Operations Director

Our mission is to foster community-led green space management through collaboration, advocacy, and education. We believe that green open spaces can be better sustained by empowering communities and our existing network numbers 150 plus members throughout Birmingham. As our Operations Director, you will direct and control the ongoing operations of Birmingham Open Spaces Forum (BOSF), to achieve the strategic and business performance objectives required by the Trustees.

BOSF has expanded since its inception, reaching our 20th anniversary year in 2025. With the retirement of our first Operations Director, we are seeking to appoint a replacement in 2026. We anticipate that the successful candidate will be available to fill the post from early March 2026.

Experience of working with green spaces is not a prerequisite for this role. Skills and experience from other parts of the charitable, voluntary and other sectors will be relevant and potentially important to the role.

RESPONSIBILITIES & KEY TASKS

1. Direction and strategy

Contribute to the development and implementation of the direction of BOSF, and its 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 3 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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

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.