Job Description Learning & Engagement Manager Reports to Director of Water, Land and Catchments Responsible for To lead and champion the Trust’s expertise in engagement, education, and volunteering - driving how we influence, inspire, and empower people and communities to value and protect rivers across the South East. Hybrid work at home and in the office based in Leatherhead with occasional travel across the South East. Location The role We are seeking a strategic, experienced, and passionate Learning & Engagement Lead to shape and lead the Trust’s education, volunteering, and community work. This key leadership role focuses on ensuring our engagement activities are effective, inclusive, and impactful - helping people connect with, care for, and champion their local rivers. You will set the direction for community engagement, building capacity, embedding best practice, and guiding the Trust’s approach across all relevant initiatives. A central part of the role is developing and implementing our Engagement Strategy, including supporting the team through a period of community consultation and pilot projects that will shape the future of our outreach. You will oversee the development and delivery of programmes that reflect best practice, are evidence-based, and responsive to emerging opportunities, funding, and partnerships. This includes expanding our education offer, volunteer programmes, and outreach work to ensure they contribute meaningfully to the Trust’s broader environmental goals. Collaboration across the organisation will be essential to ensure engagement is fully integrated into the design and delivery of our work on the ground. The South East Rivers Trust (SERT) is a busy, charitable organisation, consisting of approximately 40 employees and 10 Trustees, working across the rivers in the South East of England. Our rivers flow through a mixture of urban and rural locations, benefiting people’s wellbeing and pleasure, which we want to protect and enhance. We work to improve our rivers through education and practical conservation; we are looking to actively grow our team to deliver practical work, to improve water quality and to enhance natural beauty for all. Key duties & responsibilities 1. Leadership of Engagement, Education, and Volunteering • Oversee the development and implementation of the Trust’s first Engagement Strategy – spanning Volunteering, Education and Outreach – embedding expertise and delivering long-term resilience and impact. • Oversee the successful development phase of our new National Lottery Heritage Fund project - Chalk Streams in the City. This project will revitalise four urban chalk streams in London and has engaging local communities at its heart. Newly developed educational programmes for schools, citizen science training, and outreach events will connect thousands of people with these rare natural treasures. • • Lead the growth of the Trust’s community engagement and education function by identifying new opportunities, developing partnerships, and securing funding to expand the Trust’s reach and impact. • Embed best practice and continuous improvement across programmes ensuring consistency, innovation, and relevance. • Oversee the evaluation and learning from engagement programmes supporting the team to measure impact, share and adopt insight. • Work closely with other teams to ensure engagement is integrated across the Trust’s wider conservation work. • Work closely with the H&S Manager and Safeguarding Lead to ensure all engagement activities are planned and delivered safely and appropriately. • Build and maintain relationships with funders, partners, and stakeholders to strengthen the Trust’s reach and sustainability. • Represent the Trust externally as required as a champion for education and community-led conservation. 2. Staff Leadership, Mentoring and Support • Lead the Working with Communities Team through a transitional phase in line with the Trust’s plans for growth, line managing the team. • Continue to support staff beyond direct line management through mentoring, coaching, and professional development - ensuring a consistent culture of learning, collaboration, and high-quality delivery. • Maintain an inclusive and supportive working environment across staff and volunteers - promoting wellbeing, safety, and equity in all engagement activities. 3. Support SERT’s mission and values. • Actively engage and support the work and growth of SERT, delivering the Trust’s vision, mission, and core values. • Other duties as commensurate with the role. Person specification Requirements Training & Experience Proven experience in leading and delivering outdoor community engagement, environmental education and volunteering programmes. Demonstrated ability to set strategic direction and embed good practice across functional areas or programmes. Experience of successfully leading a team and managing staff. Track record in successful fundraising and securing income, especially through trusts and foundations. Experience working with a broad spectrum of communities, particularly those currently underrepresented in environmental action. Experience of partnership working and stakeholder management, including funders and delivery partners. Knowledge & Understanding Understanding of risk assessment and H&S requirements for public and volunteer engagement activities. Knowledge of the rivers and communities of the South East and the environmental challenges they face. A good understanding of the funding streams appropriate for engagement and education activities and experience of Lottery funding. Skills & Personal Attributes Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence, inspire, and engage a range of audiences. Strong project and programme management skills, including planning, monitoring, and evaluation. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in engagement work. A positive ‘can do’ attitude with a passion for inspiring people to connect with and protect the natural environment. Miscellaneous Commitment to equality of opportunity. Happy to work some weekends and evenings, particularly through months April – September, with time off in lieu. Essential Desirable X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Current driving licence and vehicle which can be used for work purposes, and happy to drive a van. Suitable, safe home working environment. X X