Head of Interpretation

Success in this role will bring together science, horticulture, art and heritage for visitors, ensuring that we deliver world-class experiences while building understanding of the importance of plants and fungi to all life on earth. It will drive people to visit the sites physically and virtually, recommend their experience to others, and raise the profile of Kew’s global science and conservation work.

You will be a proven creative talent with the vision, drive and ambition to succeed, combined with an ability to work collaboratively across Kew’s directorates to deliver tangible, high-quality, audience-focused interpretive outputs within set timeframes and budgets. You will be a strong project manager able to juggle multiple work streams.

You will be educated to degree level (or equivalent) in the natural / environmental sciences, horticulture, botany, museum studies or a related discipline, and/or have significant experience of science-based interpretation for diverse audiences. Your work will be grounded in an understanding of cultural heritage interpretation theory as well as visitor evaluation.

Extensive experience developing and delivering a range of interpretation and/or public engagement techniques is essential, as is the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible content.

This role is based at Kew with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.

About Us: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.

We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.

Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi.

Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.