Chief Executive

Rewilding Affric Highlands; Inverness; Hybrid; GBP 53,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangements

Senior leadership role with landscape‑

Job summary

Rewilding Affric Highlands is seeking an experienced Chief Executive to lead one of Scotland's most ambitious landscape restoration initiatives, covering more than 200,000 hectares of the Highlands. The role requires strategic vision, strong fundraising ability and the capacity to build partnerships with landowners, government bodies and donors.

You will provide strategic leadership, guide organisational growth, and work closely with Rewilding Europe and the network to deliver measurable

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in natural resource management, conservation, wildlife ecology or related discipline.
• At least five years of professional conservation experience.
• Significant experience in a senior leadership position.
• Proven experience in fundraising and grant management.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the development and delivery of the Affric Highlands rewilding initiative.
• Lead the charity through its next phase of organisational growth and development.
• Develop and implement a five year strategy aligned with Rewilding Europe's Strategy 2030.
• Set clear objectives, annual work plans, budgets and performance measures.
• Oversee the planning, delivery and monitoring of landscape restoration activities.
• Lead and develop the organisation’s team covering rewilding, communications and enterprise development.
• Report directly to the Rewilding Affric Highlands Board.
• Work closely with Rewilding Europe's central team and wider network of rewilding initiatives.
• Represent Affric Highlands as a member of the Rewilding Europe Network Executive Team.
• Develop constructive relationships with landowners, farmers, local communities and conservation organisations.
• Engage with government bodies, local authorities, businesses, donors and other stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for new conservation projects and sustainable enterprise development.
• Explore opportunities to secure land access and expand restoration activities.
• Develop and implement a fundraising strategy to support the charity’s long‑term financial sustainability.
• Prepare funding proposals and work with partners to attract investment.
• Oversee financial and technical reporting to funders and the Board.
• Represent the organisation publicly and act as its principal spokesperson.
• Support the development of partnerships that enable practical rewilding projects across the wider landscape.
• Ensure projects deliver measurable environmental outcomes and lasting benefits.

Education

Master's degree or higher in natural resource management, conservation, wildlife ecology or related discipline

Job description

Rewilding Affric Highlands is looking for an experienced Chief Executive to lead one of Scotland's most ambitious landscape restoration initiatives, covering more than 200,000 hectares of the Highlands.
This senior leadership position would suit someone with extensive conservation experience, strong organisational and fundraising skills, and the ability to build partnerships that deliver meaningful environmental restoration.

The Role

• Provide strategic leadership for the development and delivery of the Affric Highlands rewilding initiative.
• Lead the charity through its next phase of organisational growth and development.
• Develop and implement a five year strategy aligned with Rewilding Europe's Strategy 2030.
• Set clear objectives, annual work plans, budgets and performance measures.
• Oversee the planning, delivery and monitoring of landscape restoration activities.
• Lead and develop the organisation’s team covering rewilding, communications and enterprise development.
• Report directly to the Rewilding Affric Highlands Board.
• Work closely with Rewilding Europe's central team and wider network of rewilding initiatives.
• Represent Affric Highlands as a member of the Rewilding Europe Network Executive Team.
• Develop constructive relationships with landowners, farmers, local communities and conservation organisations.
• Engage with government bodies, local authorities, businesses, donors and other stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for new conservation projects and sustainable enterprise development.
• Explore opportunities to secure land access and expand restoration activities.
• Develop and implement a fundraising strategy to support the charity’s long‑term financial sustainability.
• Prepare funding proposals and work with partners to attract investment.
• Oversee financial and technical reporting to funders and the Board.
• Represent the organisation publicly and act as its principal spokesperson.
• Support the development of partnerships that enable practical rewilding projects across the wider landscape.
• Ensure projects deliver measurable environmental outcomes and lasting benefits.

Working Pattern

• Permanent, full time position.
• 35 hours per week.
• Based in Inverness, with hybrid working arrangements.
• Six month trial period.
• Reporting to the Rewilding Affric Highlands Board.

What We Are Looking For

• A Master's degree or higher in natural resource management, conservation, wildlife ecology or a related discipline.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in conservation or a related sector.
• Significant experience in a senior leadership position.
• Proven experience in organisational development and programme management.
• Strong experience in strategic planning, budgeting and performance reporting.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and grant management at national or international level.
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop staff.
• Experience building effective relationships with stakeholders and partner organisations.
• Strong understanding of environmental restoration and conservation programmes.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Confidence representing an organisation publicly and engaging with decision makers.
• Ability to work effectively with landowners, farmers, government agencies and local communities.
• Sound commercial judgement and an entrepreneurial approach to developing opportunities.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to deliver results.
• A practical and collaborative leadership style.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Commitment to Rewilding Europe's vision and long‑term environmental objectives.
• An established network of relevant contacts in Scotland or the wider region would be advantageous.

What Is On Offer

• Salary of £53,000 to £59,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Permanent employment.
• 35 hour working week.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Opportunity to lead a major Highland landscape restoration initiative.
• Responsibility for developing the long‑term strategy of a growing conservation charity.
• Opportunity to work with Rewilding Europe and its international network.
• A senior leadership position with significant influence over future conservation and restoration activities across the Highlands.