Project Officer - Durham Summary We’re looking for an Engagement Officer for an innovative and exciting nature, heritage and culture research project in the North East. Using your skills and experience in engagement, participation and project support, you will enable high quality collaboration and research-based activity between a wide range of stakeholders. This is a proactive, external-facing role, ideal for someone who enjoys building strong relationships and connecting opportunities. This role is required to work with vulnerable groups including children and any offer of employment or volunteering is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check. You'll need to have a willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends (TOIL available; no overtime payments). What it's like to work here You'll be working as part of the Green Corridors North East (GCNE) mission, a three-year, Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded project to revitalise green spaces in Durham City, Teesside and Gateshead. You will join the dynamic, collaborative and ambitious North East Urban team and work regularly with our partners and wider stakeholders in local authorities, universities, local community groups, residents, landowners and charities. What you'll be doing You'll play a key role in engaging our local communities and landowners. This will primarily take place within and around the Durham City Green Corridor (DCGC), one of three locations within the GCNE. You will coordinate stakeholder activities such as research-based community activation, offer practical support for the GCNE Flexible Fund, and ensure consistent and highly effective project communication across partners. 1: Community and Stakeholder Engagement - Work closely with Community Practitioners to plan and deliver conversations and consultations with established communities in Durham. - Co-ordinate communication and engagement with landowners, land occupiers, local authorities, community organisations and associations, academics and other corridor stakeholders. - Provide timely, targeted updates and ensure consistent, transparent communication to both internal and external stakeholders. - Act as one of the research project’s key points of contact, offering clear information, advice and guidance about the project and associated funding opportunities. 2- Cross-Partner Collaboration - Support proactive collaboration between AHRC partners to ensure a shared, consistent approach to stakeholder engagement. - Contribute to information sharing and knowledge exchange across the wider GCNE team, sharing and knowledge exchange across the wider GCNE team, supporting holistic programme development. - Embody and uphold AHRC Thrive Principles (What is Thrive? - Researcher Hub - University of Liverpool) throughout all engagement activities. 3- Flexible Fund Support - Support the development, delivery, and administration of the GCNE Flexible Fund (approx. eight research projects with a 15,000 value), held by Newcastle University. - Assist stakeholders including local communities and partners in understanding and accessing the fund, offering guidance throughout the application and project using the programme’s decision-making framework. - Ensure all associated administration aligns with relevant financial and organisational policies. 4. Governance, compliance and project management - Ensure all activity complies with multi-organisational procedures, including safeguarding, data handling, and financial controls. - Contribute to documentation, record-keeping, and reporting across project activity. - Carry out any other duties appropriate to the role’s level and responsibilities. Who we're looking for Excellent communication and facilitation skills using a range of approaches, including experience with public-facing community engagement. Proven ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of diverse stakeholders (e.g., community groups, academics, landowners, local authorities). Experience of working on landscape projects with land managers and/or relevant funding schemes. Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a matrix team, building productive relationships with researchers and community stakeholders. Experience supporting the development and implementation of community co-designed funding applications. A genuine interest in the communities of Durham City and its surroundings. 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 Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.