Senior Programme Lead (Bird Atlas)

The BTO is seeking a Senior Programme Lead to lead the three-year development phase of Bird
Atlas 2027–31, playing a pivotal role in coordinating cross-functional teams and engaging with
key stakeholders to develop a clear plan for the rollout of the Atlas. This position requires
strong leadership, project management skills, and experience in managing large-scale
volunteer-driven projects.

This new role will be pivotal to the success of the project, overseeing the planning,
resourcing and development of all key aspects. The postholder will be expected to draw on
approaches and learning from previous atlases and similar projects and assess new opportunities
to help craft an Atlas that will deliver impact for birds and engage diverse volunteer
observers. They will work with key internal and external stakeholders to develop the strategic
objectives, deliverables and milestones which will be tracked through a comprehensive delivery
plan. They will identify the resource requirements and, working closely with colleagues,
develop a compelling case for support and associated marketing collateral that will help to
secure significant investment from funders, partners and participants. The role will identify
key risks that could delay delivery and propose mitigation strategies. The postholder will be
expected to report on development progress to BTO Board, staff and other stakeholders, ensuring
that everything is in place prior to the start of the Atlas.

This role will focus almost entirely on the development of the Atlas but there will be
opportunities for some low-level involvement in other projects.

Our preference is that this position is based at our HQ in Thetford, Norfolk, with the option
to work from home part of the time on a hybrid working regime (40% from home and 60% office
based), although, we will consider applications to work from other BTO offices, or remotely.
Flexible start and finish times can also be accommodated to ensure a good work-life balance.
The highly collaborative nature of this role means that the postholder is likely to benefit
greatly from significant amounts of time spent in the Thetford office over the initial period
of their contract, but also to travel to and interact with Country Programme staff based in
Stirling, Bangor and Lisburn. Shared office space and meeting rooms are also available at our
office in the David Attenborough Building in Cambridge.

You can read the full role description by clicking on the role description under
‘supporting documents’ in the job details on our careers page. Please contact us if
you are not sure if you meet all the criteria for the role and would like to discuss the role
in more detail.

WHAT DOES BTO DO?

BTO helps to secure the future for birds and nature, using our science, monitoring and data to
inform good environmental decisions, inspiring others with the wonder of birds and empowering
them to work with us. Our priority is to make a positive impact for birds, using our strong and
objective science in partnership with others. We strive to work sustainably and to welcome
everyone.

Our values

We are evidence-led, inclusive, collaborative and empowering.

Birds Science People; it is a powerful combination – will you be part of it?

WHAT WE OFFER

• £45,435 per annum
• Annual leave entitlement on starting is 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata if part time).
• Paid ‘journey days’ (up to 2 days) to staff who travel on holiday by land or sea instead of
  flying.
• Life assurance (four times salary)
• 11% employer pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme offering help and advice to staff and their families on matters
  related to bereavement, wellbeing, finances, relationships, family and more. This includes a
  number of free counselling sessions if they are needed.
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced Family leave- Maternity, Adoption, and Shared Parental Leave, 12 weeks at full pay.
  Paternity and Partner leave, 4 weeks at full pay.
• Retail discounts
• Cycling friendly employer- gold accredited
• Cycle to work scheme- spread the cost of purchasing a new bike and save money
• Discounts on: BTO books, Bird care from Vine House
  Farm (10% discount on orders placed on the website) and Opticron (30% off)
• Free access to BTO
  training courses
• Flexible working- A combination of home and office working and flexible start and finish
  times (where this meets business needs)
• Free eye tests and a contribution of £49 towards prescription glasses for VDU use only.
• Free car parking
• Effective job evaluation policy that recognises where staff increase their level of
  responsibility over time
• Coaching and mentoring scheme
• Staff groups and forums- First Aiders and mental health first aiders, Coaching and mentoring,
  Diversity working, Sustainability and Natural Working, Becoming Inclusive, and our staff group
  creating a positive and welcoming culture to work in.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive environment
• Commitment to sustainability

Closing date for receipt of applications is 23:59 on Sunday 2nd March and
interviews will be held in Thetford on Monday 17th March. If you have any
questions, please contact Dawn Balmer ([email protected]).

If you have a disability or long-term illness that otherwise prevents you from meeting
any of the essential criteria, please contact us to discuss whether a reasonable adjustment
could be made.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled
applicants who meet the essential criteria for the vacancy.

We recognise that candidates from minority ethnic groups are under-represented in our
organisation, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups
when applying for roles in the charity sector and beyond. We are committed to taking positive
action to expand the diversity of our staff team, and if you meet the essential criteria for a
role and are from a minority ethnic background, you’ll be guaranteed a first stage
interview.

Charity No. 216652 (E&W); SC039193 (Scotland)