Location
Flexible working including home working, Holly Lodge Richmond Park TW10 5HS and various locations throughout South West London and North Surrey.

Hours
35 hours per week (Fixed term contract for 12 months, potential for extension subject to funding)

Salary
£35,000 per annum

About the Role
The Strategic Projects and Engagement Officer (SPO) will build new and develop existing partnerships, work with stakeholders, and outreach to new and diverse audiences to assist the Thames Landscape Strategy (TLS) in the development and delivery of projects, policy, and guidance. Reporting to the Thames Landscape Strategy Strategic Projects Manager, the SPO will deliver accessible outreach sessions for communities and stakeholders to increase knowledge about the TLS and the Joint Thames Strategies Refresh. The role involves developing and implementing projects aligned with the TLS Annual Action Plan, maintaining and expanding partnerships across the TLS area, and designing interpretation materials including panels, displays, and online content tailored to diverse audiences.

The SPO will also develop and deliver special projects and events such as the Arcadian Thames Camera Obscura Tent, meetings, workshops, and virtual webinars to engage stakeholders and consult communities. Volunteer recruitment and management for TLS conservation projects is a key responsibility, enabling greater community participation in practical conservation efforts. The role includes thorough documentation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects, assisting with GIS data preparation for the Thames Landscape Strategy and Thames Strategy Kew to Chelsea refresh, managing TLS social media and website output, and undertaking general administrative duties.

The postholder will work within the policies of TLS and Habitats & Heritage, promoting equality and diversity in employment and service delivery. Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends is required. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to ground-breaking projects such as ‘Rewilding Arcadia’ and to shape future strategic proposals for the Thames locally and regionally.

About Habitats & Heritage
Habitats & Heritage is a local charity dedicated to protecting and enhancing the natural and historic environment and climate in south and west London. The organisation works in partnership across multiple London boroughs to raise awareness, empower communities, and deliver sustainable environmental and heritage projects. The SPO will be an integral part of a 16-staff team and work closely with the Thames Landscape Strategy project team.

About Thames Landscape Strategy and Joint Thames Strategy Programme
The Thames Landscape Strategy is a partnership of riparian authorities, stakeholders, and communities focused on conserving and enhancing the River Thames from Weybridge to Kew (the Arcadian Thames). The Joint Thames Strategy (JTS) programme is a collaborative effort to secure the long-term climate resilience of the Thames from Surrey to the Sea. The SPO role supports engagement and delivery of projects related to floodplain resilience, heritage conservation, nature-based solutions, and local strategic planning.

Experience
- Experience working within the heritage, environment, or landscape management sector (essential)
- Experience organising and managing practical conservation volunteering events
- Experience working within the voluntary sector (essential)
- Experience organising events (desirable)
- GIS experience (desirable)

About you
- Excellent team-working and leadership skills with people from diverse backgrounds
- Excellent oral communication skills with ability to adapt style to different audiences
- Ability to work independently and be self-motivated
- Highly motivated with a passion for the environment and heritage
- Ability to manage small budgets
- Computer and social media literate
- Ability to develop environmental interpretation content and deliver learning programmes
- Understanding of climate change and environmental issues
- Ability to manage practical volunteering events including risk assessments and tool safety
- Ability to work in partnership with various organisations to meet shared goals
- Excellent administrative and project management skills
- Understanding of audience development and commitment to accessible educational programmes
- Strong office/ICT skills including web and digital content management
- Ability to understand and accommodate participants with special needs
- Commitment to Equal Opportunities and diversity in employment and service delivery
- Flexible and reliable team player willing to support other staff and work evenings/weekends as required

Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline (desirable)
- Full clean driving licence (required)
- First Aid qualification (desirable)