Discovery and Learning Manager in Highland

About us

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.

How you’ll contribute to our mission

The Discovery and Learning Manager will manage the discovery, learning, community, nature accessibility, daily onsite engagement activity and volunteering functions at Highland Wildlife Park, with input into these activities across the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS). They will support our charity’s strategic goals, position our parks as world-class visitor destinations and strengthen our reputation as a global leader in conservation, science and community engagement.

Some of the things you’ll do:

• Support the development and delivery of the learning, community and discovery strategies aligned with RZSS’ mission and long-term goals, national priorities and curriculum outcomes.
• Identify and develop income-generating opportunities, including grants, sponsorship, partnerships, commercial education products and fundraising initiatives, to support programme sustainability.
• Develop and oversee education, learning, discovery and community programmes that align with national priorities, curriculum outcomes and organisational objectives and broaden participation, particularly for under-represented audiences.
• Embed approaches to accessibility, inclusion and lifelong learning into programming, ensuring RZSS is recognised as a best-practice exemplar.
• Support teams to secure external funding, ensuring programme sustainability and growth.
• Foster partnerships with schools, universities, local authorities, Non-Governmental Organisations and community partners to expand RZSS’ reach and influence.
• Engage in continuous professional development in conservation education, leadership, accessibility and inclusion practices.
• Contribute to and learn from national and international research in conservation, learning and community engagement.

What we’re looking for:

• Excellent understanding and knowledge of adaptable communication with diverse audiences.
• Excellent knowledge of learning and education outside of traditional education settings, lifelong learning, outdoor learning and accessibility and inclusion.
• Managing budgets, including restricted project funding.
• Strong project and change management capability, with evidence of delivering transformational outcomes.
• Managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Building relationships with and managing stakeholders, including internal colleagues and external partners.

What you’ll get in return:

• Starting pro-rated salary of £46,634 or £47,800 (offer based on experience) with future salary progression up to £51,979 per annum.
• 37.5hr working week (may require some weekend working).
• 34 days annual leave (pro rata).
• Discount in both retail/catering.
• Access to a healthcare plan.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), that provide 24-hour counselling and support, including health, legal, finance, wellbeing and family advice.
• Employer contributory pension scheme.
• You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other Zoos across the UK.

If this role excites you and aligns with your career aspirations, click APPLY now. This is a full time, fixed term post for 2 years. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK and PVG Check. Please note that shortlisting of applications and interviews for this position will take place while the advert is live. The advert will close once a successful candidate has been found. Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications, as soon as possible.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce following the guidelines of the Equality Act 2010.