At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives to enhance Dartmoor's resources and sustainability.
- Company: Join the Dartmoor National Park Authority, celebrating 75 years of conservation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexitime, and discounts at visitor centres.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to shape the future of Dartmoor and its communities.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on one of the UK's most beautiful landscapes.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in complex organisations with a focus on sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 71000 - 71000 £ per year.
Dartmoor National Park Authority is seeking a Director of Resources to join our Senior Leadership Team. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we enter a new era for Dartmoor and the Authority. A new Chair and new Chief Executive are leading the Authority into its next period, with a strong focus on transforming the organisation to better support delivery of our new Vision for Dartmoor, our Partnership Plan and Local Plan.
Dartmoor National Park Authority is the body that oversees the vibrant, living, working landscape and communities of Dartmoor National Park. Our vision is to work with others to make Dartmoor alive with nature, a great place to live and work, celebrated for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, carbon negative and providing a warm welcome to all.
We are a small organisation, but our staff, Members and volunteers are committed to making a difference – leaving Dartmoor in a better condition than we inherited it. Dartmoor is a special place, and this is an exciting opportunity to join us at a pivotal moment and help shape the Authority's future.
The Benefits
- Competitive Director-level salary (from £71,000 per annum)
- Generous annual leave and flexitime policies
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to electric vehicle pool car fleet
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Beautiful office location on a National Trust estate, with free parking and café on site
- Discounts at National Park Visitor Centres and car parks
- The opportunity to make a lasting difference in one of the UK's most special landscapes
The Role
Reporting to the Chief Executive and as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Resources will provide strategic leadership across the Authority's corporate resources. This is a broad and influential role, bringing together finance, people and organisational development, commercial activity, communications, IT, property and governance.
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to join the senior team, with a particular focus on ensuring we are developing innovative and sustainable programmes to increase our financial independence and sustainability. You will support our amazing frontline teams to deliver our vision and provide great opportunities for our existing staff to develop and for new routes into working with and for us.
A key priority will be to strengthen the Authority's financial resilience through innovative and sustainable approaches to income generation, commercial activity and asset management. You will also lead the continued development of our corporate services, digital capability and organisational culture, ensuring we have the people, systems and resources needed to deliver our ambitions for Dartmoor.
You will provide strategic advice to the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team and Members, supporting effective governance, financial stewardship, risk management and organisational performance. Subject to qualifications and experience, the postholder may be designated as the Authority's Section 151 Officer or assume other statutory governance responsibilities as appropriate.
About You
We are looking for an experienced and dynamic senior leader with a strong track record of managing complex organisations, leading change and developing people. Ideally, you will bring experience from commercial or charitable backgrounds, great leadership and people skills and a commitment to making us a great employer and leaders in this very special place.
You will bring strong financial, commercial and strategic leadership skills, together with the ability to think creatively and develop innovative approaches to organisational and financial sustainability. You will be a confident communicator and collaborative leader, able to build effective relationships with Members, staff, partners and stakeholders. You will be commercially minded, while understanding the importance of public service and Dartmoor's unique environmental and community context.
Most importantly, you will share our ambition to make Dartmoor National Park Authority a great organisation to work for and help us deliver an exciting new chapter for Dartmoor.
A Unique Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity to join Dartmoor National Park Authority at a pivotal moment and to help shape our future. If you have the leadership experience, ambition and values to help us build a sustainable, high-performing organisation that can deliver for Dartmoor, we would love to hear from you.
Please contact Tom Surrey, CEO (National Park Officer).
Closing date for applications
Monday 28 September 2026 (12 noon)
Dartmoor National Park Authority is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. We believe that the more inclusive our environment, the better our work will be.
Director of Resources employer: Dartmoor National Park Authority
Dartmoor National Park Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in one of the UK's most stunning natural environments. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative work culture, staff are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to the preservation of our historic landscapes. The part-time role of Dartmoor Headwaters Officer not only provides a competitive salary but also allows for a meaningful impact on conservation efforts within the community.
Contact Details:
Dartmoor National Park Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Resources
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Dartmoor National Park Authority, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
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Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Dartmoor National Park Authority and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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We think you need these skills to ace Director of Resources
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Dartmoor National Park Authority and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dartmoor National Park Authority
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Dartmoor National Park Authority, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Dartmoor National Park Authority.
