Summary
We’re looking for a Deputy Programme Director (Support and Advice), internally known as a Specialist Delivery Manager, to lead the development of our advisory and support services within the Nature Towns and Cities team. Working with councils, their partners and communities, funders and investors, you’ll help put nature and access to green and blue space at the heart of urban life - creating healthier, more resilient places across the UK. You’ll also play a key role in connecting this work across the National Trust and aligning with wider urban programmes to maximise impact.
This role is hosted by the National Trust and works across the Nature Towns and Cities Coalition. It’s fixed term until February 2029. As this is a partnership role, we will be sharing your application with partners for assessment.
What it's like to work here
Nature Towns and Cities is a coalition led by the National Trust, Natural England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, working to create greener, healthier and more vibrant urban communities. Our ambition is to bring nature closer to home for millions of people.
You’ll work across the National Trust and partner organisations in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment, helping to deliver our goal of improving access to quality green space for 5 million people and enabling 1 million more children and young people to spend time outdoors.
Your contractual location will be Manchester, Swindon, Birmingham or London and you’ll be required to work at a National Trust or partner office for 40-60% of your working week. This will be discussed in more detail at interview. Regular travel throughout the UK will be required.
What you'll be doing
You’ll lead the design and delivery of the Nature Towns and Cities support and advice function, responding to the needs of 100 towns and cities and a growing network of hundreds of community organisations. Working with colleagues and partners, you’ll deploy expertise from across the National Trust, partner organisations and external consultants to help places take action for nature and people at scale, while continuously reviewing and improving the offer. You’ll commission learning and training programmes and use your insight to shape wider programme activity, including the network and accreditation scheme. Covering areas from ecology and inclusion to economics and investment readiness, you’ll play a key role in the leadership team, deputising for the Programme Director, and working closely with the wider Urban Team to strengthen integration and knowledge sharing across the National Trust and align with other urban programmes where beneficial.
More detail on Nature Towns and Cities can be found in the information pack attached to this vacancy.
Who we're looking for
You’ll bring a broad range of the following knowledge, skills and experience, shaped by different roles, sectors or career paths, and the judgment to apply them effectively at scale;
1. Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary and matrix teams
2. Strong influencing, negotiation and consultancy skills
3. Deep expertise in at least two relevant fields (e.g. urban nature, green infrastructure, urbanism, climate resilience, health or communities)
4. Good understanding of local government and the urban operating environment
5. Experience in service design
6. Demonstrated success in building and delivering partnerships
7. Creative, collaborative and solutions-focused approach
8. Excellent communication skills with a strong commitment to inclusive and equitable ways of working
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
•Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
•Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
•Rental deposit loan scheme
•Season ticket loan
•EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
•Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
•Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
•Flexible working whenever possible
•Employee assistance programme
•Free parking at most Trust places