Operations Director

As we look ahead to an important new chapter for Birmingham Open Spaces Forum, we’re sharing an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of our work. Our current Operations Director will be retiring next year, and we are now looking for someone to carry forward the vision, energy and community spirit that drives BOSF. For over 20 years, BOSF has supported Birmingham’s park and open space volunteers, helping around 150 member groups care for the city’s 600 designated open spaces. The Operations Director plays a key role in this, guiding the organisation’s day to day operations and helping deliver the strategic aims set by our Trustees.

This is a chance to make a real impact in Birmingham’s communities, working closely with volunteers, partner organisations and the BOSF team to strengthen and grow the network. Although experience in green spaces is welcome, it’s not essential. We’re keen to hear from people with skills from across the charitable, voluntary or wider sectors who share a commitment to community led action and local green spaces.

About the Role

The Operations Director will:

• Lead and manage BOSF’s ongoing operations
• Support delivery of strategic and performance objectives
• Work closely with volunteers, community organisations and partners
• Help guide BOSF into its next phase of development as we continue to grow

We anticipate the successful candidate will be able to take up the post from early March 2026.

Responsibilities and Key Tasks

1. Direction and strategy Contribute to the development and implementation of the direction of BOSF, and it’s strategy.

2. Operations Determine and control the organisation’s activities to ensure they meet BOSF’s objectives and Key Performance Indicators (KPI).

3. Financial control Overall responsibility for the control of monetary inflows and expenditure to ensure the fiscal integrity of BOSF. With the support of the Administrator, to provide informative, accurate and complete reports to the Trustees and required external agencies.

4. Communications Overall responsibility for the management of internal and external BOSF communications. To promote, create awareness of and gain participation in the activities of BOSF.

5. Partnership relations Identify and develop appropriate relationships with public, private and 3rd sector organisations to promote the delivery of benefits to the community. To advocate for the sector and the organisation and its member groups.

6. Information Prepare relevant data, analysis and interpretation to inform Trustees to assure effective BOSF governance and delivery

7. Fundraising Identify, research and apply for funding, using external support where appropriate, for ongoing operations and specific relevant projects that will realise net positive funds into BOSF.

8. Employee management Overall responsibility for HR functions to ensure that employees and contractors of BOSF can achieve BOSF’s objectives. We currently directly employ 4 members of staff, in addition to one external contractor.

9. Trustees Participate in the recruitment and training of trustees. Support the governance functions of the trustees. Work with designated Trustees for specified projects to inform and contribute to the fulfilment of BOSF’s objectives.

10. Compliance: Ensure compliance with the Charity Commission, our Constitution and policies, and any other relevant agencies as needed.

11. Project Management: To pursue and manage small projects which raise our visibility and encourage further community engagement in growing and/or green spaces, whilst generating income to support our work.

Person Specification - Essential Criteria

1. Qualifications • Educated to degree level or with equivalent experience

2. Practical Experience

• Have project and organisational management experience.

• Experience of working with local authorities and/or parks and green spaces.

• Managing the finances of a 3rd sector organisation

3. Knowledge

• Understanding of, and commitment to, community development.

• A good working knowledge of current regulations and working practices in organisational management, as well as an understanding of how the local authority operates and the challenges faced.

• Knowledge of issues affecting communities in areas of deprivation

4. Skills

• Have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to communicate effectively with a broad range of people – from service users to Trustees and funders.

• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal

• Ability to manage own time.

• Be able to work very effectively under pressure, meet tight deadlines, prioritise and pay excellent attention to detail.

• Be able to demonstrate flexibility and commitment to taking a full and active part in the life of BOSF, adapting to and driving change where necessary in line with our strategic objectives.

• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.

• Ability to lead, motivate and manage staff.

• Confidence in using basic software packages – including spreadsheets

5. Personal attributes/other

• Take pride in being efficient, very well organised and on top of tasks

• Be someone who actively seeks solutions to problems

• Be self-motivated with a positive attitude and able to work flexibly

• Ability to travel for the attendance of meetings, events & conferences. (The ability to drive with access to a vehicle is desirable)

• A commitment to & appreciation of Health & Safety issues in the workplace

• A commitment to promoting equal opportunities, inclusion and diversity in all work practices, employment and partnering opportunities

• A flexible approach and ability to work out of office hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

• An enthusiasm for urban green spaces and the wider natural environment.