At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of engagement strategies for a flagship environmental project.
- Company: Join Thames Rivers Trust, a dedicated environmental charity improving river health.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Shape community connections with nature and make a real impact on conservation efforts.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic planning, engagement, and multi-partner project coordination.
Help shape how thousands of people connect with the story of the critically endangered European eel. Join us in supporting their recovery across the Thames Basin.
About the Project
The Thames Catchment Community Eels Project (TCCEP) is a multi-partner, catchment-scale initiative working to support the recovery of the critically endangered European eel. Bringing together a strong consortium of environmental and community-focused organisations, the project delivers conservation, engagement and education activity across the Thames Basin. Currently in its Development Phase, TCCEP is designing a high-quality Delivery Phase programme running from 2027 to 2030, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Activity Plan sits at the heart of this application and will directly shape how communities, volunteers and schools across the region connect with rivers, wildlife and conservation for years to come.
About the Role
This is a rare opportunity to lead engagement strategy for a flagship environmental partnership. As Activity Plan and Engagement Manager, you will take the lead on developing the TCCEP Activity Plan and Volunteer Engagement Plan, bringing together partner expertise, consultation insights and consultant outputs into a coherent, inclusive and fundable plan that meets NLHF requirements. This is not a delivery role. Your focus will be on shaping, coordinating and integrating contributions from across the partnership to create something ambitious, realistic and compelling. You will provide strategic leadership across the Engagement and Education Workstreams, working closely with delivery partners, consultants and stakeholders to ensure all activity is aligned, accessible and outcome-focused.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading the development of the Activity Plan and Action Plan, ensuring all components are aligned, integrated and NLHF-compliant
- Leading the development of the Volunteer Engagement Plan and coordinating integration of consultant-led outputs
- Providing strategic leadership across the Engagement and Education Workstreams
- Facilitating workstream meetings, workshops and partner discussions
- Working with the Programme Manager and partners to define activities, audiences, outputs, outcomes, costs and delivery responsibilities
- Coordinating stakeholder, community, school and volunteer mapping
- Ensuring activities are inclusive, accessible and aligned with EDIB principles
- Contributing engagement and education data to Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)
- Providing regular progress, risk and delivery updates to the Programme Manager and Steering Group
What We're Looking For
We are seeking someone who can bring together ideas, people and evidence to create a clear, compelling and fundable Activity Plan. You will be confident navigating complexity, coordinating multiple partners and synthesising diverse inputs into a coherent whole.
Essential experience and skills include:
- Experience developing strategic plans or programmes for funders
- Experience in engagement and/or education programme development
- Experience coordinating multi-partner projects
- Strong written communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple inputs and deadlines
The following would be an advantage:
- Experience of National Lottery Heritage Fund projects
- Understanding of evaluation frameworks and outcome-based design
- Knowledge of the environmental, heritage or conservation sectors
- Experience of co-design or participatory approaches
You will also need to be willing to travel across the Thames Basin and to work occasional evenings for workshops or stakeholder sessions.
About Thames Rivers Trust
Thames Rivers Trust (TRT) is a catchment-based environmental charity dedicated to improving river health and resilience across the Thames Basin. We work collaboratively with delivery partners, statutory agencies and funders to deliver nature-based solutions, support environmental data infrastructure, and increase community access to rivers and blue spaces. TRT is the host organisation for TCCEP.
Employment Terms
- Salary: £38,000 to £40,000 per annum, depending on experience
- Contract: Fixed-term to 31st May 2027, with potential extension subject to further funding
- Hours: 37.5 hours per week, with flexible working considered
- Location: Home-based with travel across the Thames Basin
- Annual Leave: 25 days per year plus public holidays
- Pension: Contributory pension scheme
TCCEP Activity Plan and Engagement Manager employer: Thames Rivers Trust
Thames Rivers Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead impactful conservation efforts while working collaboratively with a diverse range of partners across the Thames Basin. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee growth and flexibility, allowing you to engage meaningfully with communities and contribute to the recovery of the critically endangered European eel. With a commitment to inclusivity and environmental stewardship, we provide a rewarding environment for those passionate about making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land TCCEP Activity Plan and Engagement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation inside out! Research the Thames Catchment Community Eels Project and its partners. Understanding their mission and values will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn, attend relevant events, or join online forums. Building connections can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to engagement strategies and multi-partner projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 the team and contributing to the recovery of the European eel.
We think you need these skills to ace TCCEP Activity Plan and Engagement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; give us examples of how you've used them in past roles. We want to see how you’ve developed strategic plans or engaged communities, so share those stories!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role – we want to understand your message!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows us you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Rivers Trust
✨Know Your Eels!
Before the interview, brush up on the European eel and the conservation efforts surrounding it. Understanding the species and its significance will show your genuine interest in the role and the project.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've developed strategic plans or coordinated multi-partner projects. Be ready to discuss how you navigated complexities and brought diverse inputs together.
✨Engagement is Key
Think about how you would approach community engagement and education for this project. Have a few ideas ready to share that align with the project's goals and demonstrate your innovative thinking.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the TCCEP Activity Plan and the role's responsibilities. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career aspirations.
