At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to drive habitat change and enhance biodiversity on Dartmoor.
- Company: A nature charity focused on woodland creation and climate action.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, impactful leadership role, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be a key player in restoring nature and inspiring community engagement.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience, passion for nature, and strategic thinking skills.
As the charity enters another growth phase, we are seeking a new Chair. It is an exciting time, as we continue to build strong and lasting partnerships to drive habitat change and nature’s recovery on Dartmoor through the expansion and creation of native broadleaved woodland.
What difference will you make?
Our new three-year strategy focuses on four key pillars of delivery — woodland creation, know-how, local provenance tree production and inspire. The chair will help ensure that the charity remains focused on its impact and ambitions, making sure the right decisions are made to prioritise our resources and make good investments in our future while leading a high performing, and committed board of trustees.
What are we looking for?
- Has leadership, governance, or board-level experience
- Shares our commitment to act now for climate and nature
- Is passionate about the benefits of native woodland and enhancing biodiversity
- Can chair meetings effectively and build positive relationships
- Brings strategic thinking, sound judgement, and integrity
- Has the time and enthusiasm to support the organisation’s growth
What will you be doing?
While it’s an exciting time for the charity with a new three-year strategy in place, significant challenges and opportunities are in play. This includes planning for and managing our involvement in significant partner projects — with many more moving parts — and so often move at an unpredictable pace with inevitable delays.
Outreach and engagement with landowners who are ready to plant more trees on their land. This can be a complex decision, and one that leaves a lasting legacy so rarely is it taken lightly. Aligned with this we must build a stronger voice, advocating for change from within the local community.
In our tree nurseries we are close to capacity growing more than 100,000 saplings. To increase beyond this requires significant investment, increased resourcing and effective partnerships in place with customer demand being reliable.
Finally, our progress in fundraising has been very encouraging - securing new grants and donations from trusts, individual donors and businesses. Last year 95% of our income has been unrestricted. However, the fundraising environment is becoming even more complex, funds are reducing and demand for the funding is increasing. We need to continue to find sources of income that will support us for the long-term.
As the chair you will help steer the charity, working with a board of trustees with a range of skills and experience. All committed to supporting our mission to restore nature on Dartmoor. This role will work closely with the Chief Executive to build our impact, build strong, lasting relationships and continue to grow the relevance and value of the charity.
Chair of trustees for nature charity - Volunteer employer: Moor Trees
As a volunteer Chair of Trustees for our nature charity, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Dartmoor's natural landscape. We offer a collaborative and passionate work culture where your leadership will directly contribute to impactful environmental initiatives, alongside opportunities for personal growth and networking within the conservation community. Join us in making a meaningful difference while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of trustees for nature charity - Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the charity sector, especially those involved with nature conservation. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about sharing your passion for biodiversity and woodland creation.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential partners or during interviews, highlight your governance experience and how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your outreach! If you know of landowners or businesses that might be interested in supporting tree planting initiatives, reach out to them directly. Building those relationships can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to restore nature on Dartmoor.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of trustees for nature charity - Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for nature and biodiversity shine through. We want to see how much you care about the environment and the impact of native woodlands. Share personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any leadership or governance experience you have. We’re looking for someone who can chair meetings effectively, so include examples of how you've successfully led teams or boards in the past.
Be Strategic:Our new strategy focuses on key pillars, so it’s important to demonstrate your strategic thinking. In your application, discuss how you would prioritise resources and make decisions that align with our goals for habitat change and nature recovery.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead our charity into its next growth phase!
How to prepare for a job interview at Moor Trees
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the charity's mission and current projects. Familiarise yourself with their three-year strategy and be ready to discuss how your leadership experience aligns with their goals for woodland creation and biodiversity.
✨Show Your Passion
Express your enthusiasm for nature conservation and the benefits of native woodlands. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to climate action and how you can inspire others to join the cause.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Think about potential challenges the charity might face in fundraising and partnerships. Be prepared to offer strategic insights or ideas on how to navigate these complexities, showcasing your sound judgement and strategic thinking.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a positive relationship with the panel. Use active listening skills, engage with their questions thoughtfully, and demonstrate your ability to chair meetings effectively by guiding the conversation naturally.
