Director of Conservation

Director of Conservation
Edinburgh
£50,000 – £55,000

For over 50 years, our client has worked with it’s members, partners and supporters in pursuit of its vision of healthy, resilient ecosystems across Scotland’s land and seas. The Trust successfully champions the cause of wildlife through policy and campaigning work, demonstrates best practice through practical conservation and innovative partnerships, and inspires people to take positive action through its education and engagement activities. The Trust manages a network of 120 wildlife reserves across Scotland.

They are currently seeking a Director of Conservation to join their team based in Leith. The main purpose of this role is to lead the development and successful implementation of the vision and strategic aims relating to the conservation operations of the Trust. Within this role your main responsibilities will include directing a department of 50+ staff through an annual programme of work linked to strategic aims, monitoring performance and supporting and motivating team members; overseeing the efficient and effective management of a network of 120 wildlife reserves including acquisition / disposal assessments and providing strategic direction and though leadership on all aspects of nature conservation including species, habitats, protected sites, ecosystem-based conservation, natural capital and nature-based solutions to socio-economic challenges. You will also be expected to build effective and influential relationships with key external strategic partners, provide strategic direction on the development of the trusts conservation policies and related advocacy and campaigning programmes.

The successful candidate will have worked within a senior management position relating to conservation management or will be able to demonstrate considerable achievement over a period of time in a middle management position. You will have experience of working with opinion formers and decision makers including senior civil servants and parliamentarians and you will have a depth and breadth of understanding of Scottish, UK and European conservation issues. It is essential that you have knowledge of land management practices, history and current drivers of land use in Scotland along with an understanding of UK / Scottish environmental legislation and you will ideally have ecological field skills. You must be capable of producing board level papers and articles for publication as well as being able to work confidently with the media including live radio and TV interviews. We are seeking someone who is dedicated to wildlife conservation and has the skills and knowledge necessary to push their team to success.

Keywords: Conservation, Environment, Wildlife, Nature, Policy, Campaign, Charity Operations