At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business and finance operations to support river conservation efforts.
- Company: Wessex Rivers Trust, an environmental charity dedicated to river protection.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Be part of a growing charity with a focus on community engagement.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help shape the future of river conservation.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, contracts, and organisational support required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Salary: £50k per annum pro rata - Rivers Trust salary Grade 5
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part-time 0.8FTE
Employer: Wessex Rivers Trust
Interviews: Monday 12th October 2026
Wessex Rivers Trust (Wessex RT) is an environmental charity dedicated to the protection and conservation of rivers and the globally significant share of chalk streams found in the Wessex area. Wessex RT is a growing regional Trust at the cutting edge of the Rivers Trust movement. Based in the outskirts of Salisbury on the banks of the beautiful Hampshire Avon, Wessex RT covers the rivers of East Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, the New Forest and Isle of Wight. Our delivery programmes span practical restoration of river habitats, working across broader catchments to address water quality, and educating and engaging communities in the value of rivers.
This is a rare opportunity to help take the Trust on the next stage of its development journey from the core of the organisation, playing a key role in securing its mission for rivers. We are seeking a well-rounded professional to take up the position of Head of Business & Finance: this is a new role which will be responsible for providing strategic and operational oversight of the Trust’s core business functions, spanning finance, contracts, legal, and organisational support functions including governance.
The postholder will ensure the organisation maintains strong financial controls, an accountability culture, robust contractual and legal arrangements, and efficient business processes, that help manage risk and support the delivery of the charity's mission and objectives. The role will also oversee the core functions of HR, administration, organisational resources, and operational systems, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and supporting a positive, effective working environment.
The role will be a member of the Senior Management Team who, working closely with the CEO, take collective responsibility for the Trust’s operations, ensuring effectiveness, integration, professionalism and alignment to policy and strategy.
Head of Business and Finance in Salisbury employer: Wessex Rivers Trust
Wessex Rivers Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the vital mission of river conservation in a picturesque setting near Salisbury. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative work culture, staff are encouraged to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact on the environment. The Trust fosters a supportive atmosphere that values accountability and innovation, making it an ideal place for those passionate about sustainability and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business and Finance in Salisbury
✨Get Involved in Local Initiatives
Dive headfirst into local community projects and social enterprises! This not only builds your experience but also connects you with like-minded folks who may know about part-time opportunities. Plus, many nonprofits announce openings through their events and volunteer activities, so keep your ears to the ground!
✨Join Social Impact Networks
Look for networks and forums centred around social impact – think local charity groups or online platforms where changemakers hang out. These places are goldmines for job leads, especially for part-time roles like the ones at Wessex Rivers Trust. Engaging in discussions can also help you make meaningful connections with potential employers!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re still in uni, tap into career services that may have exclusive listings for part-time roles in nonprofits. They often host job fairs or info sessions where you can meet representatives from organisations like Wessex Rivers Trust directly. It’s a great way to make an impression beyond your CV!
✨Check Out Online Opportunities
Websites like Idealist or CharityJob specifically showcase part-time positions in the nonprofit sector. Make sure to check these regularly while keeping an eye on Wessex Rivers Trust’s own job listings on our website. Being proactive here can put you ahead of the curve!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business and Finance in Salisbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:For a role like Head of Business and Finance at Wessex Rivers Trust, your cover letter is your chance to shine a light on why social impact matters to you. Share any personal experiences or volunteer work that highlight your commitment to the cause. We want to see your genuine enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV showcases any nonprofit work or projects you've been involved in, even if they were part-time or volunteer roles. Emphasize skills like project management, fundraising, or community engagement. These are key in the nonprofit sector, and we want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Tailor Your Application:When applying for the Head of Business and Finance, customise your documents to fit the vibe of Wessex Rivers Trust. Use our language, reflect our values, and connect your personal goals with our mission. This shows us you’ve done your homework and you're excited to join the team in this part-time capacity.
Don’t Forget Your Availability:As this is a part-time position, clearly outline your availability in your application. Whether you're a student balancing studies or have other commitments, we appreciate transparency. Just pop your available hours in your cover letter or CV so we can see how you fit into our schedule.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wessex Rivers Trust
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When applying for a part-time role in the nonprofit sector, it's essential to convey your genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Wessex Rivers Trust. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight why social impact matters to you and how you align with their goals.
✨Bring Tangible Examples of Impact
Nonprofits often look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to create meaningful change. Prepare examples from your past experiences—whether in volunteering, projects, or academic work—that showcase your skills in making a positive impact. Use metrics if possible; it's all about showing how you’ve really contributed.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to encounter scenario-based questions during your interview. These will assess how you handle real-world challenges in the nonprofit space. For example, how would you deal with limited resources or navigate a conflict with team members? Think through your past experiences to give thoughtful responses.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
Since it's a part-time role, they might dig into your availability during the interview. Be open and clear about your schedule and how it can align with Wessex Rivers Trust's needs. They’ll want to know that you can commit without compromising your passion for the work!
