Programmes Manager

Job title: Programmes Manager

Contract Duration: Initially 2 years with intention to extend depending on funding.

Hours: 4 or 4.5 days a week with occasional weekends and evenings to be expected. Based on a
35-hour week. The SLBI utilises a time off in lieu policy.

Benefits: Holiday allowance is 33 days including bank holidays (pro-rata). We are also closed
between the 27th and 31st December for a rest period which is not taken from your holiday
allowance. 5% employer pension contribution. Free attendance at SLBI events and workshops.

Location: The official workplace is the South London Botanical Institute in Tulse Hill as well
as other occasional in-person meetings and workshops off site in London. We support flexible
working and there is scope to work from home on average of 1-1.5 days a week.

Application deadline: Sunday 05th October 2025 at 11.59 pm

Expected start date: As soon as possible but we are willing to wait for the
right person

Overview

We are looking for a dynamic, creative, collaborative and well-organised person with a
commitment to plants, people and participation to join us as our Programmes Manager to provide
high quality and collaborative leadership across our public learning activities, membership and
volunteer programmes.

We are a small and ambitious building-based charity working at the intersection of plant
knowledge, peer-to-peer learning, heritage and climate organising. We collaborate with
communities, educators, researchers, artists and activists to foster deeper relationships with
plants and local ecosystems.

We are currently navigating a period of organisational change and development. As we adapt and
grow, we are seeking the right person to work with us through this change. As a key member of
our team, you’ll help shape the SLBI’s future, while also contributing to the practical,
everyday work of running our programmes — from overseeing event logistics to responding to
participant needs on the ground.

An enhanced DBS check is necessary for the role.

About the South London Botanical Institute

The South London Botanical Institute (SLBI) is a unique centre for urban botany, rooted in the
heart of Tulse Hill. As a community learning space, we champion the vital role of plants in
sustaining life, emboldening communities, and addressing the climate and biodiversity crises.
Our mission is to connect people of all ages and backgrounds with plants through inclusive,
experiential and intergenerational learning that blends botany, creative practice, and
grassroots organising.

About the Role

The Programmes Manager is responsible for developing and/or coordinating many aspects SLBI’s
volunteer and membership programme, public programming and community projects.

Programme Management and Delivery

• Contribute to and lead the co-ordination of the delivery of SLBI’s public programmes and
  curriculum — from seasonal schedules to one-off events, projects and workshops.
• In collaboration with SLBI’s Director and SLBI’s Learning and Communities Lead, facilitates
  the development and delivery of learning initiatives and programme partnerships in London, the
  UK and internationally to engage a diverse community of learners and strengthen networks across
  horticultural, scientific, educational, natural history, activist and community-based
  constituents
• Collaborate with members of the team and external facilitators, researchers, educators,
  artists and community members to explore innovative approaches to botanical education and
  environmental literacy and to plan and deliver inclusive, relevant and well-organised
  programmes and projects
• Manage logistics and practical event delivery, including contracts/agreements, room setup,
  access needs, communications, feedback collection and supporting a welcoming environment and
  smooth running of activities
• Contribute to the marketing, documentation and archiving needs of programmes and projects
  including reports for internal and external audiences.
• Contribute to the development and production of educational resources, curricula, and
  materials that integrate scientific knowledge and folk knowledge with hands-on learning
  experiences.

Volunteer and Work Placement Programme

• Lead the planning and/or coordination and delivery of SLBI’s volunteer and work placement
  programme working across our collections (library, herbarium, garden), spaces and programmes.
• Lead the recruitment, onboarding and coordination of a diverse community of volunteers
  involved in research, curation, learning programmes, programme delivery and front-of-house
  roles.
• Develop our relationships with community organisations, colleges and other institutions to
  engage a diverse community of volunteers.
• Work with other staff to ensure volunteers and work placement students are well-supported,
  offered meaningful learning opportunities and can contribute to shaping the future of the SLBI.
• Oversee scheduling and communication with volunteers for events, open days and other
  activities.

Membership and Communications

• Lead the coordination, administration and expansion of SLBI’s membership programme.
• Lead on the creation of the general e-newsletter and member updates and the yearly Gazette,
  in collaboration with the team.
• Help maintain the website, newsletter lists, and social media updates related to
  programming and ensure programme communications are clear, accessible and engaging across
  channels.
• Ensure the smooth running and development of our membership system, including renewals, new
  member onboarding and member events.

Finance

• Draft, manage and coordinate project budgets, including timely updates and questions for
  other staff.
• Manage invoicing, payment, and petty cash needs and transactions related to programming,
  membership and volunteers.
• Liaise with third parties involved in financial transactions as necessary.

Organisational and Programme Development

• Collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data on participant feedback, learning
  outcomes, and program reach, using insights to inform how the SLBI and our offerings develop.
• Contribute to team reflection and planning processes.
• Work with, develop and contribute to SLBI’s internal procedures and identify opportunities
  for strengthening our systems, accessibility and care practices.
• Participate in co-creating a positive and inclusive working culture.
• Advocate for social and climate justice through our programming, raising awareness of
  environmental issues and promoting actions for positive change.
• Engage with local communities and stakeholders to amplify the organisation’s mission and
  cultivate support for its educational initiatives.
• Connect with current research and best practices in education, plant science, and related
  fields, incorporating findings into program, volunteer and membership development and
  delivery. 

General

• Along with other staff, the Programmes Manager will contribute to the efficient running and
  maintenance of SLBI’s operations. The tasks and responsibilities noted below will be shared
  with other staff:
  • Respond to telephone calls, mail and emails, and report on them as necessary.
  • Manage one’s own filing and undertake general correspondence.
  • Contribute to maintaining a clean and organised work environment
  • Organise and where appropriate chair and minute meetings.
  • Contribute to the maintenance and development of SLBI’s contact database.

Some of the duties above will be supported by other team members, including the Director and
Learning and Communities Lead, particularly with regard to the direction, planning and
coordination of programmes and projects.