Head of Wilder Communities (Maternity Cover)

Sussex Wildlife Trust; Kemp Town Estate; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental charity in Kemp Town Estate is seeking an experienced leader to drive the Wilder Communities programme. The successful candidate will manage a multi-disciplinary team and develop opportunities that connect people with nature, while fostering collaboration and innovation. Candidates should possess strong project management skills and have experience in engaging diverse communities. This role offers a chance to make a real difference for wildlife and communities, with excellent benefits, including 25 days holiday and a pension plan.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays

Pension contribution from 6%

Life Assurance (2 x Salary)

2 days paid leave for volunteering

Flexible working policy

Enhanced Sick Pay

Employee discounts

Informal car share arrangements

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Drive the Wilder Communities programme and develop engagement opportunities.
• Manage projects and create new opportunities for wildlife action.
• Lead a multi-disciplinary team and foster collaboration.

Skills

Project management

Community engagement

Team coordination

Communication skills

Technology proficiency

Job description

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.

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.

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