DEVELOPMENT LEAD - CHALK STREAMS IN THE CITY (MATERNITY COVER)

Reports to:

Engagement Manager

Purpose:

 Responsible for:

Location:

Lead the development of the Trust’s Engagement Strategy and delivery
application as part of the development phase of Chalk Streams in the City
funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Volunteering Officer, Contractors, Partners, Volunteers

Hybrid work at home and in the office based in Leatherhead with travel
across the South East, particularly South London and Surrey. Minimum twice
monthly office attendance in addition to site visits and attendance at
external meetings.

SERT is seeking an experienced and passionate Community Engagement professional with
a  strong  background  in  volunteer  management  to  provide  maternity  cover  for  the
Development Phase of the Chalk Streams in the City project.

This National Heritage Lottery-funded initiative aims to revitalise four rare urban chalk streams
across London - restoring 75 km of vital habitat and inspiring 20,000 people through hands-on
restoration, citizen science, and educational outreach. Your role will lead the Development Phase
of this ambitious project and involve comprehensive project management, including coordination
of SERT staff and external partners like Wild in the City and Twinkl Publishing Limited.

A key responsibility will be to lead the development of SERT's first Engagement Strategy - a
blueprint for inspiring, engaging, and empowering communities across Southeast England to
connect with, value, and protect their rivers long after this project ends. To support this, you’ll
oversee a consultation programme with key stakeholders, including volunteers, supporters,
schools, and online audiences.

In parallel, you will manage the Volunteering and Engagement Programme in London, directing
the Volunteering and Engagement Officer in delivering events and citizen science activities aimed
at enhancing community involvement. Finally, you will lead the development of the Trust’s
Delivery Application to the Heritage Fund, co-creating the project with partners and ensuring it
includes a robust Activity Plan and budget.

Although temporary, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to build highly valuable
experience in strategic project management, collaborative programme design, and large-scale
funding development - making a significant contribution to river conservation while strengthening
your CV and future career prospects.

This project is made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National
Lottery players.

Key duties & responsibilities

1.  Leadership of Chalk Streams in the City
▪  Ensure the successful execution of the Chalk Streams in the City Development Phase according

to the approved application and budget.

▪  Cultivate and maintain strong external partnerships to ensure a smooth transition into the

▪

Delivery Phase.
Implement best practices in project management, including regular project board meetings,
meticulous budget oversight, milestone tracking, and proactive risk management.

▪  Coordination of contractors responsible for digital marketing, audience development, activity

▪

planning, evaluation, and market research during the Development Phase.
Identify and foster opportunities for project expansion through collaboration with eNGOs,
government agencies, businesses, volunteers, local communities, and other stakeholders.
▪  Be responsible for compiling all necessary documentation, including a comprehensive Activity

Plan and a well-structured budget for the submission of the Delivery Phase application.

2.  Development of Volunteering, Education and Outreach Strategy
▪  Plan and execute a series of consultation events to gather insights from volunteers,

supporters, web users, and schools, shaping SERT’s strategy.

▪  Develop and test new events and programmes based on consultation feedback, collecting

valuable data to refine the strategy and inform the Delivery Application.

▪  Work closely with Wild in the City on the pilot of Nature Connectors with chalk streams,

engaging people of colour with nature.

▪  Assist the Engagement Manager in crafting a Funding Strategy, with an emphasis on expanding

corporate volunteering and sponsorship opportunities.

3.  Leadership of the Trust’s Volunteering and Engagement Programme in London
▪  Manage the Volunteering and Engagement Officer, providing effective leadership and support

to ensure their professional growth and success.

▪  Oversee the Volunteering and Engagement Programme for London, ensuring the delivery of

high-quality, safe, and impactful events for volunteers, fostering strong community
involvement.

▪  Oversee the management of the Trust’s citizen science programmes in the London.

Person specification
Essential
✓  Hold a relevant degree or have significant experience in a relevant area. e.g., geography,

environmental science, community engagement.

✓  Proven track record in leading community engagement initiatives, particularly in

environmental or conservation projects.

✓  Extensive experience in volunteer management, including organising practical, outdoor events

and citizen science programmes relating to river conservation.

✓  Demonstrated success in managing projects, including budget management, milestone

tracking, and risk management.

✓  Proven ability to develop and maintain partnerships with external organisations, including

NGOs, government agencies, and businesses.

✓  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire

diverse audiences.

✓  Ability to develop and implement strategic plans, including the development of new initiatives

and funding strategies.

✓  Familiarity with chalk streams and their ecological importance.
✓  Have strong IT skills (email, Excel, Office, PowerPoint).
✓  A full driving license and access to a vehicle insured for business use.

Desirable
✓  Line management experience.
✓  Experience of National Heritage Lottery Funding for £250k+ applications.
✓  Experience securing grants or business sponsorship through corporate initiatives.