Living Landscapes Development Manager
Introduction
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust is a charity whose mission is to create an environment
rich in wildlife for everyone. The Trust comprises both the charity and a whollyowned subsidiary, Middlemarch Environmental Limited (MEL), which provides
professional ecological consultancy services and creative ecological solutions across
the UK. In 2013, the Group (i.e. Trust and MEL) had a turnover of £5.0 M and a
combined staff of more than 100 employees supported by 700 volunteers.
The post holder will capitalise on the mutual and synergistic strengths of both the
charity and subsidiary to generate opportunities for the large scale creation of Living
Landscapes in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull.
Warwickshire is home to many natural wonders ranging from stunning grasslands
and wetlands to some of the best ancient woodlands in the Midlands and the classic
heart of England landscape made famous by Shakespeare. We have a diverse
range of urban, suburban and rural habitats. The Trust cares for 60 nature reserves
and aims to influence others to look after and enjoy nature wherever they live or
work.
Wildlife conservation at a landscape scale has never been more urgent or more
topical, it is enshrined in national policy through the Natural Environment White
Paper 2011 and the England Biodiversity Strategy. Therefore the more efficiently
and effectively the Trust can manage the expertise across the group the more we
can achieve for nature and people in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull.
In this context Living Landscapes has two related aspects: (i) the development of
large areas of restored or recreated natural habitat where nature, business and
people co-exist to common benefit, and (ii) the linking of natural places together
across the entire county, including built areas.
We’re looking for a natural entrepreneur who will capitalise on the unique opportunity
that exists within the charity and MEL to deliver Living Landscapes in Warwickshire.
An inspirational champion for this approach you will be able to stimulate support for
Living Landscapes in all sorts of audiences by promoting the environmental, social
and economic benefits of nature conservation at this scale, and you will be able to
convert this interest into direct support for the creation of Living Landscapes on the
ground.
We’ll look to you to enthuse partners which are new and additional to those with
which the Trust (particularly the charity) has traditionally engaged, at much more
ambitious scales than previously attempted. You’ll need to be motivated by big
challenges, a natural salesperson and lively communicator who inspires trust and
interest from the first moment.
Ed Green, Chief Executive, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
Living Landscapes Development Manager
Job Description
Accountable to:
Chief Executive, WWT
Location:
Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Coventry
Salary:
£32,650 (Grade 4b: £30,600 - £32,650)
Liaison with:
Managing Director MEL, WWT senior management team
Numerous external organisations, businesses and individuals
Responsible for:
Delivery of Living Landscapes via established funding relationships
and partnerships, via delegation to the Living Landscape Manager
Hours:
Full time, 35 hours per week
Job Purpose:
Generate a step change in the creation of Living Landscapes in Warwickshire, Coventry and
Solihull by stimulating new sources of support for the Trust’s strategic plan.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Planning for landscape scale conservation in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull
1.1. Identify opportunities for the creation of Living Landscapes at specific sites and
across the full range of habitats
1.2. Commission, from a wide variety of clients, targeted feasibility studies for the
creation of Living Landscapes
1.3. Ensure these feasibility studies establish detailed costs and benefits for work which
generates maximum ecological return
2. Creating leads and opportunities which bring these plans to reality
2.1. Research the priorities and needs of a wide range of organisations, businesses and
individuals
2.2. Direct the planning for landscape scale conservation so that it meets the priorities
and needs of these audiences
2.3. Stimulate direct support for the creation of Living Landscapes within these
audiences
3. Champion the concept and benefits of Living Landscapes to new audiences
3.1. Seek contact with organisations, businesses, individuals and landowners which are
additional to those with whom the Trust has traditionally liaised
3.2. Champion the benefit of Living Landscapes to these new audiences, and then:
3.3. Stimulate direct support for the creation of Living Landscapes within these
audiences
4. Ensuring significant expenditure of funds on large scale habitat creation and
restoration
4.1. Convert this new support for Living Landscapes into direct action on the ground,
either directly by others or through the offices of the Trust and/or MEL
4.2. Prepare annual budgets, work programmes and reporting requirements for the
Living Landscapes team.
5. Coordinating Middlemarch’s assistance
5.1. Ensure the full range of technical expertise and professional contacts at MEL is
used in carrying out these functions
6. Line management of the Living Landscape Manager
6.1. Through delegation oversee the delivery of Living Landscapes delivered through
established partnerships and traditional funding mechanisms especially, but not
exclusively, grants from the Lottery, Landfill Tax credits and charitable foundations
6.2. Through delegation oversee the contribution by the Trust to established
partnerships supporting Living Landscapes (e.g. Local Wildlife Sites panel, Local
Biodiversity Action Plan, Local Nature Partnership, river catchment partnerships
etc.)
7. To contribute to the Senior Management Team contributing to the overall
management, planning and development of the Trust’s activities, fostering
continuous improvement within the Trust.
8. General Responsibilities
8.1. Promote the work, mission and vision of the Trust at all appropriate times.
8.2. As part of the Trust’s senior management team, contribute to the overall strategic
management of the Trust’s resources and activities.
8.3. Use every opportunity commensurate with other duties to contribute to the Trust’s
membership recruitment, fundraising and engagement of people.
8.4. Ensure a high level of customer service in all dealings with the public.
8.5. Ensure continuous development of skills and knowledge required for the post,
undergoing training and performance review as required by the Trust.
