At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Woodland Heritage in safeguarding UK woodlands and promoting homegrown timber.
- Company: Join a passionate charity dedicated to environmental conservation and forestry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on Britain's wood culture and inspire others.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience with a passion for the environment and fundraising.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Woodland Heritage is seeking an inspirational Chief Executive to lead the charity into its next chapter, helping to safeguard the UK’s woodlands while championing the use of homegrown timber. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership across the organisation, working closely with trustees, staff, volunteers and partners to deliver Woodland Heritage’s mission. The role combines strategy, governance, fundraising, operations and external engagement, offering the opportunity to make a lasting impact on Britain’s woodland and wood culture.
The Role
As Chief Executive, you will be responsible for shaping and delivering the charity’s strategic direction, ensuring strong governance, financial sustainability and operational excellence. You will lead a small, committed team while building relationships with members, supporters, funders and industry partners. A key aspect of the role is leading Woodland Heritage’s relationship with Whitney Sawmills, a business owned by the charity, ensuring close collaboration with its directors and management team. Reporting to the Co-Chairs and the Culture Action Group, you will line manage the Engagement Manager, Project Manager and a seconded administrator, while working alongside freelance fundraising, finance and operational specialists and leading a wider team.
The Candidate
Woodland Heritage is looking for an experienced and inspiring leader with a passion for environmental conservation, forestry, timber or the wider natural environment. You will have a strong track record in organisational leadership, strategy and stakeholder engagement, alongside the ability to generate income, build partnerships and motivate teams. Experience within the charity sector, governance and fundraising would be advantageous. Most importantly, you will share Woodland Heritage’s commitment to protecting and celebrating Britain’s woodlands and promoting the value of sustainably grown homegrown timber.
Job details
- Salary: £50,000–£70,000 depending on experience
- Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week)
- Flexible and hybrid working, with an average of one day per month at Whitney Sawmills in Herefordshire
- 25 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
- Employer pension contribution through NEST
- Occasional planned evening and weekend working
- Closing date: 19 August 2026
Applicants are to apply using Woodland Heritage’s online application form. Those unable to access the form can submit a CV and covering letter by email. Covering letter (maximum two pages) should explain how you meet the requirements of the role and why you are the right person to lead Woodland Heritage. Successful applicants will be notified about interviews on 24 August 2026. First-round interviews: Online, 28 August 2026. Second-round interviews: In person at Whitney Sawmills, Herefordshire, 7 September 2026.
Woodland Heritage: Chief Executive in England employer: Thedirt
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We think this is how you could land Woodland Heritage: Chief Executive in England
✨Get Involved Locally
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We think you need these skills to ace Woodland Heritage: Chief Executive in England
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Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Thedirt. 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 Woodland Heritage: Chief Executive, 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.
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✨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 Thedirt. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
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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.
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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.
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