seeks a Head of Wilder Communities to drive its engagement programme connecting people with nature. This strategic role requires strong leadership, project management experience, and the ability to engage diverse communities. The successful candidate will lead a multi-disciplinary team and contribute to the goals of the new strategic plan, 'Our Wild Sussex.' The role offers competitive benefits, including 25 days holiday, pension contributions, and flexible working.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays

Pension - company contribution from 6%

Life Assurance

2 days paid leave for volunteering

Flexible working policy

Enhanced Sick Pay

Employee discounts

Qualifications

• Strong background in project management and strategic development at a senior level.
• Proven ability to engage with diverse communities.
• Experience in team coordination and management.

Responsibilities

• Drive the Wilder Communities programme at Sussex Wildlife Trust.
• Lead a multi-disciplinary team of officers.
• Manage current projects and create new engagement opportunities.

Skills

Project management

Team coordination

Community engagement

Communication skills

Strategic development

Innovative thinking

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Databases

Job description

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Job Title: Head of Wilder Communities

Location: The Keep

Salary: £40,015

Contract Type: fixed term (maternity cover)

Hours: 35hrs per week

Closing Date: 18th December 2025

Interview Date: Week commencing 5th January 2026

Sussex Wildlife Trust

To deliver our new strategic plan - Our Wild Sussex - we need people with bold and innovative ideas to help us to achieve our ambitions for local wildlife and wild places.

We are committed to restoring and protecting at least 30% of Sussex land and sea for nature, inspiring one in four people to take meaningful action for wildlife, building a stronger more inclusive and diverse organisation and becoming a net zero and climate resilient organisation.

We are looking for the best and most talented people to join our team and help us deliver this exciting and ambitious strategy. We are keen to hear from you even if you don't have all the skills and experience outlined in the Job Description but have the potential to grow into a role.

So, if you are someone who is determined to see a Sussex rich in wildlife and you have drive, energy and commitment to our values of Innovation, Passion, Collaboration and Inclusion why not apply now to join our great team, working together to deliver Our Wild Sussex.

To champion wildlife and natural places everywhere in Sussex and inspire people to take action for nature we need to embrace a variety of perspectives by involving more people from diverse backgrounds. Younger people and people from ethnically diverse communities are currently underrepresented in our organisation and across the conservation and environment sector and we are therefore particularly interested in hearing from people from these groups. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete you application or hear about the role of a Youth Action Officer.

The Role

We are looking for an inspiring leader to drive the Wilder Communities programme at Sussex Wildlife Trust. This is a strategic role delivering an ambitious engagement offer that connects people with nature and supports our long-term vision. You will Lead and continue to develop the Wilder Communities programme, ensuring it delivers high-quality, inclusive engagement opportunities. Take a strategic approach to planning, balancing long-term vision with practical delivery. Manage current projects and create new opportunities that inspire action for wildlife. Lead a multi-disciplinary team of terrestrial, marine, and youth engagement officers, fostering collaboration and innovation. Lead and develop strategic opportunities for our volunteers. Work across directorates to embed engagement within wider conservation projects and support the grants team by developing and contributing to funding bids that enable growth and sustainability. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives on building partnerships, shaping strategy, and motivating teams to make a real difference for wildlife and communities.

The Person

We are seeking an experienced leader with a strong background in project management and strategic development at a senior level. You will have a proven ability to engage with diverse communities, recognising the importance of inclusive approaches such as working in partnership, co-creating projects, and developing successful funding bids. You will bring experience in team coordination and management and be confident in supporting colleagues across the Trust with advice and innovative ideas to help shape engagement projects that align with our long-term ambitions of meeting the goals within the Our Wild Sussex Strategy. Excellent communication skills, verbal and written are essential and the ability to use a range of technology effectively including databases and Microsoft Office 365. A valid driving licence is required.

We are looking for people who are committed to our values of inclusion, collaboration, passion and innovation and have heaps of enthusiasm for wildlife and our work.

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS with Barred List check

Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays each year (pro-rated for part time staff)
• Pension - company contribution from 6% and employee contribution of 3%
• Life Assurance - Pension Scheme Members 2 x Salary, Non-Pension Scheme Members 1 x Salary
• 2 days paid leave for volunteering each year
• Flexible working policy
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• EAP
• Employee discounts
• Informal car share arrangements

For more detailed information see what we offer page in the Recruitment Pack.

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may close the vacancy early so please get your application in as soon as possible.

Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete you application or hear about the role.