Director of Conservation & Rewilding

Location: Based at either our Kent or Devon parks, the role will require the management of projects across both sites and across the country

Reports to: Director General

Responsible for: The conservation team and its volunteers, currently totalling five direct reports

Grade: Grade 1

Job Purpose

Developing, leading and delivering Wildwood's Conservation programmes and overseeing the development of our existing research projects and academic partnerships with other NGOs and academia. This is an exciting position, with a huge potential to develop new projects that help protect wildlife and habitats across the UK and experience the genuine and tangible impact of the Trust's work.

Key Responsibilities

· Scope, propose, plan, develop and lead on native species conservation and partnership projects aligned with Wildwood's mission to protect, conserve and, where feasible, restore native species into the British landscape

· Lead and manage a small and passionate team of conservationists delivering native species conservation projects and research, including accountability for existing conservation projects including the water vole breeding facility, red-billed chough reintroduction to Kent and wildcat reintroduction amongst others

· Liaise with academic organisations and oversee the coordination of research projects and placements informing the conservation of native species

· Provide details and reports for Trustees, funders, licensing authorities and other stakeholders

· Liaise closely with external conservation partners and other stakeholders, representing Wildwood at onsite and external meetings and providing presentations as required

· Collaborate with colleagues across the organisation, sharing and acquiring information relating to research and conservation projects.

· Work closely with the fundraising and external relations teams to ensure capacity to deliver conservation activities, including developing and managing budgets, and financial reporting.

· Work with the Director General engaging with policymakers and legislators to help meet Wildwood's strategic goals

· Fulfil the duties and accountabilities of a Director, including determining the strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring legislative compliance, and upholding the organisation's integrity and values at all times

· Undertake additional project and consultancy work as and when directed by Director General

The Working Week

Your working week will be varied and busy, with no two days the same. You will need to oversee your team, carrying out formal and informal supervisions with your direct reports, chair meetings with both internal and external stakeholders, nurture existing partnerships and cultivate future opportunities, contribute to director meetings and operational discussions, liaise with communications and press teams, write reports, grant funding applications and input into the animal charities commission report. Practical hands-on conservation work will be required during busy periods.

Core working hours are 09:00 to 17:00 with an unpaid half an hour for lunch. This post is 37.5 hours per week over 5 days (usually Monday to Friday). The job will include some evening, weekend and bank holiday working as part of your normal duties. You will be required to travel between Wildwood parks and collaborative projects both in the UK and abroad.

Animal work frequently requires individuals to work outside of normal working hours if, for example, specific levels of care are required. Therefore, a flexible approach in terms of working hours is required., Interviews and selection tests will be held by arrangement at Wildwood, Wealden Forest Park, Herne Common, or via an online platform if appropriate.

The selection process will depend on the seniority of the role, but may include interviews, presentations, selection tests, informal discussion, and tours.

Appointments are subject to confirmation after a six-month probation period, followed by regular development reviews.

All Wildwood staff are passionate, committed, and resourceful. To succeed in this specific role, you will be able to work with people from all walks of life, valuing collaboration and strong partnership working. You will need to be resilient, and able to overcome challenges without losing sight of the end goal.

Essential:

· Professional, confident, and dynamic, able to carry out tasks independently and be able to work effectively in a team context

· Proven track record in partnership building, and conservation project management at a suitable level of seniority, with experience managing challenging situations

· A thorough understanding of the role of zoos and wildlife charities in Species Conservation, educations and research

· Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PPT

· Excellent written English and report writing

· Educated to degree level (or suitable equivalent), or able to demonstrate substantial relevant career experience and competency

· Knowledge of UK policy and legislation as it relates to native species and habitats

· Demonstrate a genuine love of British wildlife and belief in Wildwood's Mission; to protect, conserve, and rewild British wildlife

Desirable:

· Experience using Miradi Conservation Standards Project Planning software

· Experience using Species 360 Zoological Information Management software

· An appropriate qualification in conservation science and/or ecological management, preferably at the postgraduate level

Wildwood is committed to fair recruitment practices. No person shall be treated less favourably than another on the grounds of sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, ethic or national origin, religion, colour, age or disability. As an equal opportunities employer, applicants for staff vacancies shall be shortlisted for interview and appointed purely on the grounds of their suitability for the post as laid out in the advertised job description.

Wildwood is a native species conservation charity established in 2002 to push the boundaries of innovative conservation and rewilding. We work with nature to fight the biodiversity crisis, to halt the extinction of species and to create resilient habitats in which nature thrives. We focus on nature-based solutions to return native species and recreating truly wild spaces.

Wildwood has a proud culture of respecting and valuing all colleagues. Our people are integral to our success; their expertise enables us to achieve our ambitions, their professionalism creates strong collaborations, and their integrity upholds our organisational values.

Employment Package

· Annual salary of £45,000-£50,000 depending on experience

· Annual leave allowance of 30 days a year, including statutory holidays

· Workplace pension (auto enrolled after three months)

· Inclusive and family-friendly working policies

· Training & development opportunities

· Selection of staff benefits including discounts