All around the country, the transition towards becoming a sustainable society is gradually underway. But ‘gradually’ is not enough. Climate efforts must be fast tracked if we are to limit the impacts of climate change. Building public support for a rapid and fair transition is critical to achieving this goal, and this demands a powerful shared vision of what is possible. However, we don't often see stories of progress in the news or hear about new ways of living and working from our friends, family, or colleagues. Without these reminders, it's easy for people to feel that nothing is changing for the better. And it's easy for politicians and businesses to think that people aren't prepared for change.

Established in 2021, The Local Storytelling Exchange uses storytelling and community engagement to shape a collective narrative of support for a fair green transition. It does this by finding and amplifying stories across regional and local print, radio, TV, and digital media that show ‘this is what the transition looks like'. These stories hold a mirror to the political ideas driving the national climate agenda, joining the dots between policies and people’s everyday experience of the transition. Local Storytellers work in different geographical areas to tell stories about individuals, groups and businesses who are shaping the green transition.

We are seeking an experienced Head of Programmes and Development to work closely with the Executive Director to drive forward the scale and pace of impact at the Exchange.

This person will be a creative individual with an entrepreneurial mindset. Excited about joining a start-up, they will be strategic and analytical, with a strong understanding of where storytelling can make the biggest public and political impact. A background in strategic communications and / or climate policy is desirable, but a strong track record in project management and ideas development is key. They will enjoy testing new ideas, evaluating success and developing new partnerships and opportunities. A self-starter, they will be a quick learner, able to take initiative and lead the effective delivery of programmes.

A clear grasp of the power of stories will be crucial to the success of this role.

These skills can have been acquired anywhere, but a commitment to environmental action is a must. What's most important is a genuine interest in the mission of the Exchange, the power of stories to catalyse progress on climate change, and a passion for addressing climate change in an inclusive, strategic way.

The Exchange is seeking to genuinely - and authentically - find and amplify voices and stories that reflect the diversity of our society in terms of lived experience, cultural or socio-economic background, ethnicity and geography/region and strongly encourages people of all backgrounds to apply for this role.

Responsibilities include:

• Work closely with the Executive Director in the development of the Exchange’s strategy and approach.
• Manage key projects, build and lead partnerships with relevant organisations, work with donors and impactfully drive projects to completion.
• Work closely with colleagues and partners to develop a keen understanding of where strategic communication gaps exist and develop opportunities for addressing these.
• Keep abreast of key political and social developments, identifying issues and trends and potential angles for focusing our storytelling around.
• With the Executive Director, develop the Exchange’s financial strategy, diversifying funding streams to include commercial and grant-making opportunities to build a sustainable and diversified funding model.
• Support the Executive Director with identifying funding opportunities, funder relationships, proposal development and reporting.
• Lead on the development and implementation of the Exchange’s approach to monitoring, evaluation and learning.
• Support the Executive Director to develop the Exchange’s governance, organisational and operational policies and procedures.
• Provide line management and support to staff where required.

Person specification:

• Strategic thinker who can identify opportunities, build partnerships around these and lead them to successful funding outcomes.
• Track record of managing projects from inception to completion, including experience of managing budgets.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills, with the ability and experience of working in successful partnerships with other organisations to achieve change.
• Strong understanding of both the UK climate and energy political and policy context, institutions, and stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of the role of strategic communications in narrative change.
• Proven success in a range of fundraising methods and best practices, including developing commercial opportunities.
• Outstanding team player, able to build networks, with great interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build meaningful relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.