Join us protecting the UK's oaks - An exciting new job opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a confident and inspiring Programme Leader, that will work with our Committees to set the future direction for the Action Oak initiative over the next three years, and lead the work to realise those ambitions. 

About Us

Woodland Heritage (www.woodlandheritage.org) is a unique charity (no. 1041611) uniting tree people to “put something back” and to contribute to the proper management of British trees. We are also one of the leading partners in a new, collaborative public-private initiative called Action Oak (www.actionoak.org). 

Launched at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2018, Action Oak aims to lead research into the growing threats to our native oaks, and work with owners and managers of oak trees and woodlands across the UK to protect their long-term future.  Action Oak has a Steering Committee of eleven high profile, public and private partners, and three sub-committees that bring together the expertise of many more organisations.

The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a confident and inspiring Programme Leader, that will work with our Committees to set the future direction for the Action Oak initiative over the next three years, and lead the work to realise those ambitions. 

Our Programme Leader must be a strategic thinker, with a passion for the environment, proven experience of leading large programmes as well as planning fundraising campaigns and building impactful partnerships. The Programme Leader will also manage the Action Oak Project Manager on a day-to-day basis.

By joining our team, you will be instrumental in ensuring that our nation’s oaks continue to have a prominent place in our landscape, enriching our environment, economy and society.

Job Description

• To work with the Steering Committee to develop a strategic direction for the initiative for the next three years, and lead the delivery of the resulting programme of work.
• To design and implement fundraising campaigns and build successful relationships with philanthropic organisations and businesses
• To act as an advocate for Action Oak, developing the profile and reach of the initiative and explaining how research can translate into real-world outcomes for our nation’s oaks
• To review the existing research portfolio, identify research priorities and pursue opportunities to secure further investment in oak related research.
• To monitor and report progress and financial outcomes to the Action Oak Steering Committee and Chief Executive of Woodland Heritage
• As Action Oak’s senior staff member, the Programme Leader will also provide support and direction for the Project Manager

Line Management

The Programme Leader will report on a day to day basis to the Chief Executive of Woodland Heritage and will be required to comply with the working policies and procedures of Woodland Heritage; The work programme for Action Oak will be agreed with its Steering Committee and Chair.

Personal Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Experienced programme leader with a track record of setting a strategic direction and delivering large initiatives or projects, involving multiple partners and stakeholders
• Experience in fundraising, philanthropic giving, driving successful funding outcomes and managing budgets and programme finances
• Demonstrable interest and passion in the natural environment, particularly trees, gained from previous roles in this sector
• Confident oral communicator and influencer, who can drive and develop impactful relationships with stakeholders, research partners and funders
• An experienced team leader with strong organisational skills who can work proactively and inspire a team.
• IT literate (Google Workspace, MS Office Word, PowerPoint and Excel).

Desirable Criteria:

• Awareness of policy challenges in the tree sector e.g. government tree planting ambitions and threats from climate change and pests and diseases
• Experience of working within a related charity, government or private sector
• Understanding of the UK research environment and researcher funders
• Educated to HND level or above in an environmental/biological discipline.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Salary:

£40,000 for 28 hours per week, a pension contribution in accordance with the Pensions Regulations, plus reasonable expenses.

Location

Nationwide

Duration:

The post will be for an initial period from 01 January 2023 to 30 September 2025, with a six-month probation period and annual performance appraisal. The post is part-time with 24 days’ annual leave plus eight days of Public Holiday.

Application:

CV and letter to actionoak@woodlandheritage.org

Deadline: 7^th November 2022