Communication officer jobs in bath, bath and north east somerset

Job Description

Title: Trust Administrator

Salary: £28k - £32k (depending on experience) + Pension

Contract: Permanent (3 months probationary period)

Hours: Full-time (37.5-hour week) with some flexibility preferred. Part time applications also considered. 

Location: Bristol office for probation period then hybrid working (at least one day a week homeworking)

Responsible to: Chief Executive

About Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) 

Founded in 2012, the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) is a charity dedicated to restoring and protecting the rivers of the Bristol Avon. Guided by an evidence-based, ecosystem-wide approach, we focus on the health of the entire catchment, not just the rivers themselves. 

BART began as a grassroots effort driven by a shared passion for waterways. Today, with approximately 20 employees and an annual turnover of £1 million, we manage multi-year projects funded by diverse supporters to preserve and enhance the Bristol Avon catchment. 

We work with landowners, communities, businesses, farmers, water companies, councils and government agencies to protect and rejuvenate rivers, lakes, and estuaries, delivering benefits for wildlife, local economies, and people. Our efforts help reduce costs for farmers and water companies and enhance public health while addressing the climate and ecological crises. 

The post holder will join a growing, ambitious team delivering multi-benefit projects to protect and improve the Bristol Avon catchment, and the Trust Administrator will play a key role in supporting the smooth delivery of the Trust’s operations.

Job summary and purpose

The Trust Administrator is responsible for maintaining the core administrative functions of the Trust to ensure the smooth operation of the charity, enabling its mission to ensure healthy rivers for wildlife and people.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the Trust Administrator will work with a range of internal and external contacts to ensure routine business functions, human and physical resources, supporter and governance liaison are working well. The role will involve working closely with the Chief Executive, but also with other members of the team, Trustees, supporters and suppliers.

The role will require exceptional organisational skills, excellent interpersonal skills, an attention to detail, and working flexibly in an agile environment. Experience of organisational administration in the public, private or charity sector, and experience of HR, meetings administration and IT are essential while purchasing and negotiating with suppliers is desirable. A helpful and positive attitude is needed, as is a willingness to embrace flexible ways of working. Adherence to certain policies and procedures is essential, including requirements such as data confidentiality and upholding a culture of professionalism.

Whilst the role is predominantly aimed at internal support, including for Trustees and supporters, external liaison will be required with suppliers, funders, partners, and the public. 

Duties and responsibilities 

A. Organisational administration

1Take ownership of core business administrative functions including the office space, monitoring and maintaining resources, monitoring inboxes.

2Liaison and negotiation with, and purchasing from, suppliers and providers spanning IT, resources, insurance etc.

3Assist in the upholding of key policies and procedures e.g. security and safety checks.

4  Coordinate routine governance procedures including organising and minuting meetings, filing returns, and communicating with Trustees.

5Coordinate routine HR procedures including recruitment and managing confidential records, including those of staff, supporters and volunteers.

6Coordinate external IT support; undertaking routine IT administration.

7Liaison with finance staff to facilitate the maintenance of timely and accurate financial records, including assistance with project claims where required.

8Executive assistance including diary management, event and meetings organisation.

B Contributing to the work of the BART in general

1Contribute to delivering the Trust’s objectives

2Help maintain and enhance the Trust’s reputation through external contacts

3Undertake other duties that may be appropriate to the position

Person specification 

C Qualifications and required knowledge 

Essential

1Educated to a degree level in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience in a relevant sector 

2Knowledge of relevant administrative processes and procedures 

3Understanding of managing contacts in a confidential manner 

4  Understanding of charity governance 

Desirable

5Understanding of the environmental / freshwater sector 

D Experience 

Essential

1Demonstrable experience of organisational administration in a team context

2Setting up and maintaining efficient administrative systems 

3Use of (essential) and routine administration of (desirable) office software applications e.g. MS 365 

4Experience of managing external contacts 

5Working alone and as part of a team 

ESkills & Competencies 

Essential 

1Highly organised and comfortable with agile working 

2Clear and correct plain English writing ability

3Excellent telephone answering and calling skills, with a wide range of audiences, including suppliers, stakeholders, and the public. 

4Excellent IT skills, including use of Office 365 

5Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

6Excellent time and task management 

Desirable

7Ability to negotiate and secure best value from suppliers 

F Personal Attributes 

Essential 

1Diligent and organised with an attention to detail

2  Strong interpersonal skills and assertiveness 

3Pro-active and innovative 

4Open, transparent and flexible 

5Commitment to a healthy freshwater environment

6Commitment to upholding professionalism

Desirable

7  Being able to maintain excellent client relationships

Miscellaneous

The post is likely to involve occasional travel throughout the Bristol Avon (Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath & Northeast Somerset, Wiltshire, North Somerset) therefore a full UK driving licence and use of own vehicle is required. Mileage expenses will be paid at 45p per mile as set out in HMRC’s Approved Mileage Allowance Payment. Some evening and weekend work may be required. We will also require the successful applicant to undergo a DBS check and provide satisfactory references. 

How to apply 

Interested parties should submit a CV and a one page covering letter explaining why you would perform well in this role and what you could bring to BART. 

Interviews for this post will take place in Bristol, date TBC. 

Please note, due to limited resources you will only be contacted should you be successful in gaining an interview. We would like to thank you for your interest in this position. 

Thank you for your interest in applying for a role with the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust.