Eden Communities - Country Manager

Job title:

Country Manager / Programme (Wales)

Job family:

Engagement, Learning and Entertainment

Job ref:

Job family definition

Roles within the Engagement, Learning and Entertainment job family focus upon the Eden experience, providing activities, learning programmes, encounters and events, which engage, inspire and entertain, thus enhancing individuals understanding, experience, skills and enjoyment.

Role purpose

Eden Project is an educational charity with a unique community outreach programme reaching people and communities across the UK. We demonstrate and inspire positive action for people and planet, reconnect people with each other and nature, recognising the importance of strong communities in building confidence, connection and social capital.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced and confident Wales Programme Manager to lead the delivery of Eden Project’s activity in Wales. Working within Eden Project Communities UK delivery team you will encourage Welsh participation in The Big Lunch, Month of Community and our Nature Connections programme, bringing people together to connect, take action and strengthen their communities. The post holder will act as a front-line ambassador, leading the development and delivery of The Big Lunch and Month of Community within one or more UK nations, with the Wales Programme Manager role and in-nation campaign delivery remaining the primary focus.

The post holder will deliver Eden Project Communities programme in Wales as well as supporting our UK wide activity.  You will be well placed to build strong partnerships across community, voluntary, public and health sectors, and work with colleagues to grow awareness, participation and impact.

You will be a strong relationship builder and communicator able to manage  Welsh contracts and channels working independently as part of a wider UK team.  Managing competing priorities and representing Eden Project with warmth, credibility and energy. You will understand the opportunities and challenges facing communities in Wales and be comfortable working across partnerships, events, communications, evaluation and programme delivery.

This will include supporting nature-based wellbeing and recovery activity in Wales gathering stories and insight, helping communities affected by climate change and health inequalities to build confidence, connection and local action supporting  the Nature Connections and Recovery Project in Wales, working in partnership with Gwent Wildlife Trust, other Wildlife Trust partners and Intelligent Health to reach communities affected by climate change and health inequalities. This will include building partnerships, coordinate nature-based wellbeing and recovery activities, and support communities to connect with nature, improve wellbeing, build confidence and take climate-positive action locally.

Key accountabilities

1. Manage the strategic planning, delivery and evaluation of The Big Lunch Programme, Month of Community and associated in-nation activity as part of a wider UK delivery team, ensuring outcomes are delivered and that activities build connection, community action, volunteering, wellbeing and nature-positive impact.

2. Support the delivery of annual UK PR, communications and social media campaigns, working with colleagues and local partners to tailor messaging, promote the Programme through talks, presentations and communications, and increasing awareness, reach and participation within the nation.

3. Design, develop and deliver inclusive community events, partnership activities and online or in-person sessions that are accessible, engaging and support participants’ confidence, connection, personal development and progression opportunities.

4. Build and maintain strategic partnerships with health, community, voluntary sector, public sector and local stakeholder organisations to reach people who would benefit most from the programme, raise Eden’s profile and encourage involvement, endorsement and wider climate-positive action.

5. Monitor, evaluate and report on programme progress, outcomes and learning, gathering case studies, participant insight and partner feedback to demonstrate impact, inform improvement and inspire others into community and nature-positive action.
6. Represent Eden Project and its flagship initiatives to the public, participants, community bodies, partners and organisational leaders, encouraging participation, fundraising support and wider engagement with the Programme.

7. Support the smooth running of the Programme through idea generation, research, resource development, co-production with participants, volunteer and trainee coordination, accurate record keeping and management of in-nation expenditure in line with Eden’s policies and procedures.

Demands of the role

Education & qualifications

Educated to Level 3 or A Level as a minimum, high levels of literacy & numeracy. UK Driving licence and Welsh Language desirable

Knowledge & skills

The jobholder will have gained several years’ experience, in a similar role, where they will have managed regional programme delivery and the associated marketing, communication and PR campaigns within the charity/community sector. An accomplished campaign and relationship manager, the role holder will have a thorough knowledge of the specific challenges affecting local communities in their territory and an understanding of the political, cultural and societal issues Excellent communication and Microsoft IT skills including use of CRM. Welsh Language desirable.

Decision-making

The jobholder works independently, implementing strategic plans and delivering the required outcomes for The Big Lunch Programme in-country. Works to medium term objectives and applies professional judgement to decisions in-Nation where the impact will be apparent within a few weeks, discussing longer term/strategic issues with their line manager. Regularly updates line manager & Director on progress and outcomes.

Resourcefulness

Required to think creatively and innovatively to solve problems and identify new approaches to deliver a continually evolving Programme.  Undertakes independent research and applies existing knowledge to develop recommendations for Social Marketing, PR and events strategies. Evaluates all elements of activity and identifies opportunities to add value to every element of the Programme in their territory.

People & asset management

Accountable for the delivery of approved activity within budget with authority to authorise payments up to £1k for in nation spend including managing PR agency partners in-Nation where applicable.  Responsible for managing and reconciling expenses and for the security and care of all in-country equipment for the Programme and sensitive personal data for participants including case studies.

Communication & visitor experience

Working as Eden Projects’ representative in Nation, building and developing influential relationships with a variety of key stakeholders in order to maximize engagement and support for The Big Lunch Programme.  An accomplished communicator using a variety of channels there is a regular need to present, interpret and assess information and adapt their approach to suit all types of audience: ranging from Ministers in devolved government, Funders, corporate and charity partners through to considerate handling of individuals in local communities. Adept at public speaking and campaigning and develop networks in Nation to support growth.  

Operational environment

This role will require lone working and is home based. Work with communities can be outside of usual hours including weekend and evening work and UK based travel. The role forms part of a hardworking, fun and passionate team spread across the UK, with offices at the Eden Project in Cornwall. All home-based roles will need the role holder to ensure they have a suitable space to work effectively in. There will also be some long-distance travel and overnight stays required to deliver this role, therefore a full clean driving license is essential.