Senior Partnership Officer

Thames Rivers Trust (TRT) is part of The Rivers Trust movement, we are the Hub Trust for the
Thames catchment. TRT is a registered charity focusing on the promotion and delivery of an
ecosystem-based approach to improving the Thames and its tributaries.

We are committed to developing a collaborative, partnership approach that maximises the
benefits of public, private and third-sector organisations working together with communities to
deliver integrated outcomes.

We are recruiting a Senior Partnership Officer to build and strengthen collaborative
relationships and partnerships that enable Thames Rivers Trust (TRT) and its partners to
effectively fulfil our mission and vision. A key part of this role will be supporting the
national Rivers Trust to empower local River Trusts with the necessary skills, support and
resources to enable them to deliver their work more sustainably and productively.

The successful candidate will identify and nurture multiple stakeholder relationships, focusing
primarily on building capacity within the Thames catchment to undertake sustainable
improvements to the river. In addition, they will seek opportunities to fund such projects and
assist with program development and communications.

Key duties

The role requires a good understanding of partnership needs, and driving opportunities based on
guidance from the TRT CEO and The Rivers Trust.

The successful candidate will work with the CEO and The Rivers Trust to lead the development and
implementation of the partnership strategy including:

• Assisting TRT with ongoing partnership initiatives
• Assisting the Rivers Trust to empower local River Trusts
• Developing a potential partners and funders landscape
• Generating leads and opening conversations with key contacts and stakeholders
• Representing TRT in meetings and events
• Creating proposals and presentations to enable partnership opportunities
• Following up on conversations and process
• Contributing to publicity and comms
• Reporting to the CEO

You will support The Rivers Trust with the development of strategic partnerships at a regional
level, including with water companies, and other strategic funding partners, specifically, you
will:

• Support Rivers Trusts to build their capacity and capability to access emerging strategic
  funding opportunities; and,
• Contribute to and lead on workstreams within the Rivers Trust Network Support Services to
  align nationally and deliver most impact for our member Trusts
• The role will involve facilitating cooperation, planning and coordination between member
  Rivers Trusts in the region, as well as key stakeholders such as water companies, the
  Environment Agency, catchment partners and others
• Support the running of the Thames Basin Rivers Trust Hub

What are we looking for?

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a strong desire to improve rivers and the environment
• Hold a relevant degree or have significant experience in a relevant area. e.g., Freshwater
  management, aquatic science, geography, environmental science
• Have an understanding of river ecosystems, how they function and the issues they face
• Have proven experience working successfully in partnership with a range of organisations
  and people to achieve common goals
• Be able to inspire and motivate
• Be personable, diplomatic, and questioning
• Have experience organising and delivering successful events
• A proven ability to organise and manage responsibilities within strict deadlines, with
  limited supervision
• Be able to demonstrate strategic and innovative thinking
• Have experience of collating data, summarising and communicating it well for external
  audiences
• Possess excellent communication and negotiation skills, both verbal and written
• Be adaptable and be able to work independently and as part of a team
• Have strong IT skills (email, Excel, Office, PowerPoint)
• Have a working knowledge of social media
• Effectively manage a varied workload
• A full driving license and access to a vehicle insured for business use

Desirable

• A working knowledge of GIS
• A proven track record of successful fundraising would be an advantage

What We Offer

This is a full-time (37.5 hours p/w) 1-year fixed term contract. Subject to obtaining funding
and performance there is the opportunity for the post to be renewed for further years.

We offer competitive rates of pay £31,867 – £42,488 p.a. dependent on experience. The contract
is subject to a 3-month probationary period. Agreed expenses will be covered. We are willing to
consider a self-employed contractor for this post.

The successful candidate will report to the Chief Executive on a day-to-day basis and will be
required to work remotely but with regular travel within the Thames catchment to attend
meetings and events in person (with some contacts via Zoom).

Application

The deadline for applications is 11.59pm 13th September 2024, interviews will be held the week
commencing 23rd September 2024.

Please apply with your CV and a covering letter to Thames Rivers Trust, PO Box 4248,
Marlborough, SN8 9FH or email [email protected]