Action in rural Sussex

The Role We're looking for an experienced community development worker to lead a portfolio of projects and support the wider Lost Woods team. Using an asset-based community development (ABCD) approach, you'll work with adults, children, young people and families particularly those facing barriers to accessing nature. Your lead projects will include: Woods on Prescription and sustainable community woodland wellbeing activities Five Ways to Family Wellbeing building confidence to take children and YP into woodlands Networking for underserved groups engaging with woodland and nature Evaluating and legacy-planning for all lead projects by November 2027 Alongside the team, you'll: Engage communities, map needs and help overcome barriers to participation Support volunteer groups to develop their own sustainable woodland activities Work with landowners, local authorities and partners to improve woodland access Deliver training, events and networking for stakeholders Report accurately on outcomes and maintain GDPR-compliant records Represent AirS at events and through social media Contribute to fundraising for Lost Woods and future AirS projects About You Essential: Experience of community development, including asset-based approaches and mentoring community groups Experience delivering nature-based, outdoor or conservation activities across a range of ages and abilities Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, including those with vulnerabilities or complex support needs Experience on multi-organisation partnership programmes Confident collecting, monitoring and evaluating data and writing funder reports Knowledge of ABCD and an understanding of barriers to community involvement, particularly in rural areas Strong interpersonal skills able to influence and motivate volunteers, communities and stakeholders at all levels Good organisational skills and experience meeting monitoring and reporting requirements Qualified to GCSE level or equivalent; Forest School (level 2/3), Eco Psychology, Nature Connection or Counselling training also considered Current driving licence and use of own vehicle Outdoor First Aid trained, or willing to be you'll lead risk assessments for woodland activities Desirable: Accredited qualification or significant experience in community development or community organising Knowledge of rural Sussex, relevant statutory services and local conservation organisations Experience of line management or team leadership Coaching, mentoring or training facilitation skills Experience using social media to promote projects Location: Lost Woods programme area (West, Mid & East Sussex) with home working Hours: 21 hours per week (some evenings/weekends TOIL given) Salary: £30,833 pro rata Contract: Fixed term programme ends November 2027 Annual leave: 28 days pro rata Pension: 5% employer contribution AirS is committed to equality of opportunity. This post is subject to a DBS check.

A great opportunity to join our Sussex focussed charity as we embark upon a new 4 year strategy. This is a senior, high-impact post. You will lead on business development and income generation writing bids, building partnerships and developing strategy working closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team. A key part of the role is dedicated to securing funding for our Lost Woods Project, a multi-agency community development initiative running until November 2027. Key responsibilities include: Designing and driving an organisational Business Development Strategy Writing and submitting high-quality grant applications and competitive tender bids (including £150k+ bids) Maintaining a strong pipeline of funding and contract opportunities Building and sustaining strategic partnerships across the public, voluntary and private sectors Leading on AirS communications, marketing and profile-raising Supporting smooth handover of awarded contracts into delivery What We're Looking For Essential: Proven track record of securing grant funding and winning contracts, including large bids of £150,000+ Experience of collaborative bidding and partnership development Management experience in a similar organisation. Excellent written and verbal communication skills Experience of CRM systems Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills Knowledge of the national and local funding landscape and public sector commissioning Educated to degree level or equivalent Desirable: Knowledge of the voluntary and community sector in Sussex Experience of Social Value and Theory of Change impact evaluation Formal fundraising or project management qualification Knowledge of community asset development, rural housing or nature-based solutions Personal attributes: You are self-motivated, highly organised, calm under pressure, and a genuine completer-finisher. You can write compelling bids, build trusted relationships, and present confidently to a range of audiences. Accountable to: Head of Finance and Operations Staff responsibilities: None initially (line management potential) Salary: £45,000 (pro rata) Hours: 35 hours per week (part-time considered at 28 hours) Contract: Permanent Location: Lewes, Sussex hybrid working. AirS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.