At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate community engagement activities to inspire action for wildlife across Sussex.
- Company: Join Sussex Wildlife Trust, a leader in conservation and community engagement.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 25 days annual leave, health cash plan, and volunteering days.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local wildlife and connect communities with nature.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement and a passion for wildlife conservation.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Location: The Keep, Brighton, with regular travel across Sussex, particularly West Sussex
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week - some out of hours work (weekends and evening) required
Closing Date: 16th October 2026
Interview Date: 4th November 2026
Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) is committed to restoring and protecting at least 30% of Sussex land and sea for nature, inspiring one in four people to take meaningful action for wildlife, building a stronger more inclusive and diverse organisation and becoming a net zero and climate resilient organisation.
We are looking for the best and most talented people to join our team and help us deliver this exciting and ambitious strategy. We particularly welcome applications from people currently underrepresented in the conservation sector, including disabled people, people from Black, Asian and other ethnically diverse backgrounds, people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, non-graduates, and people from geographically diverse communities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
The Role:
- As Wilder Communities Officer, you will coordinate and deliver an inclusive and inspiring programme of community engagement activities that inspire action for wildlife.
- Working collaboratively with community groups, volunteers and individuals, you will help people connect with nature, learn about the wildlife that lives alongside us, and inspire them by creating a greater sense of ownership and care for local wildlife.
- You will provide practical advice and support for creating, enhancing and maintaining spaces for nature, while helping to develop new opportunities, partnerships and funding for the programme.
- You will also support citizen science and biological recording initiatives, and represent Sussex Wildlife Trust at events, talks, meetings and community activities.
- A significant part of this role involves supporting communities across Sussex, particularly in West Sussex, so regular travel to project sites, meetings and events is required.
The Person:
- We are seeking a confident communicator who enjoys working with people and is passionate about helping wildlife recover across Sussex.
- The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate at least two years' experience in a community engagement, conservation, outreach or similar role, including experience of working with community groups, stakeholders and volunteers.
- They will have strong knowledge of Sussex wildlife, habitats and conservation issues, together with good practical conservation skills and an understanding of safeguarding good practice.
- They will also demonstrate an awareness of the barriers some people face in accessing and engaging with nature, and a commitment to supporting inclusive participation.
- The successful candidate will be able to inspire others through their enthusiasm for wildlife and nature recovery and will demonstrate a personal commitment to taking action for wildlife.
- Excellent communication, presentation, organisational and IT skills are essential, along with the ability to build effective relationships, manage a varied workload and work independently when required.
- A full, clean UK driving licence is essential.
Hybrid and Flexible Working – Supporting healthy work-life balance through flexible working arrangements where role requirements operationally allow.
25 Days Annual Leave – Plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 5 years' service; entitlement pro rata part-time.
Pension Contributions – With an optional salary sacrifice scheme to help maximise your retirement savings.
Life Assurance - Pension Scheme members receive 2x salary cover; non-members receive 1x salary cover.
Health Cash Plan – helping towards the cost of everyday healthcare expenses.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – Providing confidential support, advice and wellbeing resources.
Cycle to Work Scheme – Helping you save money while supporting a healthier and more sustainable commute.
Volunteering Days – Dedicated two days paid to support causes and communities that matter to you.
Café Discount – Enjoy discounted food and drinks at our Rye Harbour Discovery Centre cafe.
We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may close the vacancy early so please get your application in as soon as possible.
Wilder Communities Officer in Brighton employer: Sussex Wildlife Trust
Sussex Wildlife Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation, passion, and collaboration in the heart of Brighton. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and employee growth, we offer flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and opportunities for community engagement that empower our team to make a meaningful impact on local wildlife and habitats. Join us in our mission to create a thriving Sussex rich in nature, where your contributions will be valued and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Wilder Communities Officer in Brighton
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Sussex Wildlife Trust.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Sussex Wildlife Trust.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Sussex Wildlife Trust.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Sussex Wildlife Trust. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Wilder Communities Officer in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Sussex Wildlife Trust. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Wilder Communities Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sussex Wildlife Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Sussex Wildlife Trust. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