8.6. Work within all the policies and procedures of the Trust, ensuring own compliance
with the Trust’s health and safety policies and procedures and that of any
resources for whom you are responsible.
8.7. Work at all times within the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s Equal Opportunities Policy
and to promote equal opportunities.
8.8. Comply with all legal and contractual obligations concerning the responsibilities of
your post.
8.9. Supervise and support volunteers as appropriate to your role.
8.10. Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the level of responsibility
of the post, as requested by the Chief Executive.
Person Specification
Experience
Nature conservation advocacy and delivery
Developing and managing a diverse programme of projects
Establishing productive working relationships with new partners
Successful track record of substantial fundraising for conservation
Working with volunteers
Working in a charity
Knowledge
Degree level qualification or equivalent
Sound multi-discipline background with an understanding of ecology,
landscape character, historic environment, land management, access and
recreation
Knowledge of the key mechanisms of achieving a landscape-scale
conservation
Membership of a relevant professional organisation
Skills
A natural champion for Living Landscapes able to harness the commitment
and enthusiasm of a wide range of people with many varying priorities and
disciplines
A clear record of engaging individuals and organisations in nature
conservation work
The ability to form and maintain productive relationships at a high level
A range of communication skills suitable for many different types of
audiences
A talent for thinking flexibly and creatively
Ability to develop services for others, responding to their needs and external
opportunities
Project and programme management skills
Strong presentational and negotiating skills, occasionally in adversarial
situations
Ability to use IT effectively
Strong strategic thinker
Personal Qualities
Engaging representative for the Trust
Excellent interpersonal skills
High level of commitment and enthusiasm for protecting and restoring the
natural environment
Enjoyment of dealing with people
Imaginative and resourceful
Sound judgment with a calm, confident, mature and pragmatic approach.
Determination to succeed
A commitment to the role of charities and the voluntary sector in society
A clean, current full driving license
Ability to work flexibly out of office hours, occasionally at short notice
Essential
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GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THE POST
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust was established in 1970 and now manages some 58 nature
reserves, has 23,500 members and is supported by more than 650 volunteers. The Trust is
the largest local conservation charity working across Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull.
Our main purpose is to promote the interests of wildlife, wild places and the natural
environment for the wider benefit of society, people and local communities.
The Trust is also a member of the network of 47 Wildlife Trusts covering the whole of the
UK, the Isle of Man and Alderney. We are working for an environment rich in wildlife for
everyone. With more than 800,000 members, we are the largest UK voluntary organisation
dedicated to conserving the full range of the UK’s habitats and species whether they be in
the country, in cities or at sea. More than 150,000 of our members belong to our junior
branch, Wildlife Watch. We manage around 2,300 nature reserves covering more than
90,000 hectares; we stand up for wildlife; we inspire people about the natural world and we
foster sustainable living. Last year, we reviewed more than 70,000 planning applications The
Wildlife Trusts have a vision to create A Living Landscape and secure Living Seas for the
whole UK.
Further information on the Trust can be found on our web site:
www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
Selection and Assessment
The candidates who appear to best meet the person specification will be invited to attend for
interview. We recommend that applicants pay particular attention to demonstrating how they
meet the person specification on the application form.
The assessment will consist of an interview designed to give candidates an opportunity to
demonstrate their skills and suitability for the post. Details will be sent to short-listed
candidates.
The interview process will take place on 4th November 2014 at the Trust headquarters.
Appointment
All our offers of employment are made, subject to some pre-employment checks including:
Satisfactory References, Checks on eligibility to work in the United Kingdom, Checks on
relevant certificates. Due to the anticipated level of contact with children or other vulnerable
members of society involved with this role, a satisfactory Criminal Records
Bureau/Independent Safeguarding Authority check is required.
Salary
Your initial salary will be based on your skills, knowledge and experience, and progression
will be based on your performance. You will be paid monthly in arrears by credit transfer to a
bank or building society account.
Location
This post will be based at the Trust’s offices at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre. Employees
may be required to work at other Trust or non-Trust sites from time to time. The successful
candidate will be expected to travel to visit reserves and other sites around the county; some
reserves are in remote locations and many include rough terrain as an integral part of their
character. The role will involve some lone working.
Hours of Work
Our employees work a 35 hour week (full time). In view of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s
work, employees can be called upon from time to time to work a reasonable period outside
of the set hours. No overtime will be payable.
Holiday Entitlement
Our holiday year runs from January to December. Full time employees get 25 days holiday
per year plus bank holidays. For permanent members of staff this increases to 28 days after
3 years and 30 days after 10.
Pension
You will be automatically enrolled in the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Stakeholder Pension
Scheme if you meet the eligibility criteria, though you may opt out. Both the Trust and
employee contribute 3% of salary to the scheme.
Notice
If you choose to leave the Trust you will be required to give two months’ notice.
Equal Opportunities
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust is committed to equal opportunities and appoints on merit. We
welcome applicants from all sections of society regardless of gender, sexual orientation,
race, disability, marital status, age and religion, perceived community background or political
beliefs.
CVs
Please be advised that CV's cannot be accepted on their own and will not be considered if
submitted without a completed application form. A completed Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
application form only will be accepted.
Responding to Applications
Thank you for showing an interest in this job and for taking the time to apply. Unfortunately,
due to administration costs borne by the charity, we regret that only short-listed candidates will
be contacted. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date then please
assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
The purpose of this information is solely to provide prospective candidates with details relating
to the post. It may not be construed as an offer of employment, nor does it form part of the
contract of employment or the role profile.