At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community engagement and develop innovative learning programmes for wildlife conservation.
- Company: Join the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, a leading wildlife conservation charity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days annual leave, discounts, healthcare plan, and free entry to zoos.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and impactful community partnerships.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in nature accessibility and inspire future generations.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant subject and experience in community engagement or education.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved. Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are our gateways to the natural world through which people can experience nature.
Our ideal candidate is an excellent communicator, who is able to support a wider team in designing and evaluating a range of innovative learning and community programmes. You should have a sound knowledge of the Scottish curriculum, partnered with a strong commitment to nature accessibility enabling you to build meaningful partnerships whilst mentoring a high-performance team, ensuring that our charity remains sector leading.
- Team Leadership: Line manage and mentor the Community and Learning team.
- Programme Excellence: Support the delivery of world-class learning, outreach and nature accessibility programmes that align with RZSS mission and curriculum outcomes.
- Inclusion and Accessibility: Act as a key point of contact for external partners, building strong relationships with schools, universities and community groups to enhance reach.
- Resource Innovation: Lead the development of engaging resources for both onsite and digital delivery, ensuring all activities meet high standards.
Educated to a degree level in a relevant subject with/or good applied experience in a similar field. Knowledge and understanding of the relevant scientific and conservation elements, in primary, secondary and tertiary education, outside of formal learning centres. Understanding and experience of working with communities including the development of community programmes. Excellent working knowledge of the Microsoft Suite (Excel and Word). Significant experience of delivering learning or working in a teaching-related environment with particular emphasis on out-of-school learning and working as part of a team. Development and delivery of formal education programmes.
We will be inviting candidates for interview on 2 February 2026, with the start date as soon as possible. Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce following the guidelines of the Equality Act 2010. Closing date will be midnight on 25 January 2026.
Schools & Community Engagement Officer in Edinburgh employer: The Royal Zoological Society Of Scotland
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises conservation and community engagement. With generous benefits such as 34 days of annual leave, a healthcare plan, and opportunities for professional growth, RZSS fosters an inclusive environment where employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on wildlife conservation and education in the heart of Scotland.
Contact Details:
The Royal Zoological Society Of Scotland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Schools & Community Engagement Officer in Edinburgh
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by The Royal Zoological Society Of Scotland.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like The Royal Zoological Society Of Scotland.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at The Royal Zoological Society Of Scotland.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at The Royal Zoological Society Of Scotland. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Schools & Community Engagement Officer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of The Royal Zoological Society Of Scotland. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Schools & Community Engagement Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Royal Zoological Society Of Scotland
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of The Royal Zoological Society Of Scotland. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
