Chief Executive Officer

Dorset Wildlife Trust; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset Wildlife Trust is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead the Trust, following planned retirement of our current long standing Chief Executive Officer in March 2027.

The Chief Executive works with the Chair and Trustees to ensure the smooth, efficient and safe management of the Trust and acts as the principal external face, strengthening relationships with partners, supporters, agencies and other organisations, while protecting and enhancing the Trust’s reputation and influence.

Qualifications

Responsibilities

• Working closely with the Chair and Trustees, the Chief Executive ensures the smooth, efficient and safe management of the Trust.
• As the principal external face of the Trust, they lead relationships with partners, supporters and agencies.
• An inspirational leader with ambition and entrepreneurial flair to create opportunities delivering on goals.
• Excited to lead a fantastic organisation and develop strategic leadership while making environmental impact.

Job description

Chief Executive Officer

Closing date: Sunday 11 October 2026 Salary: £75,000 Contract type: Permanent / Working hours: Full time Location: Brooklands Farm (Dorset Wildlife Trust HQ) , Brooklands Farm, Forston , Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7AA

Dorset Wildlife Trust is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead the Trust, following planned retirement of our current long standing Chief Executive Officer in March 2027.

Working closely with the Chair and Trustees, the Chief Executive ensures the smooth, efficient and safe management of the Trust. As the principal external face of the Trust they play a leading role in strengthening relationships with partners, supporters, agencies and other organisations, and protecting and enhancing the reputation and influence of the Trust.

We are looking for an inspirational and experienced leader who has a strong sense of ambition for the Trust and who has the entrepreneurial flair to create and take opportunities that deliver on our goals, and we need someone with a passion for Dorset’s landscape and wildlife.

If you’re excited by the opportunity to lead a fantastic organisation, develop our strategic leadership whilst making real environmental impact, we’d love to hear from you!