Director of Conservation

About Us

The world is waking up to the power of nature rich wetlands.  In this incredible space where water and land meet lies a solution to a climate in crisis and biodiversity in freefall.  Not only do 40% of the world’s wildlife depend on wetlands, but our lives do too.  This is why here at WWT we are on a mission to restore wetlands and unlock their power. Taking direct action to bring wetlands back to life and inspiring and empowering everyone to do just the same.

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is a global wetland conservation charity working to create a world where healthy wetland nature thrives and enriches lives.  For 76 years we have been a charity dedicated to finding solutions, fixing problems and inspiring change: unwavering in our purpose for wetlands and wetland species.  

In October this year we launch our strategy to 2030, setting out how we are changing to continue to be a beacon of hope and optimism, finding solutions in today’s world.

The Role

As Director of Conservation you will be joining at an exciting time as we implement our new 2030 strategy. You will be critical in leading delivery of the strategy across our international and UK conservation programmes to create the conditions to return wetlands to our landscapes and protect the wetlands we have left. We know that when wetlands return biodiversity bounces back, as do the superpowers of wetlands as water purifiers, flood buffers and carbon sinks.

This is your chance to mark that societal awakening and achieve real change in our world.  This is a pivotal role working nationally and internationally to lead ground breaking research and getting muddy driving action for wetland restoration with partners at a landscape scale, as well as working as part of WWT’s Management Board to influence policy makers and support communities to build our voice and a movement for change.

About You

To join as our Director of Conservation you will:

• Have considerable experience of senior leadership in a similar multi-stakeholder organisation, being as comfortable working with Secretaries of State as with community groups and research institutions.
• Have a high performance ethos and track record of delivering with impact, in the UK and internationally, across multiple science and conservation programmes in a matrix management environment
• Be an exceptional communicator:  able to turn complex scientific research and complex policy issues into clear messages, simple asks in a compelling, inspiring and thought provoking way.
• Be a collaborator: outcome driven and with a strong track record of building supportive relationships across an organisation and willing to be an active advocate for the whole organisation and the full WWT strategy.
• Have a track record of developing truly collaborative partnerships with the public and private sector in a commercially minded way, to bring in funding for natural capital and blue infrastructure and securing funding at scale.

If you want to make a difference to the planet through your conservation expertise we would love to hear from you.

Regular working (one day a week) from our Central offices at Slimbridge Wetland Centre is expected, however the base location for this role is negotiable. You will be able to work in a hybrid way between home and your base location. A current driving licence is essential as is a willingness to travel regularly to our sites across the UK. Some international travel is expected, as is staying away from home as and when required.

In return for your skill and dedication you’ll enjoy a wide range of benefits including:

-        33 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays, increasing to 38 days after 5 years’ service

-        Contributory pension scheme matching up to 7%

-        Life assurance providing 3 times annual salary

-        Access to a wide range of resources to support your health and wellbeing including our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

-        Enhanced family friendly policies

-        Cycle to work scheme

-        Free entry to all our centres

If you wish to find out more about our inspiring work please visit our website www.wwt.org.uk.

Closing date: Monday 11^th September 2023           

Interview date:          First Interviews will take place on 19^th & 20^th September.

Second interviews will take place early October.

WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.

Registered Charity Number England & Wales, no 1030884 and Scotland, no SC039410