Head of conservation policy jobs

Are you looking to make a meaningful contribution to nature’s recovery in Wiltshire through a diverse portfolio of projects including farmer engagement and land advice, ecology and natural capital?

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is committed to driving forward nature’s recovery on a landscape scale and we are looking for a committed and innovative Head of Nature Recovery – Maternity Cover (secondments welcome) to continue to drive forward the development of this work. This is a key role for our Trust, in which you’ll use your expertise and knowledge to continue our efforts to drive meaningful change for nature, further developing our work via our innovative collaborations, pioneering natural capital markets, meaningful farmer engagement and nature-based project demonstration.

You’ll be leading a small but dynamic team involved with a wide range of projects, including the groundbreaking Bristol Avon Catchment Market, NEIRF, a developing land advice service and support for farmers with private finance opportunities and delivery of a range of specialist ecological services including species recovery projects. This role requires someone who is self-motivated and energised, able to lead and empower staff.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Support the development of existing projects within the team including natural capital markets, farmer engagement and species recovery projects.
• Lead on the development of our first ‘farmer learning and engagement hub’ site, developing a vision and business plan for the farm alongside the team and the Director of Nature Recovery.
• Identify opportunities to enhance our current offerings for specialist ecological services, natural capital and land advice.
• Manage project finances, including budgets, grant claims and funding applications, ensuring financial accountability.
• Line manage a small but dynamic team to oversee necessary aspects of project planning and implementation.
• Maintain and develop partnerships with landholders, farmers, statutory agencies and other stakeholders.
• Work across Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s Nature Recovery directorate*, contributing expertise and experience to aid the delivery of meaningful impact on the ground.

*Our Nature Recovery Directorate include the Nature Recovery team, the Water Team and our in-house Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre.

What we’re looking for:

We’re looking for an enterprising and positive-thinking Head of Nature Recovery (Maternity Cover), with the commercial aptitude to secure income alongside impact. This is an exciting opportunity to drive forward the development of our land advisory service and natural capital projects, leading our engagement with farmers and landholders across the county as well as delivery of nature-based solutions on the ground. We are therefore keen to hear from candidates with experience and skills in ecology, land advice and land management, nature recovery and/or natural capital.  

You’ll be self-motivated and adaptable with exceptional communication and organisation skills. We’re keen to hear from candidates who feel passionate about driving forward new and innovative ways to deliver meaningful impact for nature recovery at scale across Wiltshire.

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is equal opportunity employer. We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse organisation, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need talented people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. 

As an employee of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust you will have access to a huge range of benefits and support, including but not limited to:

• Employer pension contribution up to 7.5% 
• Group risk insurance – death in service and income protection
• 27 days annual leave increasing to 30 days in your fifth year of service plus public holidays (pro-rata)
• Staff discount at Dragonfly Cafe
• Head office in town centre with parking
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Training and development opportunities
• Confidential Employee Assistance Programme (available 24/7, 365 days a year)
• Two staff wellbeing days per annum

Closing Date: 9am Monday 2 June 2025. 

PLEASE NOTE: if interest is significant we reserve the option to close the vacancy early and conduct interviews on an as required basis. Should the vacancy remain open until the stated deadline then interviews will be held on:

First Stage Interviews:                                  Monday 9th June 2025

Second Stage Interviews (if applicable):  Monday 16th June 2025

Purpose of role: To support the Head of Partnerships in managing and retaining the charity’s existing donor base and in establishing new major donor partnerships to secure significant income for the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN): an impactful fundraising and grant-giving wildlife conservation NGO focused on supporting grassroots projects across the Global South.

Reports to: Head of Partnerships

Contract: Full-time, permanent contract, working 5 days p/w

Deadline to apply: Friday 23rd May (but please apply at your earliest convenience). Initial interviews will be targeted for end of May.

Whitley Fund for Nature

Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) is a UK charity supporting grassroots conservation leaders across the Global South. Through project funding (Awards), training, and media profile, we support local solutions to the planet’s most pressing conservation challenges. Our winners are courageous changemakers, working alongside communities to save species and protect ecosystems. Established in 1993, we have channeled £24 million to +220 conservation leaders in 80 countries, benefitting wildlife, landscapes, and people. WFN is governed by a committed trustee board. Our team is dynamic, passionate about our mission, and ambitious. The charity benefits from high profile support from Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, and Ambassador Sir David Attenborough. Our funding is raised each year, mainly from family trusts and foundations, as well as from individuals, corporates, and international NGOs, with a current annual income of around £2.6m/year. We raise funds based on winner need, and in the coming years are seeking to steadily grow what we provide in support to winners, actively pursuing new partnerships to support our mission.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Partnerships Manager to join our small and dynamic team. This new role will support the Head of Partnerships and wider WFN team in delivering our fundraising strategy, stewarding high-value donor relationships, and unlocking new opportunities for income growth. 

The Partnerships Manager will work directly with some of WFN’s existing portfolio of 30 Major Donors made up primarily of Trusts, Family Foundations and High-Net-Worth Individual (HNWI) supporters, with some Corporates. The Partnerships Manager will maintain close professional relationships with supporters that are bespoke and require excellent interpersonal skills, with most meetings taking place in-person, in central London. 

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a highly respected conservation organisation making a real difference on the ground.

PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER - PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

Essential

• A proven track record of fundraising, donor management, and/or building relationships with stakeholders in the non-profit or philanthropic sector.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with experience drafting donor materials and reports.
• A proven track record in the development of grant applications, including drafting objectives, activities, timelines, indicators, and budgets, as well as coordinating narrative content and inputs from across the team.
• Past experience coordinating and delivering fundraising and engagement events.
• Experience coordinating volunteer committees.
• Exceptional interpersonal qualities, and comfortable liaising with high-profile individuals and senior stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Proactive, dependable, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• A flexible ‘can do’ approach with the ability to chase opportunities, while remaining resilient and positive
• An open and collaborative working style, with a willingness to share information, communicate clearly, and contribute to a supportive small team environment.
• A genuine interest in conservation and/or passion for social and environmental equity through a grassroots approach. 

Desirable

• Experience working with donor databases or Salesforce. 
• Familiarity with trusts and foundations, HNWI fundraising, or corporate partnerships.
• Previous work in a small, agile team or start-up-style organisation.

Additional details and benefits

• Attractive holiday package totaling 30 days p.a. plus bank holidays.
• Training and professional development opportunities provided.
• Hybrid working opportunities
• The charity operates a Pension Scheme and a Life Assurance Scheme.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship. Only applicants who have the right to work in the UK at the time of application will be considered for this role.

Regrettably, due to limited resources and the high number of applications we receive, we are only able to contact short-listed candidates. If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.

Diversity and Inclusion

At WFN we are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse organisation, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. We celebrate and respect diversity in nature and among the people and partners with whom we work. We need more people and diversity across the environment sector, and to achieve our vision. We are therefore particularly keen to receive applications from Black, Asian or minority ethnic; disabled; LGBTQ+; or from lower socio-economic backgrounds. As a small organisation we are committed to progressing and continuing development across DE&I. Please contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application. Applications are considered solely on your demonstrated suitability