Volunteer Join the Board of Trustees of The Ecology Centre - Commercial Strategy Specialist

What will you be doing?

As an individual with a high level of experience and knowledge of how successful businesses operate, you will work in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, General Manager and operational teams to design and implement commercial strategies that will enhance the long-term sustainability of our charity. You will bring your commercial acumen and knowledge of commercial disciplines to drive efficiency within the charities operations and ensure that we identify opportunities to demonstrate best practice in all that we do. In doing so, you will play a key role in helping to drive the present and future of the charity to achieve its objectives in the immediate and long term.   This is a voluntary role and, though we ask that Board members are able to devote approximately 3-5 hours per week to the charity’s work, we work in a respectful environment that is scalable to your individual circumstances.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for an individual with drive and passion that aligns with the purpose of our charity and who can help to support our strategic direction and commercial success with a skillset that complements those of our existing Trustees. We are looking for an innovative, opportunity-focussed individual with proven experience in a relevant commercial discipline (e.g. corporate enterprises, start-ups) who can provide support with the following key areas:

Strategy development: Working with the Board of Trustees and General Manager to shape effective commercial strategies, fostering long-term sustainability and growth in line with our values Operational best practice: Analyse existing operations to identify areas where processes and procedures can be improved to drive efficient best practice Financial sustainability and risk: Demonstrate financial and commercial acumen to ensure effective financial governance, monitoring and risk management and that Trustees discharge duties in line with all relevant rules and regulations Performance measurement: Support the development of appropriate mechanisms to measure success, ensuring we add value to the community in line with our constitution People support: Providing expert guidance and mentorships as necessary to the General Manager and operational team to ensure alignment at all levels.

Previous experience in environmental and/or third sector roles is welcome but not necessary, and nor do we consider it a requirement that you have previous experience as part of a Board or Executive Committee. Most important to us, however, is having integrity, team-working ethic and a passion to help develop and grow our charity. Preference may be given to individuals who are connected to our community and can have a presence on-site, but we are open to fully remote working for this role.

What difference will you make?

The Ecology Centre’s vision is to connect people and nature for the sustainable wellbeing of both. We aim to provide a welcoming, safe and green space for communities to connect with each other and celebrate the joy of nature. We foster connections between people and the environment through environmental education for all and provide benefit to community, health and wellbeing. You’ll work together with the Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers to ensure that the charity is environmentally and commercially sustainable and continues to have a positive impact on its local environment, people and society as a whole. You will help set the direction of the organisation, lead strategic and business planning, get involved with projects and get to know the people involved with the Centre and community. The Board of Trustees meet on the first Thursday evening of each month (or more frequently as appropriate) and, in between, are asked to progress agreed actions or react to circumstances as they arise to ensure the charity achieves its objectives under a solid leadership footing.