At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead funding strategies for the Western Forest, ensuring sustainable income and impactful green initiatives.
- Company: Join a pioneering project creating the first new national forest in over 30 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days leave, pension, training, and social events.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative project connecting communities and nature while making a real environmental impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising and finance management is essential; passion for sustainability is a plus.
- Other info: This role offers hybrid working and requires travel across the Western Forest area.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50146 £ per year.
This is a rare, unique and exciting opportunity to take a lead role in developing the programme and setting the strategic path for the Western Forest – the first new national forest in over 30 years. The Western Forest is a brand-new programme launched, with national and Ministerial profile, in March 2025. The Forest will support over 2.5 million people, cultivating a greener, more connected future by creating a landscape with trees and woodlands at its heart. The Western Forest will deliver landscape scale change and real green investment, connecting people and nature across three regions – Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the West of England (including North Somerset).
The Western Forest’s Head of Funding and Green Finance will drive, direct and manage the delivery of a diverse range of funding sources to deliver the new national forest. They will ensure the development of sustainable income streams and models of delivery by 2030. This role will be responsible for the development and delivery of the Western Forest’s fundraising strategy to generate £13mn or more in additional income over the next five years to ensure effective long-term delivery of our strategic plan.
Reporting directly to the Western Forest Director, the Head of Funding and Green Finance plays a key role, helping to set the direction for the Western Forest.
Salary: £50,000-50,146, with annual pay review
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week, with flexible working hours
Contract: Permanent
Location: Bristol with the option of hybrid working. Travel and meetings across the Western Forest area and working at partner offices will also be required.
Benefits include: Staff pension, Employee Assistance package, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, volunteering days and staff training and social events.
Closing: 5pm on Monday 30th June 2025
Interview: Week commencing 14th July
Head of Funding and Green Finance - Western Forest employer: Forest of Avon
Contact Detail:
Forest of Avon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Funding and Green Finance - Western Forest
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the green finance and environmental sectors. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, or webinars to meet potential colleagues and stakeholders who can provide insights into the role and the Western Forest initiative.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with current trends in green finance and funding strategies. Understanding the latest developments will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment and expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with local communities and organisations involved in environmental projects. Building relationships with these groups can provide valuable insights into funding needs and opportunities, which is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss innovative funding models that could be applied to the Western Forest project. Showcasing your creativity and strategic thinking in this area will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Funding and Green Finance - Western Forest
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Funding and Green Finance position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in fundraising and green finance.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV showcases your achievements in funding strategies, financial management, and any relevant projects. Use quantifiable results to demonstrate your impact in previous roles, especially in green initiatives.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for environmental sustainability and your vision for the Western Forest. Discuss how your skills align with their goals and how you plan to contribute to generating the required income streams.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Forest of Avon
✨Understand the Vision
Make sure you grasp the overarching goals of the Western Forest project. Familiarise yourself with its mission to create a greener future and how your role as Head of Funding and Green Finance will contribute to this vision.
✨Showcase Your Funding Expertise
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in securing funding and managing financial strategies. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully developed income streams or fundraising strategies in past roles.
✨Connect with the Community
Demonstrate your understanding of the regions involved—Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and North Somerset. Highlight any previous work or initiatives you've been part of that engaged local communities or stakeholders, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Have insightful questions ready for your interviewers. This could include inquiries about the strategic direction of the Western Forest or how they envision the role evolving over the next few years. It shows your genuine interest and engagement.