Sussex Area Chair

The Ramblers are Britain's biggest and most vibrant walking community with over 3000 members in Sussex. The Area Chair oversees all activities of the Ramblers across Sussex and delivers the Ramblers' vision for the Area.

Sussex is one of around 60 Ramblers' Areas in the UK which campaign to keep our footpaths open to all and fight for the things that matter most to walkers, as well as coordinating the Groups (8 in Sussex) through which organised walks are provided.

The Chair leads the Area Executive Committee and Area Council in driving the campaigning activity, supporting the Groups to run well, ensuring that Ramblers' national policies and procedures are followed by the Area and Groups, and overseeing the Area's working relationship with local authorities, politicians, and other stakeholders.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about walking and keeping the footpath network across East and West Sussex open for everybody to enjoy. You will need to be committed to leading the activities of the Ramblers across the Area; able to represent the Area effectively in interactions with a range of stakeholders, both inside and outside the Ramblers; and capable of leading and coordinating teams of people with a variety of different skill sets.

The Area Chair also has a key responsibility for the recruitment and retention of Area Officers.

This is a core leadership role which will shape the profile and activities of the Ramblers across East and West Sussex, ensure delivery of our campaigning goals, and support the Groups in running well, following best practice and joining in national and Area initiatives of the Ramblers.

You should have not less than three years' experience of leading or managing multifunctional teams and applying sound governance to ensure delivery to consistent standards You will need to be a confident and fluent public speaker able to advocate for the campaigning work of Sussex Area Ramblers opposite both internal and external audiences and to motivate and inspire others to contribute to the vital work of keeping our footpaths open for all. You should be comfortable with interpreting organisational policies and advising on the application of those policies to real-life situations.

• People person, able to lead a team with good humour and patience
• Able to understand policies and apply them to real life situations
• Organised, with the ability to develop and manage Area plans
• Diplomatic, with excellent communication skills for developing working relationships with people who may not share Ramblers' aims and objectives.

You will need to attend and lead quarterly Executive Committee (held by Zoom) and Area Council (held in Haywards Heath) Meetings and the Area AGM as well as travel as necessary to meetings with Groups, Central Office staff and other stakeholders.

The role requires someone who lives in or close to East or West Sussex.