Project Manager, Downs to the Sea

We are looking for an experienced Project Manager to lead the Downs to the Sea project - an inspiring initiative that bonds communities, landscapes and biodiversity from the South Downs to the Sussex coast. Made possible by support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Downs to the Sea is a partnership comprising the South Downs National Park Trust, South Downs National Park Authority, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Western Sussex Rivers Trust, Brighton and Hove City Council, and Writing Our Legacy. The partnership will restore and protect ponds and wetlands across the South Downs, in the Arun Valley and at Pagham Harbour, which are some of the most special places in and around the South Downs National Park yet failing to reach their ecological potential. Through engagement activities, the project will reach more diverse audiences, promote health and wellbeing, and develop people's skills and knowledge of the landscape, especially the vital role that water plays in all our lives. Passionate and self-motivated, you will be tasked with coordinating partner involvement and delivering the project's objectives, working closely with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, project partners and stakeholders. You will work closely with the RSPB to oversee and enable key capital works, helping to achieve long-term environmental and heritage benefits. In addition, you will play a vital role in engaging volunteer groups and local stakeholders, ensuring the project fosters team-work and delivers meaningful outcomes. With strong project management experience, you will be able to plan, organise and deliver complex, multi-partner projects, managing budgets and producing/contributing to board and funder reports. Excellent people skills are important, as you will need to work effectively with colleagues, partners and community groups to achieve project goals.

You will need an NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in a relevant discipline e.g. project management, environmental conservation or heritage management. Proven experience in managing large-scale projects in the environmental or heritage sectors is also required.

• Flexible working
• Local government pension scheme
• Healthcare - includes cash plan, counselling and wellbeing discounts
• Access to Health and Wellbeing portal and webinars
• 27 days' annual leave, increasing to 30 days, plus bank holidays
• Professional development
• Cycle to work scheme
• Car pooling scheme
• Use of pool cars
• Regular staff events / activities, which embed the SDNPA's Purposes and Duty