Programme Manager

Raise: Cumbria Community Forest
It takes a community to raise a forest

Launched in 2021 and covering 1385 square miles, Raise: Cumbria Community Forest hugs the western edge of the Lake District National Park and stretches from Carlisle in the north to Barrow-in-Furness in the south.

We are a growing collective of foresters, artists and academics, working with communities, landowners and regional policymakers to make a difference.  Together, we plant trees and create new woodlands, meaningfully engaging with communities who face the greatest barriers to accessing nature and green spaces. Our aim? To increase economic, environmental, health and social benefits, resulting in a positive impact on both people and nature.

Raise: Cumbria Community Forest is a member of England’s Community Forests – collectively, the work of 15 community forests has formed the largest environmental regeneration initiative in England - and we are part of the Community Forest Trust, a national registered charity.

The Programme Manager is a new role which lies at the heart of our organisation.  The Programme Manager will focus on developing our current processes and procedures to create a strong operational framework within which our whole team can thrive.  In particular, the role will be responsible for the co-ordination and administration of all our programme delivery and site pipelines, ensuring that all activity is aligned with funding agreements.  In addition, the role will operate a central office function accessible to our team working across Cumbria. There’s also the opportunity to get out of the office to work with our foresters and local communities across Cumbria to plant trees and create a legacy.  It’s an exciting time to join our organisation.

The successful candidate will have proven experience in a similar project or programme management role, preferably within the environmental or charitable sector though this is not essential.

The ability to work as part of an agile and dynamic multidisciplinary team is a must, as well as strong project management skills including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

We are of course passionate about the environment, so the postholder must be committed to the benefits of woodland creation and community engagement.

The perks:

• Competitive rates of pay
• Hybrid and flexible working
• 25 days annual leave per year, plus bank holidays
• An enhanced pension scheme
• In-house training opportunities

To apply, please submit your full CV and a covering letter detailing your relevant skills and experience.

If you would like to discuss the role or our Organisation further you are welcome to contact James Cobbold (Director) by email.

The closing date for this advertisement is 28th June 2024 with interviews expected to be held 9th July 2024.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applicants from all sections of the community.