Trees for Cities is the only national charity dedicated to improve lives by planting, protecting and promoting urban trees. We do this by working closely with communities, landowners, partners and funders to deliver transformational change in towns and cities across the UK and overseas. We plant trees in schools, streets, estates, parks and open spaces to create nature-rich urban woodland, hedgerows, orchards, avenues and playgrounds.
The charity is experiencing an exciting period of growth and development, with expansion in both their programme activities and income. As we adapt to this growth, we are also enhancing our internal operations by strengthening systems and improving efficiencies. We are in the process of shaping our latest organisational wide strategy, set to launch in April 2025, which will focus on broadening our reach and impact across the UK.
In addition to leading a small team and overseeing day-to-day financial management, this role will contribute to key initiatives such as enhancing our fund accounting and management reporting, refining project cost modelling, and reviewing finance policies and processes. As a business partner to budget holders, the role will provide leaders with the knowledge, insights, and tools to strengthen budget management and forecasting, building on the supportive and engaged relationship the finance team already fosters across the organisation. You will work closely with the Director of Finance and Operations on finance strategy and change management projects.
This role presents an excellent opportunity for someone eager to make a lasting impact within the finance function and wider organisation. It offers the chance to develop your strategic and leadership capabilities while advancing your career. Ideal candidates will be fully qualified accountants who bring strong technical accounting expertise and project management skills, ideally gained in practice navigating complex financial accounting management and reporting. A passion for proactive collaboration with staff in leadership and advisory roles is essential, as is an interest in the vision and mission of the charity.
To learn more about the role and organisation, please download the full appointment brief below, which also outlines how to apply.
Trees for Cities is an independent, national charity that works with communities to plant and care for urban trees, helping to create greener and healthier cities across the UK and internationally for the last 30 years.
We are in a pivotal decade for environmental action, and our current strategy, The Turn of Trees (2022-25), is focused on engaging communities in climate action through the simple yet powerful act of tree planting. Looking ahead, our new strategy launching in 2025 will build on this momentum to create a social movement for tree equity - ensuring that all communities regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or geographic location have access to the benefits that trees provide, including cleaner air, cooler temperatures, improved mental health, and enhanced biodiversity.
The Role
We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of Marketing & Digital Engagement to lead our efforts in inspiring, engaging, and empowering communities, volunteers, and supporters across the UK. This is a critical new role, focused on implementing and operationalising our new strategy, enhancing our reach, and building the foundations for our future growth. The role offers the opportunity to lead the development of Trees for Cities’ first national digital engagement strategy, ensuring we build strong connections with communities and supporters through creative campaigns and digital platforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of our first national digital engagement strategy, driving public awareness and support for urban trees.
- Inspire and mobilise communities and supporters through innovative campaigns that highlight the benefits of tree planting and urban greening.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure the successful implementation of our organisational strategy, enhancing our digital presence to extend our reach.
- Oversee a talented marketing and engagement team, providing leadership, direction, and fresh ideas to foster growth and deepen our connections.
- Act as a senior voice in the organisation, influencing decision-making and shaping the future direction of Trees for Cities.
About You
We are looking for an experienced marketing leader with a passion for the environment and community engagement. You will have a proven track record of developing and implementing successful digital engagement strategies, and experience leading creative campaigns that inspire action – this could be within a charity or a wider commercial setting. You will be an excellent communicator, capable of influencing at a senior level, and able to bring fresh perspectives to the organisation.
Why Join Us?
At Trees for Cities, we pride ourselves on our warm, inclusive, and vibrant work culture. Our team is deeply motivated by the cause, and we are committed to supporting each other as we work towards a greener, healthier future. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an organisation making a tangible difference in urban environments and communities across the UK.
If you are passionate about mobilising social action and inspiring change, and have the skills and experience to lead our marketing and digital engagement efforts, we’d love to hear from you.
To learn more about the role and organisation, including how to have an informal conversation about the opportunity and apply, please download the full appointment brief.
Closing date: 17 November 2024
Panel Interview Dates: 2 December and then 9 December 2024
The Organisation:
The Hardman Trust is the only UK charity focused specifically on the needs of people on long term sentences. We support people during their sentence, as they prepare for release, and as they settle back into the community. Our vision is a future where everyone can achieve their potential within and beyond prison.
To find out more about The Hardman Trust, visit our website.
The Role:
The Hardman Trust is at an exciting point in its development as it celebrates the arrival of its new team, the realisation of its first ever strategy and looks forward to the next phase of its journey.
Our recently successful applications to both the Lottery (Reaching Communities) and the City Bridge Trust means we will continue to be part-funded by them until 2027. Deeply rooted in the criminal justice sector, we plan to develop further our programme of support for those on long sentences both within and, we hope, beyond prison too; we aim to extend the reach and deepen the impact of our support and grants; and attract new partnerships with funders and like-minded third sector organisations. We have recently completed a merger with another charity and are open to further such mergers in the future.
Person Specification:
You will bring the following skills and experience to the role:
• Strategic development
• Leadership and management
• Financial and commercial
• Outreach and communications
Please download our Candidate Information Pack for the person specification and more information on the role.
How to Apply
If you would like to apply for this fantastic opportunity, please provide the following with your application:
• An up-to-date CV
• A supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, outlining your experience, motivations and suitability for the role.
All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Russam. All applications should be uploaded via the Russam website.
If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter - Managing Partner, Charities.
Application Closing Date: Friday 22nd November 2024
Interviews with The Hardman Trust:4th/ 10th/ 13th December 2024
We look forward to recieving your application.