Chief Executive

Urban Green Newcastle is an independent charity responsible for the management and restoration of 33 parks and over 60 allotment sites across Newcastle upon Tyne. We represent a bold approach to securing the future of green spaces and maximising their positive social and environmental impact. Our vision is simple: for more people to enjoy and benefit from our beautiful, vibrant open spaces which are safe, welcoming, and provide a great environment for wildlife and people which is valued by all.

After several years of consultation Newcastle City Council launched Urban Green in April 2019, with support from The National Trust and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The build phase is now over and the immediate challenges we faced at our creation are behind us. Covid has presented significant challenges, meanwhile new opportunities have arisen.

Having built a strong leadership and delivery team who are culturally aligned with the UGN strategic vision and its values, we are now seeking a Chief Executive to build on these foundations and lead us through our next chapter. To succeed, you will ensure the capacity and functionality of the business to underpin a sustainable delivery model, drive marketing and brand development, and ensure parks and allotments within our portfolio are managed to a high standard. We have an ambitious income generation target to bring in an additional £2m by 2026 to ensure the long-term viability of our assets, so that both current and future generations can enjoy the beautiful space around Newcastle.

To be our new Chief Executive, you will be comfortable in working in a relatively small but impactful organisation which has great reach and influence. You will bring strong commercial experience and a track record of securing income through a variety of means, including the development of meaningful long-term relationships, where impact and outcomes are key measurables. You will be a champion for the protection of the environment, delivering both carbon capture and biodiversity enhancement through active partnership working and securing of green funding and finance. We are more than the sum of our parts and so we are looking for someone who understands the impact we make and the system in which we operate. An affinity with the health and wellbeing/green space sector will be a distinct advantage, but more important is your ability to spot opportunities and translate them into tangible outcomes.

This is an exceptional and rewarding opportunity to use your energy, skills, and experience to make a lasting difference to the health and wellbeing of people of Newcastle both now and in the future. 

To have a confidential discussion, please contact Gillian Young on 01908 230 265 or via email gillian.young@gatenbysanderson.com

Closing date: 9AM Monday 21st February 2022

Interviews with GatenbySanderson w/c 7th March 2022  

Final interviews: Thursday 7th April 2022