Job description

Bethnal Green Nature Reserve is a community-led space dedicated to promoting sustainable land care and food-growing practices. Our work centres on fostering community engagement through urban ecology and experimental learning. We aim to create a healthier, more resilient community by supporting local people to deepen their connection with the land and with one another.

In 2026, we will launch our Experimental School of Urban Ecologies - a series of short courses designed to connect people with land-based practices that link ecological and community health. The 2026 pilot programme will help us explore how three courses can be most accessible, inclusive, and impactful. Each course will look to host 15 students.

Role Overview

We are seeking an organised and proactive Project Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of our Experimental School project in 2026.

The Project Manager will play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of the school and associated public talks — coordinating activities, supporting course leaders with lesson preparation, liaising with external collaborators, managing queries from participants and the public, and promoting courses through social media and online networks.

They will also support project evaluation and oversee the accreditation process for each course, working closely with the Bethnal Green Nature Reserve staff and Trustees to ensure compliance with relevant standards and the organisation’s overall vision.

Responsibilities

• Strategic planning and scheduling management of the pilot year ‘project’.

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Experimental School project in 2026, ensuring smooth and efficient delivery of all activities.
• Overseeing project budget, ensuring projects stay on budget.
• Coordinate with course leaders to support lesson preparation, scheduling, and resource organisation.
• Liaise with external collaborators, partners, and guest contributors to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.
• Manage queries from students, participants, and the public, ensuring timely and helpful responses.
• Lead on course promotion and course visual identity through marketing, social media and online networks, maintaining a consistent and engaging digital presence.
• Support the evaluation of the project by collecting feedback, monitoring outcomes, and contributing to reports.
• Oversee the accreditation process for each course, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and requirements.
• Work closely with Bethnal Green Nature Reserve staff and Trustees to ensure alignment with the organisation’s values and governance standards.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of project operations through proactive problem-solving and strategic planning.

Essential Qualities

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in project management of community-based events or educational programmes.
• Experience managing event schedules and audience bookings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Desirable Qualities

• Knowledge of accreditation processes for adult short courses.
• Proficiency in evaluation, record-keeping and reporting.
• Experience developing Health and Safety risk assessments.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours are available. The role will be split between working at the Nature Reserve and working from home.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and inclusive working environment.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those with lived experience or perspectives related to race, class, disability, sex, gender, and other underrepresented identities to apply.

Application Details

• Application deadline: 6pm, Monday 15 December 2025
• Interviews the week commencing 12th January 2026
• Appointment 2nd February 2026 (can be negotiated)

Application information

How to Apply Please submit a CV and a one-page cover letter outlining your relevant experience, skills, and reasons for wanting to join our team. Include contact details for two referees (past or current employers, including dates and role of employment).

Send your application to: info@bethnalgreennaturereserve.org

Contract Terms

• Type: Freelance
• Rate: £20.00 per hour
• Contract Length: 52 weeks (subject to DBS check)
• Hours: 8 hours per week (including a 1-hour paid lunch break)
• Probation: 3-month review