Riverfly Partnership - Senior Development Manager

Background

The Riverfly Partnership is a dynamic network of organisations, representing anglers, conservationists, entomologists, scientists, water course managers and relevant authorities, working together to protect the water quality of our rivers, further the understanding of riverfly populations, and actively conserve freshwater habitats.

The Partnership was set-up in 2004 and the Freshwater Biological Association (FBA) has been hosting and managing the programme since 2014. During this time the programme has developed into one of Europe's longest running, large-scale citizen science projects, acting as an early-warning system to detect chronic and acute pollution incidents through monitoring of macroinvertebrate populations. To date, 2000+ volunteers have sampled 1700 sites on 700 rivers in 250 catchments in England, generating a total of 76,000+ records. Volunteers are active throughout the year, sampling their sites monthly.

Riverfly monitoring has been used by volunteers as a 'canary in the coal mine' to identify potential pollution incidents and ecological deterioration of rivers using an invertebrate abundance scoring method. There are many examples where Riverfly citizen scientists have been the first to identify serious pollution incidents and their data have been used to bring prosecutions against polluters. Riverfly methods include the standard Riverfly Monitoring Initiative method (8 invertebrate groups), Extended method (33 groups) and Urban method (13 groups), tailored to the watercourse and the monitor.

This is an incredibly exciting time for the Riverfly Partnership. We are fortunate to receive long-standing support from the Environment Agency, both in terms of funding and the Riverfly Partnership is intrinsically linked with ecology and citizen science contacts within the EA, facilitating meaningful action in response to suspected pollution incidents. Following a significant three-year funding injection from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to grow the reach of the Riverfly movement geographically, we are now seeking a skilled and experienced Development Manager to take us forwards and develop strategic partnerships with funders, collaborators, partner organisations and volunteering networks. See: www.riverflies.org and our social media channels – Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, Bluesky, LinkedIn.

Role description / key tasks

The Development Manager will be specifically tasked with:

1. Building upon the recently developed draft sustainable funding plan, develop and embed strategies which will create sustainable funding streams for the project, identifying key potential funders and supporters and building positive and lasting relationships which will grow the Partnership.
2. Liaise with a wide variety of stakeholders including citizen scientists, hub leads, data users, statutory bodies and collaborators to develop and grow new collaborative opportunities. You will work with project staff and wider Partnership members to critically assess the current project support structure to ensure it is fit for purpose.
3. Oversight and overall responsibility for the operational running of the project, including budgeting, and will involve line management of Riverfly Programme Coordinators (currently x2 posts) to deliver high-quality outcomes across all Riverfly methods and activities.

Essential qualities/person specification

You will possess exceptional people skills, will build strong relationships and foster a positive, collaborative environment. You will demonstrate natural leadership and the ability to inspire others, showing confidence in your decisions while remaining approachable and open to feedback. A strong knowledge of the sector is essential, ensuring informed judgment and strategic insight. Reliability and integrity are key, alongside excellent communication skills that enable clear, persuasive interaction at all levels.

We seek someone ambitious and innovative, eager to drive progress and embrace new ideas, while maintaining flexibility and understanding in a dynamic setting. The role requires strong organisational ability and a commitment to staying current with industry developments. Above all, the candidate will be a true team player—open to collaboration, supportive of colleagues, and dedicated to achieving shared goals.

Key skills

1. Leadership: You will exemplify strong, inspiring leadership, motivating and empowering individuals and teams to excel. Your ability to guide people and projects ensures that goals are achieved, even in challenging circumstances, fostering resilience and confidence.
2. Communication: You will possess exceptional interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written, enabling you to clearly articulate ideas, strategies, and instructions to all stakeholders. Your clarity and professionalism build trust and alignment across diverse audiences.
3. Strategic planning: You can craft long-term strategic plans whilst also tackling immediate challenges through critical analysis and creative problem-solving. Your foresight ensures sustainable success and adaptability. A project management certification (e.g. PRINCE2, Agile, PMP) would be desirable, although not essential.
4. Tactical fundraising: You can convert your strategic planning and financial management activities into successful fundraising outcomes, compelling communications and build lasting relationships. Other crucial abilities are adaptability, perseverance and creativity to navigate the evolving and uncertain funding landscape to secure build long-term support and resourcing. Formal training in fundraising or a demonstrable track-record of securing project funds is highly desirable.
5. Organisational skills: You bring outstanding organisational capabilities, effectively managing multiple tasks, deadlines, and resources simultaneously. Your structured approach ensures efficiency without compromising quality.
6. Decision-making: With the support of the wider SLT and partnership, you can make informed, decisive judgments rooted in sound leadership principles, balancing priorities, allocating resources wisely, and resolving conflicts with fairness and confidence.
7. Risk management: You proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks to safeguard project continuity and success. Your vigilance and strategic interventions prevent disruptions and drive positive outcomes.
8. Adaptability: You thrive in dynamic environments, seamlessly adjusting to shifting priorities, tight deadlines and reworking plans when necessary. Your ability to focus on high-impact tasks ensures progress and achievement, even amid change.
9. Conflict resolution: You excel in resolving challenges through constructive problem-solving and calm, diplomatic negotiation. Your foster positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders ensuring collaboration and trust.
10. Technical competence: You bring deep expertise in project management methodologies, tools, and techniques—streamlining processes to enhance efficiency, impact, and overall programme success. Your technical proficiency drives consistency and innovation across all project phases.

What do we offer?

• Flexible working – remote and hybrid models with flexible working hours considered and TOIL policy in line with business needs
• 27.5 days leave/year, in addition to bank holidays, rising to 32.5 days/year after 5 years
• Health & wellbeing programmes including cash plan and wellbeing support phone line
• Life insurance – 3x salary
• Contributory pension scheme
• Professional development support

Additional information

Initially, this is a full-time, fixed term role until the end of March 2029. However, it is our ambition to make this role permanent. Our offices are based in South Cumbria in Milnthorpe, and we also have a site on the western shore of Windermere where our species recovery work is carried out. This role could be office- or home-based and there is also the opportunity for hybrid working. Occasional travel throughout the UK and abroad will be required.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please email FBA Executive Director, Simon Johnson [email protected]

The Riverfly Partnership receives funding support from Environment Agency (England) and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.