Location
Remote working with national travel between National Park Offices and London.

Hours
Full Time - 37 hours per week

Salary
£70,000 per annum

Benefits
25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days after five years’ service, plus public holidays
Pension Scheme

About the Role
National Parks England (NPE) is a not-for-profit company representing England’s National Park Authorities (NPA), championing their role in nature recovery, climate change, public health, and influencing policy, funding, and legislation. As Executive Director, you will be the most senior employee and Company Secretary, leading NPE’s strategy and operations. You will coordinate the Board and Chair, develop evidence-led policies, and harness the expertise of all ten NPAs to ensure aligned, strategic, and impactful work.

You will act as a key link between National Parks and government, strengthening national presence, deepening engagement with political stakeholders and the Protected Landscapes Partnership, and providing Members with insight to navigate evolving government policy. Leading the delivery of NPE’s influencing strategy, you will secure investment, tools, and powers that support shared statutory purposes.

Your responsibilities include leading and managing the NPE Secretariat, overseeing policy development, coordinating national advocacy efforts, and ensuring smooth governance. You will build strong national partnerships with government departments, political stakeholders, and key sector organisations, promoting the value of National Parks with credibility, passion, and authority.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to guide a national organisation at a defining moment for England’s National Parks, influencing landscapes, communities, and environments that shape national identity and championing protected landscapes at the highest levels.

Experience
- Proven management experience leading a small organisation of approximately five staff and managing a budget around £1 million
- Track record of delivering tangible impact in policy or public affairs through effective engagement and influencing strategies
- Experience leading diverse teams with a focus on inclusion and collaboration
- Strong communication and networking skills, including political influencing and parliamentary processes
- Experience developing trusted relationships with senior stakeholders such as Chairs and Chief Executives

About you
- Skilled consensus-builder able to unite diverse views behind shared positions
- Passionate and authentic advocate for protected landscapes and National Parks
- Strategic thinker with the ability to guide national voice and influence policy
- Committed to advancing nature recovery, climate action, and community wellbeing

Qualifications
No specific qualifications are stated; however, senior leadership experience in policy, public affairs, or strategic influencing is essential.