At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead nature recovery initiatives and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to restore ecosystems.
- Company: Join The Wildlife Trusts, a grassroots movement dedicated to wildlife conservation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a supportive culture focused on wellbeing.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team committed to creating a wilder future.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nature recovery and inspire communities for a sustainable future.
- Qualifications: Experience in ecological restoration and strategic leadership in environmental initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
This role is predominantly home-based with regular travel to London, locations across the UK and our Office facilities at The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark, NG24 1WT for those within easy travelling distance. There may be an opportunity to on occasion work from the offices at a local Wildlife Trust.
About Us
The Wildlife Trusts are a grassroots movement of people from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life who believe that we need nature and nature needs us. We have more than 945,000 members, over 33,000 volunteers, 4,100 staff and 600 trustees. There are 46 individual Wildlife Trusts, each of which is a place-based independent charity with its own legal identity, formed by groups of people coming together to make a positive difference for wildlife and future generations where they live and work.
Every Wildlife Trust is part of The Wildlife Trusts federation and a corporate member of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, founded in 1912 and one of the founding members of IUCN. Together this federation of 47 charities is known as The Wildlife Trusts.
The next few years will be critical in determining what kind of world we all live in. Nature is declining at an alarming rate and the climate crisis continues to accelerate. Through our collective Strategy 2030, Bringing Nature Back, we are committed to putting nature into recovery, creating resilient ecosystems, recovering species, restoring natural processes and enabling more people to take action for nature.
Achieving this ambition will require bold leadership, strong partnerships and large-scale collaboration across communities, government, land managers, business and civil society. It will require us to think and act at landscape scale while remaining rooted in place and connected to local communities.
About You
Are you passionate about restoring nature at scale and helping create a future where people and wildlife thrive together? Do you have the vision, ambition and strategic leadership experience to bring together partners, communities, Wildlife Trusts and funders behind a shared ambition to recover nature across land, freshwater, coastal & rural landscapes?
The Wildlife Trusts are looking for an inspiring, collaborative and values-driven leader with expertise in landscape-scale nature recovery, ecological restoration, strategic partnerships and innovation to lead one of the most exciting areas of our work. This is a unique opportunity to help shape how nature recovers across the UK. You will be a visible advocate for nature recovery and a trusted ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, the wider federation and the conservation sector.
As Director of Nature and Species Recovery, you will provide strategic leadership for The Wildlife Trusts’ ambitions to restore nature at scale through landscape recovery, species recovery, nature recovery networks, ecological restoration, rural landscapes and rewilding. Working across our federation of 46 independent Wildlife Trusts, you will help create the conditions for ambitious, collaborative action that delivers lasting impact for wildlife, climate and people.
You will lead work that brings together local action and national ambition, helping individual Wildlife Trusts maximise their contribution to our shared goal of putting nature into recovery. You will champion innovation, evidence-led practice and learning across the federation, ensuring local success contributes to collective impact.
In addition, you will provide strategic oversight of The Wildlife Trusts’ engagement with International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) programmes, partnerships and standards, ensuring best practice and learning to strengthen our work and influence.
As a member of our Senior Leadership Team, you will help shape organisational strategy, contribute to our culture and values, and strengthen the impact of one of the UK’s largest and most influential nature movements. At a time when nature and climate face unprecedented challenges, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to help create nature-rich landscapes where wildlife and people can flourish for generations to come.
We are looking for a highly strategic, collaborative and values-driven leader with the vision, credibility and expertise to influence at the highest levels. You will combine excellent ecological understanding with exceptional relationship-building skills, enabling you to bring together diverse stakeholders around a shared vision for nature recovery.
You will have substantial experience of leading environmental, conservation, nature recovery, species recovery, ecological restoration or place-based programmes at a senior level and will understand the importance of translating ambition into practical delivery and measurable impact.
Working alongside 46 independent Wildlife Trusts, you will appreciate the opportunities and complexities of operating within a federated movement. You will be skilled at influencing through collaboration rather than authority, creating alignment around shared goals while respecting local expertise, priorities and autonomy.
You will bring a deep understanding of nature recovery, species conservation, ecological restoration and the conditions required for nature to recover at scale, including rewilding, regenerative land management and habitat restoration. You will be able to identify opportunities that accelerate progress, strengthen collaboration and maximise impact across the federation, helping to connect local action with national ambition.
