Community Organising Officer

Sussex Wildlife Trust is a conservation charity for everyone who cares about nature in Sussex. We focus on protecting the wonderfully rich natural life that is found across our towns, countryside and coast.  By working alongside local people we create opportunities for us all to connect with nature and for nature to thrive in even the most unlikely places.  Together we can make sure that future generations living in Sussex will be able to enjoy the sense of wonder and well-being that nature offers.

The Role

We are looking for a talented individual with experience of engaging diverse communities to work on a key project (Nextdoor Nature) in the Hastings area. This project will work with deprived communities with the aim of helping to reverse the nature and climate emergencies. The role will champion the Community Organising approach within Sussex Wildlife Trust and share learnings across the organisation and the Wildlife Trust network through excellent project management and communications skills.

About the project

In celebration of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, this exciting partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund called Nextdoor Nature will see thousands of people across the UK empowered to lead action for wildlife within their communities, reclaiming and creating new green spaces for nature in rural and urban places on their doorstep.   

This project is based upon The Wildlife Trust movement’s successful #TeamWilder approach which represents a transformational shift as we evolve from a traditional engagement model to a community organising approach. Through #TeamWilder we will build a network of community members who we will empower to take action to achieve common goals, develop leadership skills and form relationships with other community members. We will help increase the knowledge and skills of individuals and enable them to initiate and take the lead on climate and nature-based activities in their area.

In Sussex, this project will focus on communities in the Hastings Borough, helping them identify new places for nature that are important locally. We will also enable communities to reclaim and create new green spaces for nature in both rural and urban areas. 

The Person

You are someone who is highly personable, passionate and organised. You are equally comfortable building relationships in communities as you are engaging with key stakeholders and decision makers. You are committed to supporting community powered change and facilitating local people to empower themselves to act for nature.

We are looking for someone who is willing to take responsibility and show courage and integrity.  If you feel this is the role for you then we look forward to hearing from you.

APPLY HERE