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