Chief Executive Officer

The Forest of Avon is looking for a Chief Executive to lead the organisation through an exciting new chapter of its work.

One of England’s Community Forests, Forest of Avon’s primary goal is to improve the tree and woodland environment around the cities and countryside of Bristol and Bath. Their focus is woodland creation, woodland management and expert led nature and health programmes. Forest of Avon provides a growing range of opportunities for people of all backgrounds to enjoy their local woodland environment.

Over the last 5 years the Forest of Avon’s influence and impact has grown. Its work promoting and advising on woodland and tree planting has led to over 450 ha of new woodland being established. It has expanded the work it does helping people to play their part in improving the environment through volunteer opportunities and it runs a programme of tailored events which help boost people’s mental health and physical fitness.

They are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced senior leader to work with work with the Chair and Board of Directors to:

• develop and implement a forward-looking strategy that will deliver the charity’s environmental and social aims
• provide effective leadership to the Forest of Avon and its staff (around 25 people)
• promote and advocate for the Forest of Avon, developing the charity’s impact by building key relationships with national, regional and local partners and stakeholders
• ensure long term sustainability of the charity through effective governance and sound finance management
• work with the Director of The Western Forest to support and engage in its successful delivery.

We are looking for someone who has:

• demonstrated experience of successful senior leadership, working across a diverse range of organisations, sectors and stakeholders
• experience of working in a charity at a senior level preferred
• the proven skills to approach challenges creatively, productively and collaboratively, and the ability to mobilise people and organisations to act and respond with a sense of purpose
• an understanding of the environmental sector and the importance of woodland creation and land management for nature recovery is desirable but not essential
• experience of working at a high-level, influencing change and developing collaborative partnerships with key influencers and potential funders
• experience of working effectively with boards of directors/trustees, ideally in the charity sector
• a good understanding of finance, human resources, safeguarding, operations and governance
• an ability to work collegiately, encouraging team members in the performance of their responsibilities

Location: Bristol office based with hybrid/ flexible working covering the Forest of Avon catchment area (Bath & North-East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset)