The Opportunity

Outscape is a vibrant not-for-profit organisation, striving for a more active and healthy society in the outdoors. Since our establishment in 1999 weve been passionate about shaping the outdoors to improve physical and mental health, connect communities and generate economic gain. We have 5 strategic priorities:

1. Championing the Outdoors

2. Delivering Training and Sharing Best Practice

3. Planning and Developing Quality Experiences

4. Increasing Awareness

5. Widening, Increasing and Sustaining Participation

Whilst we have delivered some participation programmes in the past, we now have an opportunity to increase our work in this field at a strategic level as we roll out the Walking For All programme.

This exciting new programme will engage over 14,000 people and volunteers to get walking in rural areas in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, and is funded by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. This key strategic initiative will be seminal in tackling endemic societal issues such as physical and mental health, social exclusion and isolation.

With overall responsibility for all aspects of communications for the programme, were looking for a manager who can lead, engage and inspire our partner organisations and the Walking For All team of staff, volunteers and walkers through effective communications plans and delivery.

Youre excited about this opportunity because you will:

• Lead communications for the Walking For All programme, reporting to the Head of Participation and supported by the Head of Communications and Training
• Manage the communications budget,
• Own the Walking For All brand, ensuring its consistent application throughout all communications, and develop a library of supports and resources including images, videos and branded materials
• Drive the promotion of Walking For All nationally and locally by:
  • Planning, developing and delivering an online presence across multiple platforms, as well as executing offline marketing including securing press coverage and organising launch events
  • Developing and providing marketing collateral and training on your area of expertise to the Walking For All team, including volunteers to enable them to effectively communicate the programme locally
• Develop the Walking For All website and supporting online portal
• Support the team on a range of activities including content creation, promotion of events and volunteer incentive programme development

You will be successful in this role by:

• Taking the initiative and ultimate responsibility for the brand, its promotion and public perception of Walking For All, through a proactive, accountable approach
• Embracing the wide network of people engaged in Walking For All, from colleagues to partner organisations, from volunteers to walkers, enabling their communication and celebrating their successes
• Being innovative, as inevitably things dont go to plan sometimes, but you always find another way to reach the desired outcome

Were excited about you because:

• You have a minimum of 3 years work experience (within the last 5 years) in:
  • Leading on communication projects (planning, development, execution)
  • Managing and executing on digital platforms, including social media and e-newsletters
  • Creating engaging content using content creation tools (such as Canva and CapCut)
  • Managing and reporting on the effectiveness of communication activities
  • Designing a website with a website design agency
  • Organising events and engaging with the media
  • Working with a wide range of stakeholders with varying communication needs
• Ideally, you have some experience in:
  • Managing a brand
  • Managing a budget, procuring services and overseeing agencies
• Your verbal and written communication skills are exemplary
• You have a genuine interest in people becoming active and enjoying the benefits of being outdoors
• You are very proficient in Excel, Word, PowerPoint and
• You have a full current driving licence and use of a car, or access to a form of transport that allows you to meet the requirements of the role

Compensation

• NJC SO2 26 – £37,280 + flexible benefits package
• Based in Belfast office (Barnett Demesne) with option for hybrid working (as set out in Outscapes Agile Working Policy)
• Westfield Health Cash Plan: access to health and wellbeing services, money back on health care expenses
• NILGOSC pension employer contribution currently 23.2% of pensionable salary; your contribution will be 6.5% (rate may fluctuate slightly based on NILGOSC contribution rate bands)
• 25 days annual leave plus 11 public holidays; opportunity to buy/sell leave days
• Flexible working (as set out in Outscapes policy)
• Please note: the nature of this role will mean you will have to travel at times within Northern Ireland and the border counties and very occasionally do some evening and weekend work

Application

• Completed application form and equal opportunities monitoring form (applications will not be accepted by any other method and CVs will not be considered) to be submitted by email to . Applications can be found in the recruitment section of our website
• Closing date: Thursday 04 September 2025 at midday
• If you would like further information on the opportunity, contact Aideen Martin Head of Strategic Projects at to arrange a confidential discussion
• Interviews: Please note that first interviews will take place on 09 September and second interviews on 12 September in Belfast

(Please indicate on the application form if any of these dates are unsuitable)