Senior Project Development and Funding Officer

Are you interested in working for the third largest AONB in the UK?  Do you have proven skills in raising funds for innovative projects?  Do you have experience of project development?  Then this senior position is for you!

We’re looking for an experienced Senior Project Development & Funding Officer to join our small, friendly team based just outside Hungerford in Berkshire, in the heart of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).  You will help to implement projects identified under the team’s Annual Work Programme (e.g. enabling heathland enhancement, expansion and education; encouraging bee conservation; taking steps to promote active woodland management;  walk and cycle trail development) which helps to meet the NWDAONB Management Plan objectives, as well as contribute to identifying future ideas and activities. You will research, identify and secure match funding, sponsorship and in-kind support from a wide range of potential funding sources, including commercial sponsorship, corporate support, charitable trusts and private giving. Also, we are excited to have recently submitted a £2.6m Stage One ‘Land of the White Horses’ bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and you will play a key role in supporting the project’s Programme Manager moving forward.

The North Wessex Downs AONB covers 668 square miles and is recognised as one of the UK’s finest landscapes. AONBs are currently in the spotlight: the Government's 25 Year Environment Plan recognises the contribution these areas make to the nation and challenges them to do more. In addition, the recommendations of the 2019 Landscapes Review of English AONBs and National Parks offer exciting opportunities to develop landscape management and ensure the AONB designation is well placed to deliver for post-Brexit Britain.  You will be joining the AONB at a pivotal moment in history for protected landscapes and will play a key part in shaping and funding future activities.

The North Wessex Downs team is passionate and enthusiastic about the work we do to support landscape enhancement, nature recovery, heritage conservation, public understanding and enjoyment and responsible tourism in our AONB. This important role has a strong focus on developing and managing partnerships to deliver priority projects and initiatives in support of the aims, policies and actions of the North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan, the AONB Unit work programme, the Corporate Strategy and our fundraising prospectus.

Click here to apply https://jobs.wiltshire.gov.uk/details#/reference/CNS00714