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- Tasks: Lead the development of inspiring visitor experiences in nature and culture.
- Company: Join WWT, a passionate team dedicated to restoring wetlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, free entry to wetland centres, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nature while working with a creative and dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in visitor engagement and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; apply early as we may close applications sooner.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Do you have a track record of developing and delivering experiences for visitors in the natural environment, arts, culture or attraction sector? Do you want to enable WWT to captivate our audiences as Head of Interpretation & Programming? If so we would love to hear from you.
Reporting to the Director of Operations you will work alongside the Head of Experience Development, Head of Living Collections and Head of Learning to support sites to develop and deliver inspiring experiences for our visitors which connect them with our cause. You will be the lead specialist advisor for interpretation and programming, and along with your team, play a critical role in supporting the development of excellent visitor experiences across all our sites, creating opportunities for people to experience nature in ways that inspire and move them and embedding nature connectedness in our programmed approach.
This is a 12 month Fixed Term Contract working full time, Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours a week.
About You
- Extensive experience in the development and delivery of events, visitor experiences and engagement in the natural environment, arts and culture or attractions sectors.
- Ability to think strategically and identify areas where experiences can support the delivery of organisational strategy.
- Experience of building partnerships with external creatives and organisations.
- Ability to lead, inspire and motivate teams, both in a direct and matrix management capacity.
- Strong experience of managing annual budgets and projects up to £500k.
- Strong experience of writing creative briefs, managing creative consultants and designers.
- Excellent communication, influencing and negotiating skills including internally at a senior level and externally with partners.
While this post is based in Slimbridge Wetland Centre with the opportunity for hybrid working, it is expected that the role would work from site twice a week and as required for key meetings. We reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a sufficient number of applications from candidates who meet the required skills and experience. We therefore encourage early applications.
About Us
We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case. Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar. Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?
Why you’ll love working at WWT
- Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world.
- Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people.
- 33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want.
- Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family.
- Free car parking and secure bike storage areas.
- Colleague discount on shopping and memberships.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones.
- Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme.
WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.
Head of Interpretation & Programming - Maternity Cover employer: BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
Contact Detail:
BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Interpretation & Programming - Maternity Cover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the natural environment, arts, and culture sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your enthusiasm for visitor experiences and nature. Let them see how your vision aligns with WWT's mission to restore wetlands.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your past experiences can translate into the role of Head of Interpretation & Programming. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you’ve led teams or managed budgets effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at WWT!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Interpretation & Programming - Maternity Cover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the natural environment and visitor experiences shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at WWT!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in developing and delivering visitor experiences. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in the arts, culture, or attraction sectors, as this will resonate with us.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and how they relate to the role of Head of Interpretation & Programming.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage you to apply through our website as soon as possible, as we may close the advert early if we find the right candidates!
How to prepare for a job interview at BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research WWT and their mission. Understand their focus on wetlands and how your experience in developing visitor experiences can align with their goals. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully developed and delivered engaging experiences in the natural environment or cultural sectors. Highlight any partnerships you've built and how they contributed to successful projects, as this is key for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you've motivated teams in previous positions. Think of instances where you've led projects or initiatives, especially those involving collaboration with external creatives, and be prepared to share these stories.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the current challenges WWT faces in visitor engagement or how they envision the future of programming at their centres. This shows your strategic thinking and genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
