Development Manager

This is a senior role within the Trust’s Development team responsible for excellent project management of strategic new projects in the Park, and assigning, analysing and coordinating projects both within the team and across the organisation to ensure their successful delivery.

The Development Team lead strategic change through the coordination and delivery of the Nene Park Master Plan and developmental elements of the Strategy and Business Plan. Developing new partnerships that support and develop work with the diversity of communities in Peterborough, responding to new opportunities and innovative ideas, and leading the Trust’s response to Climate Change are central themes to this work. In collaboration with the Head of Development, the post holder will take leadership of areas of this work according to their experience and strengths and be an organisational champion for the progression of the Master Plan.

The post holder will work closely with the Head of Development to manage the workflow of the team, supporting all team members with their individual suites of project plans. The post holder will also lead on key projects working across Trust teams to deliver on a variety of scales. This will involve line management of Development team members, consultants, contractors and project staff and teams, alongside community and partner engagement and project co-creation.

As a member of the Trust’s Management Team, the post holder will share organisational leadership responsibilities, contributing to effective collaboration across teams and the sharing and monitoring of information, identifying opportunities for delivery of the Trust’s strategic plans. A key working relationship will be with the Fundraising team, with whom the funding for projects will be secured.

Occasionally situations may arise that require the post holder to perform other duties or tasks as may be reasonably requested by the Trust.

Key deliverables:

Play a key part in the development and management of innovative, creative and impactful projects as outlined in the Master Plan and Business Plan, taking them from inception to completion, collaborating with the community, colleagues, partners, consultants and contractors.
Take a managerial overview of development team workflow, ensuring efficient processes are followed, developing new systems where required, and supporting team members in the successful delivery of projects through coaching, prioritisation and practical support as appropriate.
Inspire, lead and manage direct reports (Project Development Officers: Arts, Access and Environment) to deliver work programmes, targets and project objectives.
Lead and guide the work of project team members, consultants and contractors.
Manage projects throughout their lifecycle involving and liaising with the wider Trust team through the employment and development of the Trust project Management Toolkit.
To collaborate with Trust colleagues in integrating development activities with other programmes.
Identify and manage project risks, taking action to address and mitigate these whilst escalating them when appropriate. Confer with project teams and partners to decisively identify and resolve problems.
Prepare, monitor and report on project budgets.
To provide project input into fundraising efforts, and identify funding and partnership opportunities to facilitate the delivery of projects.
To champion the involvement of volunteers in the Trust and identify opportunities for their involvement in all projects wherever possible.
Work with colleagues to embed the community within our work embracing diversity and empowering community partners.
When appropriate, attend Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustee meetings, presenting new projects and project progress reports.
Be a fully participative member of the Trust Management Team involved in organisational leadership, decision making and information sharing.
To foster partnerships with other organisations that allow effective delivery of Trust projects and activity.
To ensure that project information is compiled, monitored, evaluated, reported, audited and shared in accordance with Trust and funder requirements.
To carry out other tasks that may be necessary to ensure the successful delivery of projects.
Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.

Requirements – experience:

Taking a central role in the ongoing development and delivery of the Trust’s Master Plan, the post holder will be bring a range of knowledge, skills and relevant experience including:

Efficient and effective project development, project management and coordinating project teams across a broad range of contexts including budget management.
Supporting, coaching and leading colleagues and teams, including line management
Engaging with and empowering diverse communities and associated community liaison.
Devising and delivering projects with significant volunteer and community involvement.
Working at a similar level in similar scale organisation – not for profit, public or private sector.
Experience in parks or not for profit sectors would be an advantage.
Experience of managing or acting as client to capital construction projects would be an advantage

Requirements – knowledge

Motivating teams to deliver results.
Project planning & management/contract management.
Effective internal and external communications.
Financial management.
Knowledge and interest of parks, inclusion, access, heritage, environment and climate change.
Excellent organisational and time management skills.
Fluent use of MS Office programmes is essential (Use of MS Project an advantage)
Health & safety

Requirements – personal characteristics

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Self-motivated with a demonstrable ability to be proactive and produce work of consistently high quality.
Ability to encourage positivity and inspire others to support new projects.
Integrity necessary to gain credibility and trust from of all levels of staff, volunteers and a range of external bodies.
The ability to interpret and communicate the Trust’s strategy to enable understanding at all levels.
Financially conscientious.
Decisive and able to work with autonomy

A new and exciting opportunity has arisen at Nene Park Trust for the right candidate to join the Trust team in the role of Development Manager.

Nene Park Trust’s mission is to improve the quality of life for the people of Peterborough and the surrounding area and central to that it manages over 1,725 acres of land west of Peterborough, including a 500 acre country park at Ferry Meadows, and a number of other informal green spaces as well as recreation and cultural assets across the city.

We are looking for an energetic and flexible team player to join our Development Team and take a central role in the delivery of the Trust’s ambitious Master Plan and the coordination of the team around this. This will involve developing and working on innovative projects across a broad spectrum including leisure, recreation, conservation, climate change and community engagement amongst others.

The successful candidate will be experienced in motivating and leading team members and able to get up to speed quickly with a range of projects, their aims and establish relationships with the project teams and partners using their excellent interpersonal and project management skills. We would welcome applications from a range of personal and professional backgrounds able to demonstrate transferable skills. The Trust is an Investors in People Gold accredited organisation and prides itself on supporting and developing individuals.

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