JOB DESCRIPTION CORONATION MEADOWS PROJECT MANAGER TITLE: Coronation Meadows Project Manager [Full-time] Initial period of contract: 15 months with possibility of extension to two years REPORTING TO: Head of Communications and working closely with the CEO REPORTING TO JOB HOLDER: Coronation Meadows Project Assistant OVERALL PURPOSE OFJOB Responsible for the coordination of the Coronation Meadows project: the establishment, promotion and first phase of conservation activities on ‘Coronation Meadows’ - one in each county of the UK - working with a partnership of several conservation organisations including the Wildlife Trusts, the Rare Breed Conservation Trust and others. BASE & TRAVEL: Ideally Plantlife’s headquarters in Salisbury, Wiltshire but we will consider home-based working (with regular visits to the Plantlife office). The role will require some travel in England (particularly to London), Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and manage the relationships that will be essential for the successful delivery of the project: the project partnership Steering Committee and technical group, the organisational partners at national and regional level, land owners/managers of donor and recipient sites, other supporting organisations, sponsors and individuals offering support/resources. Ensure the project is successfully promoted and profile raising objectives are achieved working closely with the Head of Communication and the Chief Executive. A crucial event will be the project celebration launch (June/July 2013) Coordinate the conservation work (process and activities) of the project partnership in securing donor and receptor meadow sites, and to enable management and 1 restoration activities to take place. Overseeing the public engagement element of the project through managing the Project Assistant who will run the project website and the online public inventory of ‘the People’s Meadows’ Ensure good communication is maintained with staff involved in all other projects within Plantlife’s grassland portfolio MAIN DUTIES Develop and manage key relationships: Chair the project Steering Committee and the Technical Group (which provides conservation advice and identifies Coronation Meadows and receptor sites) Ensure the provision of high quality and regular communication to all Steering Committee partners Act as the hub of the project for all partner organisations (national and local); the central point of information, communication, advice and support Coordinate and facilitate effective relationships between owners and managers of donor and recipient sites and the relevant national or local partner leading conservation activities at that site Manage communication with all those offering sites, profile and support so that as many as possible are included and enabled to play a part in the project Working with project partner organisations as needed to assist in negotiating the commitment of landowners to the project and the agreed meadow restoration techniques Support the Chief Executive in all aspects of project liaison Ensure the project is successfully promoted and profile raising objectives are achieved (working closely with Head of Communications) Support the delivery of a successful press launch (May 2013) and major outdoor celebration launch event in (July 2013) Support the roll out the Coronation Meadows brand Provide information on project activities to support local and national media stories and be available to respond to media enquiries Write appropriate materials for use by partners, sponsors, the public and other project supporters Champion the project externally through effective communication with other stakeholders and the public Coordinate the research and conservation aspects of the project with partners: Finalise the list of Coronation Meadows (donor sites) - one in each county working with the Steering Committee Secure the selection of receptor sites for restoration (5 in the first few months, 10- 20 in the first year) working with the Steering Committee, project partners, land owners/managers. Agree principles of restoration for new Coronation Meadows Oversee matching of suitable donor and recipient meadows 2 Maintain a watching brief on restoration progress Managing the public engagement in the Coronation Meadows Project Oversee the management of the Coronation Meadows website, write web content and manage the project assistant in his/her role in updating the website Oversee the development and execution of the online public grassland inventory ‘The People’s Meadows’ and manage the project assistant in his/her role in delivering this inventory General duties Ensure good communication is maintained with staff involved in all other projects within Plantlife’s grassland portfolio: the Road Verge Campaign, Save our Magnificent Meadows, The Patchwork Meadow, and the farmland conservation programme Act as Line Manager for the Project Assistant Produce reports for funders, sponsors, the Senior Management Team and Plantlife Board of Trustees as required Manage the project budget and financial records to ensure cost effective and timely delivery of all project objectives To contribute to Communications Team, Plantlife Staff Team and other internal meetings as required To undertake all such other duties as may be reasonably required by the CEO PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential At least 5 years proven experience in project management Experience of managing a substantial public engagement partnership project Outstanding written and spoken communication skills Experience of successful multi-organisation partnership working Knowledge of rural/countryside issues and the ability to confidently engage with land owners/land managers Ability to find creative solutions to problems, to be influential and persuasive To be a self-starting and positive team player, who is accessible and communicative and strives for excellence Desirable Understanding of UK wild plant/grassland conservation or other wildlife expertise Understanding of conservation priorities and opportunities in pastoral agriculture systems and processes Experience of working in voluntary / NGO sector Current driving licence 3