You will understand the vital role that partnerships, influence and investment play in delivering meaningful outcomes for nature. You will have a proven track record of building strong and trusted relationships with government, environmental organisations, communities, academic institutions, land managers, funders and other strategic stakeholders, creating the conditions for collaboration, innovation and lasting impact.
You will recognise the importance of securing resources and funding to deliver organisational objectives and will be experienced in supporting funding opportunities, developing compelling strategic propositions and building confidence among funders, partners and stakeholders.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute beyond your own portfolio, helping shape organisational culture, supporting colleagues and providing collective leadership across The Wildlife Trusts.
You will be a highly credible and influential communicator, capable of acting as a spokesperson, advocate and ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, the wider federation and nature recovery. Comfortable representing the organisation at national conferences, public events, stakeholder forums, sector networks and media opportunities, you will bring confidence, authority and presence when communicating with a wide range of audiences.
You will have experience working with media and journalists and be comfortable acting as a public voice for the organisation. Able to communicate complex ecological, scientific and policy issues in an engaging and accessible way, you will build understanding, inspire confidence and strengthen support for nature recovery among partners, policymakers and the public, demonstrating why reversing nature’s decline matters for people, places and future generations.
Above all, you will be passionate about creating a wilder future. You will bring the energy, resilience and determination needed to lead through complexity and change, helping to deliver meaningful and lasting recovery for nature at a scale that matches the challenges we face.
Our Culture
At RSWT, people are at the heart of everything we do, we are committed to promoting positive wellbeing, supporting our colleagues to grow, make a meaningful contribution and help deliver greater impact for nature, climate and communities. Through learning, development and collaboration, we aim to foster an inclusive, supportive and values-led culture where colleagues feel confident to share ideas, contribute their perspectives, challenge constructively and learn from experience.
We are committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment and maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment) or abuse. This extends to all interactions with our employees by third parties, including clients, contractors, suppliers and visitors.
We encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work and to feel comfortable and confident in their working environment. Whether working from home, in the office, outdoors or in the community with key stakeholders, we trust colleagues to use their judgement and managers’ guidance to dress appropriately reflecting our values and professionalism.
Learning and Development
At RSWT, we believe that learning and development are essential to helping people thrive, grow and make a real impact. From a supportive induction that helps you feel welcomed from day one, to formal qualifications, mentoring opportunities and access to high-quality learning from across The Wildlife Trusts, we’ll support your development in a way which works best for you.
You can explore new skills through our learning platform - WildLearn, join colleagues from across the federation through Wild About Learning external training, take part in Communities of Practice or stretch yourself through cross-team projects and new challenges. We’ll also support you to share your expertise and build connections with colleagues from across the Federation.
Whether you learn best through training, collaboration, hands‑on experience or by developing others, you’ll find a wide range of opportunities to grow your knowledge, share your skills and build your confidence.
Safeguarding
Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts take our Safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk.
The Wildlife Trusts embrace passion, respect, trust, integrity, pragmatic activism, and strength in diversity. We are passionate in promoting our aims, and we pride ourselves on being inclusive. We strongly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector, including those from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.
Disability Confident Scheme
At Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts we are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming recruitment experience for all applicants. Applicants with disabilities will be considered for the next stage of the selection process should they meet all the minimum criteria for the role outlined in the person specification detailed as essential criteria in the recruitment pack.
Levelling the Field Pledge
Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts are committed to increasing the diversity of its staff through its Levelling the Field recruitment pledge. We strive to ensure a fair and welcoming recruitment process for all applicants, encouraging those from ethnic minority backgrounds to apply.
Director Of Nature And Species Recovery in Peterborough employer: THE WILDLIFE TRUSTS
Join us as a Volunteer Assistant Reserves Officer and immerse yourself in the rewarding world of UK wildlife conservation. Our supportive work culture prioritises your growth, offering a comprehensive £5,000 training and stipend package that ensures you gain invaluable skills and hands-on experience from seasoned professionals. This unique opportunity not only enhances your career prospects but also allows you to contribute meaningfully to the preservation of our natural environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Of Nature And Species Recovery in Peterborough
✨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 WILDLIFE TRUSTS.
✨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 WILDLIFE TRUSTS.
✨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 WILDLIFE TRUSTS.
✨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 WILDLIFE TRUSTS. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Director Of Nature And Species Recovery in Peterborough
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 WILDLIFE TRUSTS. 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 Director Of Nature And Species Recovery, 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 WILDLIFE TRUSTS
✨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 WILDLIFE TRUSTS. 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!
