Head of Campaigning and Programmes

The Woodland Trust is looking for a Permanent Head of Campaigning and Programmes to lead our work mobilising public support for our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature.

The Head of Programmes and Campaigning leads our UK-wide campaigning activity and several strategic delivery programmes including, but not restricted to, Trees For All, Woods Under Threat and Free Trees for Schools and Communities. The post holder will manage the teams delivering these campaigns and programmes and is responsible for achieving ambitious targets to mobilise both new and existing supporters and deliver strategic programme objectives. As a Senior Leader, the role will contribute to the development and implementation of the Trust’s strategy, supporting the success of the Trust and its objectives. The post holder will work closely and collaboratively at all levels within the Trust to achieve this. This is a hybrid position with a mix of home working, and from our head office in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Head office attendance would be required between 6 and 8 times per year. Occasional travel to other offices and remote locations as well as overnight stays may also be required. This is a permanent, full time position.

The Candidate:

• Passionate about nature recovery, climate action, and equitable access to trees and green spaces, with a strong commitment to the charity’s mission, values, and ethical principles.
• A sound understanding of campaigning and supporter mobilisation processes and of the role of campaigning as part of broader integrated influencing strategies and tactics.
• An experienced, competent and empathetic senior leader with a proven ability to inspire and develop a growing team.
• A proven organised, systematic approach to project and programme management with the ability to demonstrate working collaboratively across different teams to achieve successful outcomes.
• A skilled and experienced relationship builder, with the proven ability to build, develop and influence a range of audiences and represent the Woodland Trust at a senior level internally and externally.
• Experience identifying, developing and leading campaigns, including partnership campaigns, ideally within the voluntary sector.
• Highly developed influencer with demonstrable experience of effective collaboration with stakeholders at a variety of levels within complex organisations.

Benefits and Wellbeing:

Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:

• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave – 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time)
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

About Us:

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity. We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees. People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply. Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application Advice:

For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and we do not ask for your CV at application. Make sure that you answer the Application Questions to show your relevant skills and passion for the role. Even if you don’t meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply.

Acceptable Use – Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications—for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please contact recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk.

Apply Now:

If you’re ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it’s a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete. For queries relating to this new opportunity please email recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk.

Interviews will take place across 2 stages: 1st Stage – Wednesday 2nd September, MsTeams, Interview 2nd Stage – Friday 18th September, location TBC, stakeholder session + Q&A.