Nature-based Learning Programme Development Manager (KTP Associate)

Advert

This post is currently open to employees of Cardiff University only. Please do not apply if you do not have a current contract of employment with the University.

Internal Applicants Only – Nature-based Learning Programme Development Manager (KTP Associate)

School of Psychology

We have an exciting new opportunity available to work with Cardiff University and WWT, the charity for wetlands and wildlife, on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership focusing on the award-winning programme – Generation Wild.

Generation Wild is a nature connection programme for schools, children and families from economically disadvantaged communities. The programme has been running successfully for the last three years and we are now entering an exciting new phase.

Over the next two and a half years, the successful applicant will work to evidence the impact of the programme, helping secure further funding so it can continue to be offered free of charge to disadvantaged communities. They will identify new paying audiences and adapt the programme to meet their needs, helping to secure the long-term future for this distinguished programme. Join us as we inspire the next generation of nature lovers.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) provide an opportunity for graduates to undertake strategic projects in a partnership with universities and industry. The role offers an opportunity to work directly with industry and develop research and commercial skills, and is a great chance to manage a challenging, real-world project and to implement strategic development within an innovative company.

About KTP

Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a Government-supported initiative, enabling graduates to manage strategic projects in a partnership with universities and industry. KTP enables an Associate to:

• Fast-track their career.
• Gain project management skills.
• Become proficient in business practices.
• Be part of a World Class University.
• Get relevant training via a bespoke personal development programme.
• Attain a management qualification and possibly a higher degree.

The post offers bespoke training (residential and online training with KTP and through the company), mentoring and supervision. To find out more go to Graduates – Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (ktp-uk.org)

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Merideth Gattis (GattisM@cardiff.ac.uk).

The post is full time 37.5 hours per week) and fixed term for 30 months . The Associate will be employed by Cardiff University and located within Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Glos.

Salary: £38,000 – £41,000 per annum (Plus completion bonus)

Closing date: Wednesday, 16 July 2025

External applications are currently not being considered for this post. If the decision is made to open the post to external candidates, the strapline at the top will be removed and you will be given ample time to apply – please check back periodically for details.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment – Research – Cardiff University

Job Description

To evidence the impact of Generation Wild, WWT’s nature connection programme for schools, children and families in disadvantaged communities. To diversify the delivery and funding model to ensure the programme can continue to benefit as many young people and families as possible whilst remaining financially sustainable.

General

• Project Leadership and Management: Take ownership of the KTP project and oversee all project management including research governance, research ethics and accurate financial records, reporting regularly to the Local Management Committee.
• Innovation and Improvement: Design and launch new or improved evaluation tools and learning programmes.
• Knowledge Transfer: Act as the link between Cardiff University and WWT, transferring and embedding the latest academic thinking into the organisation.
• Collaboration: Work closely with academic supervisors, company supervisors, company staff and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the project is successful.

Evidencing impact

• Gain an understanding of current research in the education, environmental and health fields and the methodologies commonly used through reviewing and synthesising existing research literature.
• Develop a tool to assess Generation Wild’s impact on participants’ i) nature connection; ii) care and concern for nature; iii) health and wellbeing
• Disseminate the findings across the environmental, education and health sectors and to relevant government bodies and departments.
• Engage with University research activities as appropriate.

Development of new delivery and funding models

• Identify new paying audiences for the Generation Wild programme and consult with them to understand their needs and willingness to pay.
• Develop and implement new delivery models that work for these new audiences and are financially self-sustaining.
• Work with the WWT marketing team to effectively promote these to the intended audience.

Other

• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications And Education

• Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area or equivalent relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant experience within one of the following research fields:
• Environmental psychology
• Environmental education
• Nature connection
• Developmental psychology
• Experience conducting relevant statistical analyses

Communication and Team Working

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of team, considering, coordinating and balancing the different needs and perspectives of a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently to identify and resolve problems and to deliver targets in a timely manner.
• Strong written communication skills, including writing reports for a range of audiences.
• Strong presentation skills, including presenting research findings and new delivery ideas to a range of audiences.
• Strong IT skills including the ability to communicate effectively through digital channels e.g. Teams, Zoom etc.

Desirable Criteria

• A good understanding of the environmental education sector and the aims of nature education / connection programmes.
• Experience of evaluating nature education / nature connection programmes including a good understanding of research and evaluation methods used to measure nature connection, care and concern for nature and human health and wellbeing.
• Proven ability to publish in international journals and/or other research outputs.
• Experience working with children and disadvantaged groups.
• Basic knowledge of business models for product development and marketing and the ability to identify new market opportunities and develop new programmes to take advantage of these.

Salary Range Min.

38,000

Salary Range Max.

41,000

Job Category

Academic – Research, Technical

Grade

Grade 4 #J-18808-Ljbffr