Head Of Wilder Learning

Sussex Wildlife Trust

Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) is a conservation charity for everyone who cares about nature in Sussex. We focus on protecting the wonderfully rich natural life that is found across our towns, countryside and coast. By working alongside local people we create opportunities for us all to connect with nature and for nature to thrive in even the most unlikely places.

We are now in a critical decade for change to protect and restore nature with the help of more people taking action for wildlife. Now is the time for an ambitious action plan to match the scale and urgency of the challenges we are facing. Our new Strategic Plan – Our Wild Sussex – will be launched in April and sets out our vision and commitment to turning the tide for wildlife so that by 2030, nature in Sussex will be in recovery.

To deliver our new strategic aims, we have recently completed a comprehensive restructure of the charity to align to our goals. This restructure has generated a suite of new roles and opportunities which will enable us to achieve our ambitions of restoring and protecting at least 30% of Sussex land and sea for nature, inspiring one in four people in Sussex to take meaningful action for wildlife, building a stronger more inclusive and diverse organisation and becoming a net zero and climate resilient organisation.

In order to encourage diversity and inclusivity within the environment sector, we particularly welcome applications from people who have an ethnically or geographically diverse background, who are non-graduates and/or are living in economically deprived areas

The Role

Reporting to the Director of Communities, this exciting new role will enable Sussex Wildlife Trust to deliver effective action for wildlife in Sussex by leading and overseeing the Wilder Learning programme and managing the Wilder Learning team. This role will take a strategic approach to ensure delivery of an inspiring programme, including Forest School and Wild Beach training and events and courses. As a member of the Trust’s cohort of Senior Managers, this role work with the Senior Leadership Team to provide the overall leadership of the organisation.

The Person

We are seeking an experienced professional to lead our Wilder Learning Programme and team to deliver our strategy. You will be experienced in leading and managing effective and inclusive programmes of learning in the outdoor environmental education sector.

We are looking for someone who is proactive and highly organised, with great communication skills that can build relationships with all key stakeholders, both internal and external. You will have excellent and proven people leadership skills to engage and inspire the Wilder Learning team.

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