At a Glance
- Tasks: Build relationships with influential individuals and support Kew's mission through engagement and events.
- Company: Join the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and leading plant science institute.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, wellness support, and access to beautiful gardens.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in conservation while connecting people with nature and Kew's mission.
- Qualifications: Experience in project support, excellent communication skills, and strong organisational abilities.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
As part of Kew's External Affairs & Engagement team, you'll help build relationships with influential individuals and organisations who can champion and support Kew's work. From engaging Kew Ambassadors and welcoming high-profile visitors to supporting strategic events and new partnerships, you'll help connect people with Kew's mission in the UK and internationally.
Reporting to the External Affairs & Engagement Manager, you'll support the delivery of Kew's Ambassador Programme, Kew International Medal and wider stakeholder engagement. You'll coordinate strategic events, visits and communications, and prepare briefings and correspondence to support senior relationships. You'll also help identify and develop new opportunities and relationships.
This is a varied role combining people-facing engagement with the systems and coordination that underpin strong relationships, from working with stakeholders and colleagues to research, CRM, accurate record-keeping and effective follow-up. It would suit someone who is organised, curious and proactive, with excellent communication skills and strong attention to detail.
About You
The successful candidate will bring curiosity and enthusiasm for Kew's work across science, horticulture, culture and public engagement, alongside a proactive approach and genuine interest in building and supporting meaningful external relationships. To succeed in this role, they will have experience supporting projects, events or stakeholder activity within a busy team environment, with strong coordination, administrative and organisational skills. They will be confident communicating with a wide range of people, including senior and high-profile individuals, and able to exercise sound judgement, discretion and professionalism.
The ideal candidate will also have practical experience using databases or CRM systems to research, maintain and update stakeholder information, and an understanding of handling personal and professional data appropriately and in line with data protection requirements. They will be detail-oriented, adaptable and able to manage competing priorities, while working collaboratively with colleagues across different teams and disciplines.
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.
At Kew, our strength lies in the diversity of our people and the insights they bring. When you join us, you will find an organisation that values your perspective and lived experience. You will receive support to achieve your full potential and access opportunities to develop and progress. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is ongoing, shaped by the people who work here and the communities we serve. As a disability confident employer, we are breaking down barriers to be an inclusive workplace for everyone. Whoever you are, and however you experience the world, there is a place for you to grow and belong at Kew.
External Affairs & Engagement Officer in London employer: The Wild
The London Borough of Hounslow is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises community engagement and collaboration. As a Safer Communities Partnerships Lead, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on residents' lives while benefiting from professional development and support in a diverse environment. With a focus on innovative programmes and partnerships, this role provides unique advantages in contributing to safer communities in a dynamic urban setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land External Affairs & Engagement Officer in London
✨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 Wild.
✨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 Wild.
✨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 Wild.
✨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 Wild. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace External Affairs & Engagement Officer in London
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 Wild. 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 External Affairs & 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 Wild
✨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 Wild. 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!
