Interim Director

Interim Director

Temporary 75000 - 100000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Peridot Partners

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead fundraising and communications to connect people with our mission to save species.
  • Company: Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, a charity dedicated to wildlife conservation.
  • Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact in conservation and work with passionate teams.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team at the forefront of wildlife conservation.
  • Why this job: Join a mission-driven organisation and help shape a wilder, healthier world.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in fundraising and communications with a collaborative approach.

The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, an international charity headquartered at Jersey Zoo in the Channel Islands, works to save species from extinction. They seek an Interim Director of Fundraising and Communications to lead their teams prior to the arrival of a permanent appointee. Established by author and conservationist Gerald Durrell in 1959, Durrell’s aim is for more diverse, beautiful and resilient natural landscapes in which species can thrive and people can enjoy a deeper connection with nature.

Durrell pursues its mission by investing in four operational pillars that together strive for our vision of a wilder, healthier, more colourful world:

  • Rewilding sites: We deliver hands-on conservation to combat human-driven threats, support local communities, recover threatened or missing wildlife, and restore ecological functions and habitats.
  • Zoo: Jersey Zoo is a centre of excellence in animal husbandry, research, training and education, where we breed endangered species. The zoo also provides a window into the wild, helping connect people to nature.
  • Conservation training: Our academies in Jersey and Mauritius deliver specialist training, both online and in person, to aspiring and early-career conservationists and conservation professionals.
  • Science: Our Conservation Science team works across our mission to provide scientific evidence to guide our conservation strategies, monitor the effectiveness of our actions, and evaluate the impact we achieve.

About the role: Durrell is seeking an experienced Interim Director of Fundraising and Communications to lead a talented and dedicated team. As we embark on our new 10-year strategy, storytelling and audience engagement will be at the heart of how we connect people with our mission to save species from extinction. This role will drive a bold, insight‑led marketing and communications strategy that grows Durrell’s reputation, reach and revenue across all areas, including fundraising, commercial, membership and conservation programmes. This position at Durrell reflects the Trust’s determination to have an efficient and effective mission enabling fundraising, marketing and communications functions. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team and working closely with the Board of Trustees, the successful candidate will be responsible for Fundraising, Marketing and Communications to promote Durrell’s impactful work, raising awareness and support locally and nationally.

Who we are looking for: We are seeking an experienced, values‑led interim leader who can provide visible, confident leadership at pace. You will bring a strong track record of stabilising and motivating teams, enabling them to deliver demanding plans while maintaining momentum and morale. You will be decisive, pragmatic and collaborative, with the credibility to quickly build trusted relationships across a complex organisation. You will also be highly skilled in turning strategy into deliverable plans, with experience of shaping investable budgets, clarifying priorities and driving delivery. You will bring particular strength in developing and testing growth opportunities, working hands‑on with teams and external consultants to build credible, practical approaches that deliver real results. A natural people leader, you will be committed to coaching and developing senior colleagues, strengthening performance management, delegation and leadership capacity. You will take pride in helping others grow in confidence and effectiveness. Operating as an important SLT member, you will be comfortable working closely with the CEO, trustees and committees, contributing to organisational‑wide decision‑making, risk management and planning. Above all, you will foster a positive, collaborative culture and model leadership that people want to follow.

Interim Director employer: Peridot Partners

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead impactful fundraising and communications efforts in a vibrant conservation-focused environment at Jersey Zoo. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to contribute to meaningful conservation initiatives, Durrell fosters a workplace where passion for nature and professional development go hand in hand.
Peridot Partners

Contact Detail:

Peridot Partners Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Director

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the conservation and fundraising sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for wildlife conservation and fundraising. Share stories that highlight your commitment and experience in these areas – it’ll make you stand out!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching Durrell’s mission and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your skills align with their goals. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also a fit for the organisation’s values.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Director

Fundraising Strategy
Marketing Strategy
Communications Strategy
Leadership Skills
Team Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Budget Management
Project Delivery
Collaboration
Coaching and Development
Performance Management
Decision-Making
Risk Management
Audience Engagement
Storytelling

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Interim Director role. Highlight your experience in fundraising and communications, and how it aligns with Durrell's mission to save species from extinction. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!

Showcase Your Leadership Style: As a natural people leader, it's important to convey your leadership style in your application. Share examples of how you've motivated teams and driven results in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can inspire confidence and foster a positive culture!

Be Insightful and Strategic: Demonstrate your ability to turn strategy into action. Include specific instances where you've developed and executed successful marketing or fundraising strategies. We love seeing candidates who can think critically and deliver real results!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure they get to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our mission at Durrell!

How to prepare for a job interview at Peridot Partners

✨Know Your Conservation Stuff

Make sure you brush up on Durrell's mission and the specifics of their conservation efforts. Familiarise yourself with their four operational pillars and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you're genuinely interested in their work and can contribute meaningfully.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As an Interim Director, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've stabilised and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you turned them into opportunities for growth and collaboration.

✨Be Ready to Discuss Strategy

Durrell is looking for someone who can turn strategy into action. Come prepared to discuss your experience with shaping budgets and prioritising projects. Be ready to share how you've developed and tested growth opportunities in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the position.

✨Connect Personally

Building trusted relationships is key in this role. Think about how you can connect with the interviewers on a personal level. Share your passion for wildlife conservation and how it drives your work. This will help you stand out as a candidate who not only has the skills but also shares their values.

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