TCCEP Activity Plan and Engagement Manager

Help shape how thousands of people connect with the story of the critically endangered European eel. Join us in supporting their recovery across the Thames Basin.

About the Project

The Thames Catchment Community Eels Project (TCCEP) is a multi-partner, catchment-scale initiative working to support the recovery of the critically endangered European eel. Bringing together a strong consortium of environmental and community-focused organisations, the project delivers conservation, engagement and education activity across the Thames Basin.

Currently in its Development Phase, TCCEP is designing a high-quality Delivery Phase programme running from 2027 to 2030, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Activity Plan sits at the heart of this application and will directly shape how communities, volunteers and schools across the region connect with rivers, wildlife and conservation for years to come.

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to lead engagement strategy for a flagship environmental partnership. As Activity Plan and Engagement Manager, you will take the lead on developing the TCCEP Activity Plan and Volunteer Engagement Plan, bringing together partner expertise, consultation insights and consultant outputs into a coherent, inclusive and fundable plan that meets NLHF requirements.

This is not a delivery role. Your focus will be on shaping, coordinating and integrating contributions from across the partnership to create something ambitious, realistic and compelling. You will provide strategic leadership across the Engagement and Education Workstreams, working closely with delivery partners, consultants and stakeholders to ensure all activity is aligned, accessible and outcome-focused.

What You'll Be Doing

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the development of the Activity Plan and Action Plan, ensuring all components are aligned, integrated and NLHF-compliant
• Leading the development of the Volunteer Engagement Plan and coordinating integration of consultant-led outputs
• Providing strategic leadership across the Engagement and Education Workstreams
• Facilitating workstream meetings, workshops and partner discussions
• Working with the Programme Manager and partners to define activities, audiences, outputs, outcomes, costs and delivery responsibilities
• Coordinating stakeholder, community, school and volunteer mapping
• Ensuring activities are inclusive, accessible and aligned with EDIB principles
• Contributing engagement and education data to Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)
• Providing regular progress, risk and delivery updates to the Programme Manager and Steering Group

What We're Looking For

We are seeking someone who can bring together ideas, people and evidence to create a clear, compelling and fundable Activity Plan. You will be confident navigating complexity, coordinating multiple partners and synthesising diverse inputs into a coherent whole.

Essential experience and skills include:

• Experience developing strategic plans or programmes for funders
• Experience in engagement and/or education programme development
• Experience coordinating multi-partner projects
• Strong written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple inputs and deadlines

The following would be an advantage:

• Experience of National Lottery Heritage Fund projects
• Understanding of evaluation frameworks and outcome-based design
• Knowledge of the environmental, heritage or conservation sectors
• Experience of co-design or participatory approaches

You will also need to be willing to travel across the Thames Basin and to work occasional evenings for workshops or stakeholder sessions.

About Thames Rivers Trust

Thames Rivers Trust (TRT) is a catchment-based environmental charity dedicated to improving river health and resilience across the Thames Basin. We work collaboratively with delivery partners, statutory agencies and funders to deliver nature-based solutions, support environmental data infrastructure, and increase community access to rivers and blue spaces. TRT is the host organisation for TCCEP.

Employment Terms

• Salary: £38,000 to £40,000 per annum, depending on experience
• Contract: Fixed-term to 31st May 2027, with potential extension subject to further funding
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week, with flexible working considered
• Location: Home-based with travel across the Thames Basin
• Annual Leave: 25 days per year plus public holidays
• Pension: Contributory pension scheme