Strategy Lead – Learning, Outreach and Volunteering in Midhurst

The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) cares for the landscapes, wildlife and heritage of the National Park and helps people to learn about and enjoy the area. We are recruiting a Strategy Lead to oversee the delivery of the SDNPA Learning, Outreach and Volunteering work, including education, youth engagement, health & wellbeing and volunteering.

You will manage a team of six people, including four direct reports. We are looking for someone with experience in partnership working, project and programme delivery and strategic thinking to join our team. You will have excellent communication and organisational skills, a proactive approach to problem‑solving, as well as a natural aptitude to manage people.

You will be a passionate advocate for engaging people of all ages and from all backgrounds with the National Park and be innovative in your approach to communicating key National Park messages to a wide audience. You will need to have good knowledge of relevant strategic/policy subject areas and current national policy frameworks in the relevant areas.

We take an evidence‑based approach, and the ability to interpret data and evaluate impact is essential in order to inform our policy and programmes. Partnership and collaboration are key to how we work. As a Strategy Lead, you will be expected to work with a wide range of partners and stakeholders, including the SDNP Learning and Volunteer Networks, as well as officers across all departments of the SDNPA.

You will be a capable project manager, developing and delivering projects and programmes with a range of organisations across the region, as well as demonstrating strong budget management skills. The role requires occasional weekend and evening work, so flexibility is important. A full driving licence with access to your own vehicle is also required due to the need to travel to various sites within and around the South Downs National Park. This role is also subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

To apply: Please apply via the button shown to upload your CV and complete our application, referring to the person specification. SDNPA is an inclusive organisation, and we welcome applications from everyone irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, faith and religion, disability and age. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for disabled applicants. In all circumstances, the SDNPA appoints on merit, based on the evidence the applicant supplies in meeting the essential criteria for the post. Further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion can be found on our website.

SDNPA Enhanced Benefits:

• Flexible working – (this is available for the majority of our roles. However, some positions may require on‑site presence and/or specific hours due to business needs)
• Local government pension scheme
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Heat Scheme (capped interest‑free green home improvement loan, available on a first‑come, first‑served basis)
• Healthcare – includes cash plan, counselling and wellbeing discounts
• Access to Health and Wellbeing portal and webinars
• 27 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 days, plus bank holidays
• Professional development support
• Cycle to work scheme
• Car sharing
• Use of pool cars
• Regular staff events/activities, which support the SDNPA’s Purposes and Duty

Other organisations may call this role Project Manager, Programme Manager, Strategy Manager, Strategic Programme Manager, Head of Strategy, Strategy and Partnerships Manager, Strategic Development Manager, Policy and Strategy Manager, Programme and Strategy Manager, Strategic Projects Manager, Programme Delivery Manager, Head of Programmes and Partnerships, Strategic Programmes Lead, or Partnerships and Programme Manager.