Chalkscapes Development Manager

We are looking for a capable Development Manager to lead and coordinate the development of a Stage 2 National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) bid for ‘Chalkscapes’, a £2.8m, 5 year partnership project designed to inspire people to appreciate, enjoy and take action for the countryside on their doorstep.

The successful candidate will develop and grow the partnership - currently made up of more than 14 organisations, led by the Chilterns Conservation Board - oversee the work, secure match funding and prepare the documentation for the submission of the delivery bid.

If the bid is successful, there may be an opportunity for a 5 year extension in order for the post holder to manage the delivery phase of the project.

Chalkscapes focuses on the iconic chalk landscape of the North Chilterns.  This protected landscape encircles Dunstable and Luton and stretches across three local authority areas: Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Hertfordshire.

The Chilterns is one of the most visited landscapes in Europe.  It is nationally and internationally significant for its geology and ecology, and is rich in cultural heritage.   But this is also a landscape under pressure.  Relentless development, changes in land management and environmental pressures are triggering alarming wildlife declines. Nearby urban communities are increasingly disconnected with the landscape and heritage which surrounds them.

Chalkscapes gives people new opportunities to engage with, learn from and care for their landscape.  It reaches out to urban, disconnected audiences where they live, providing pathways to a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural heritage and landscape  which has served urban centres for generations.

With communities at its heart, Chalkscapes will seek creative ways to engage diverse audiences and forge a new sense of place and belonging.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record of developing large, complex projects, a good understanding of outreach and engagement and experience of fundraising.  You must have strong relationship development and negotiation skills and a proven ability to complete tasks on budget and on time.

If you have a love of landscapes, history and wildlife and are keen to help the public get more involved in championing and caring for special places this is an excellent opportunity.

The Development Manager will be employed by Chilterns Conservation Board.  The CCB offers 26 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays, a contributory pension scheme (Bucks County Council Local Government Pension Scheme) and expenses at 45p/mile mileage rate.

Completed application forms should be emailed to: office@chilternsaonb.org. 

For more details or an informal discussion, please contact Claire Readey: creadey@chilternsaonb.org to arrange a call.

To apply, please forward your application form to office@chilternsaonb.org