At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead bold campaigns to protect the UK's rivers and inspire community action.
- Company: Join River Action, a passionate team dedicated to environmental change.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, extra holiday, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in environmental campaigning and lead impactful initiatives.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in campaign leadership and a passion for environmental issues.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary: £60,000
Contract: Temporary
Hours: 37.5 per week (Monday to Friday)
Holiday: 25 days per year plus bank holidays
Location: Home based with regular travel across the UK
Probationary Period: 3 months
Reports to: Chief Executive
Benefits: An additional 3 days holiday between Christmas and New Year, Flexitime policy, 5% pension contribution
Anticipated contract duration: 9th November 2026 - February 2028
We are River Action, a small and agile campaigning organisation on a mission to rescue the UK’s rivers from pollution and water shortages. We support community action, galvanise public opinion, influence government policy, take legal actions and call out destructive industrial practices.
We are looking for an exceptional campaigner to lead an ambitious environmental campaigning programme for just over a year to cover maternity leave. This is an exciting opportunity for an inspiring leader who can develop bold, strategic campaigns that shift public debate, influence decision-makers and deliver tangible environmental outcomes.
You’ll be an experienced campaign strategist who understands that lasting change rarely comes from a single tactic. You’ll know how to bring together compelling communications, evidence and investigations, grassroots mobilisation, political engagement, legal interventions and partnerships into integrated campaigns capable of changing policy, behaviour and corporate practice.
We’re looking for someone who combines strategic vision with practical delivery, comfortable making decisions in a fast-moving environment, spotting opportunities as they emerge and adapting campaigns to maximise impact. Experience in environmental campaigning would be highly valuable, but we’re looking for someone with an outstanding track record of leading successful campaigns that have shifted opinion, influenced policy or held powerful institutions to account.
What you’ll be doing:
- Developing and delivering bold, integrated campaigns that drive lasting change for the UK’s rivers.
- Leading and inspiring a talented team of campaigners, helping them to develop innovative, impactful campaigns while fostering a collaborative culture.
- Shaping the organisation's campaigning strategy, ensuring our work is innovative, evidence-led and designed to influence public opinion.
- Creating campaigns that connect compelling storytelling with community mobilisation, strategic communications, political advocacy, legal action and partnerships.
- Providing strategic leadership across the full campaign lifecycle, overseeing campaign planning, delivery, budgeting, resourcing and evaluation.
- Leading River Action's communications and public profile, ensuring our campaigns cut through the national conversation and inspire public action.
- Working closely with the Head of Public Affairs to ensure our public campaigns reinforce and accelerate our political influencing work.
- Building and maintaining influential relationships with campaign partners, coalitions, NGOs, academics, community organisations, funders and other key stakeholders.
- Leading campaign planning, governance and delivery, ensuring campaigns are effectively resourced, managed and evaluated against agreed objectives.
- Fostering a collaborative, creative and high-performing culture within the Campaigns Team.
What you’ll bring:
- A strategic, well-organised, energetic, passionate and dedicated approach.
- Line management experience of highly experienced professionals.
- Creative attitude and skills for solving problems and raising awareness.
- Experience in public and/or political campaigning either within or outside the environmental sector.
- Exceptional IT literacy and a head for figures and budgeting.
- A passion for River Action’s mission and vision.
Diversity and Inclusion: We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. If you like the look of this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with everything in the job description, we would still like to hear from you.
How to apply: To apply, please submit your CV, a cover letter explaining why you want to work for River Action and how your skills meet the requirements of the role, and a written submission as described in the job description.
Application process: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 23:59 on 19th July. Should your application be shortlisted, the next stage will involve an initial interview on 28th July via video conference.
Head of Campaigns (Maternity Cover) in Birmingham employer: River Action UK
RIVER ACTION UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment where passionate individuals can make a real impact on environmental policy. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for professional advancement while championing the vital cause of protecting the UK's rivers. Our flexible working arrangements, including home-based options and travel across the UK, ensure a healthy work-life balance, making us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Campaigns (Maternity Cover) in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Local Volunteering
Dive into some local volunteering opportunities! Nonprofits often look for temp workers who have a connection to the community they serve. By getting involved, you not only gain experience but also make valuable contacts in the sector.
✨Tap into Nonprofit Networks
Use platforms like Idealist or local nonprofit job boards to find temporary gigs. These spaces are buzzing with opportunities specifically tailored for social impact projects, making it easier for us to spot the ideal role at companies like River Action UK!
✨Attend Sector-Specific Events
Join meetings, workshops, or talks hosted by organisations in the nonprofit realm. These events are perfect for making connections and learning about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised. Plus, you can showcase your passion for social impact right there!
✨Don’t Forget Online Applications!
When you spot a temporary role at River Action UK that piques your interest, go ahead and apply through their website! Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their mission – it shows you care about the cause, which is key in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Campaigns (Maternity Cover) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at River Action UK. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for River Action UK.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at River Action UK!
How to prepare for a job interview at River Action UK
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of River Action UK resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Non-profit projects often require quick pivots and resourcefulness. Be ready to share examples from your past where you've adapted to changing circumstances or tackled unexpected challenges. This will show your potential as a valuable, nimble team member for the Head of Campaigns (Maternity Cover) position.
✨Know Your Community Tools
Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
