Job Description Reports to: Director of Development and Partnerships Staff reports: None, though this is dependent on the programme size. Note that matrix team management is significant in this role. Working Hours: Full time 5 days per week (35 hours) Location: Office-based in Brixton SW9 (or hybrid working arrangement, with minimum 2 days per week in the office) Purpose of job Lead, manage and optimise our Trees for Streets programme – the National Street Tree Sponsorship Scheme ( www.treesforstreets.org ). Ensure that this special and innovative initiative can flourish as a nationally significantly programme, which gets noticed by decision makers and the public alike. Through maximising the opportunities offered by Trees for Streets, play a pivotal role in securing major and fresh investment in streets to transform them into leafy liveable places, ultimately mobilising partners and communities towards the planting and long-term stewardship of urban trees. Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities Oversee the effective delivery of our portfolio of individual street tree sponsorship schemes with Local Authority partners around the UK to ensure their success. This involves ensuring that individual schemes are well scoped and planned, that partners and stakeholders outlooks and needs are fully embedded with a shared view of what good looks like. Ensure the details that go into making a scheme work - public appetite, planting priorities and pricing etc - are sustainable and well-integrated. Work in a highly collaborative way with Local Authority teams and with key colleagues to ensure the programme runs effectively and creates significant opportunity and return for partners and the charity. Lead partnership processes including annual reviews to capture ongoing learning and devise adaptation strategies, and aid internal evaluation processes. Lead the strategic positioning and development of the programme with senior partners and key decision makers, so that it resonates deeply with relevant areas of national policy, emerging finance markets, and in outcome areas that matter. Lead innovation processes to explore the ongoing potential of the programme and proactively make scalable recommendations, as well as simplify. Ensure that the programme is fully integrated with the strategic direction of Trees for Cities and continuously look for opportunities to maximise and create learnings that can foster breakthroughs for the charity, its partners, urban forestry and in relation to tree equity. Work primarily to the Development and Partnership Director in this regard, but also with the whole Director team and other senior staff when needed. Lead and support business planning processes including the shaping of short and long term financial, environmental and engagement targets, both internally and with partners. Broadly ensure internal reporting on the programme is fit for purpose and supports a clear narrative about the impact of the programme and its phase of innovation and development. Own the strategic plan for the programme and ensure it is reviewed and easy to understand, is relevant to a range of audiences and can adapt as required. Lead the process of attracting new partners to the programme, exploring how a scheme might work for them and complement their objectives. Ensure this interest can be converted into new schemes that benefit the programme. Take a whole lifecycle approach to schemes, so they reach planned maturity, are evaluated and otherwise develop into other opportunities for the charity. Help spot and lead local and national opportunities for publicity about Trees for Streets including in the press and at stakeholder events, working closely with communications and marketing colleagues and local partners. Support team members aligned to the delivery of the programme through effective matrix team working including with our Marketing and Communications and Fundraising teams. Working within our programme management framework, help ensure there are team processes and ways of working that optimise team members inputs and information is shared effectively and in an empowering way. Work closely with colleagues to ensure they have what they need to create sponsorship opportunities and follow leads. Lead the charity’s understanding of the street tree landscape and how tree planting where people live and work improves lives. Maintain an up to date understanding of the barriers and opportunities to securing planting in streets, including cultural, physical and financial aspects to this. Keep abreast of how ‘tech for good’ and crowdfunding platforms can provide opportunities for charities. Increase the alignment of the programme with tree equity outcomes, where possible. Use this knowledge and insight to foster change and overcome barriers as needed. Support or where needed lead the development of funding bids with the Finance and Fundraising teams as required, including ensuring effective reporting when needed. Ensure that colleagues are supported to aid financial management of the programme and be the point of contact with partners as required to facilitate this. As and when required, line manage and support reports adhering to internal guidance and best practice. Experience, Knowledge and Skills Required Person Specification Essential Desirable At least 3 years experience in developing and/or managing successful partnerships with Local Authorities with good working knowledge of their operating space Y Experience of working effectively and securing results in a matrix team environment Y Mature and demonstrable influencing and negotiating skills particularly with senior representatives Y A proven track record of high-quality programme and project management capabilities, with the ability to multi-task, problem solve and monitor/assess the delivery of individual projects and a program Y Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience of writing funding proposals, compiling reports, publicity materials and interviews Y Ability to work to targets and deadlines through effective time-management and prioritisation Y Significant business acumen born of relevant experience, and applied knowledge of innovation and optimisation techniques at project and programme level Y Creative and able to develop new ideas and innovations, and test and scale them Y A positive approach and the ability to cope with flexibility and change Y An excellent grasp of what it means to work at a strategic level with demonstrable experience of how to operationalise this through leadership style, partnerships, and ways of working Y Knowledge of urban trees including their benefits and the relevant policy landscape Y Technical expertise on tree planting in the street landscape and tree maintenance requirements to ensure establishment Y Some experience of managing urban tree planting projects and programmes Y Understanding of how environmental and social change happens particularly within the charity landscape, and the role of influencing and advocacy in this Y Some weekend and evening work may be required particularly during the planting season (October to March). Occasional out of hours meetings may be required. This job description is not exhaustive and is liable to review following discussions with the post holder. The post holder will be expected to undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by his/her manager. All employees have a duty under the Health & Safety at Work Act to ensure that their working environment is kept free of hazards that may prove injurious to themselves, their colleagues, and all those engaged in the charity’s activities. Trees for Cities’ office is a no-smoking environment; all staff have a responsibility to keep the office clean and welcoming. Job holder may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check regarding suitability for working with children and vulnerable adults. Staff Benefits · 29 days annual leave in addition to public holidays · Annual half day birthday leave · Pension: Employees are required to make a minimum 3% contribution with Trees for Cities’ making an enhanced 5% employer’s contribution. Trees for Cities also offers the option to match additional contributions up to a further 2%. · Parental Leave: Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay · Enhanced Occupational Sick Pay: 3 days full pay during probationary period which increases to 10 days full pay after successful completion of probation (pro rata for part time staff and staff on fixed term contracts) · Company Paid Healthcare with Simply Health · Staff Socials (annual Staff Appreciation Day and End of Year Celebration) Once salaried employees (permanent or fixed term) have successfully completed their probationary period, they are entitled to the following additional benefits: · Professional development training budget · Moving day allowance (up to one day per year in addition to their annual leave entitlement) · Cycle to Work Scheme · Employee Volunteering Day (one day) · Career breaks in addition to annual leave linked to length of service.