RSPCA

Head of Wildlife

Location: Hybrid - home and London/Horsham
Salary: £55,000-£60,000 depending on experience, plus £5,000 car allowance per annum
Hours: Full time (35 hours per week)
Closing date: Wednesday 22 March at 11.30pm
Interviews are expected to be held on 28 and 29 March virtually

We're the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and we've been here for animals since 1824. We're the world's oldest and largest animal welfare charity, with the primary focus of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming or releasing animals across England and Wales.

We have a rare and exciting opportunity to join us as our Head of Wildlife, responsible for our wildlife strategy and policy on a national and international level, ensuring a kinder and safer world for animals based on scientific research and evidence. In this role you will:

• Work closely with our Assistant Director - Policy, Advocacy and Evidence to inform our campaigns regarding the protection of wild animals and welfare of exotic pets, our fundraising and educational initiatives, and to provide subject matter expertise on operational issues such as the rescue and rehabilitation work of our Wildlife Centres and Inspectorate.
• Shape how the RSPCA’s strategy to 2030 is implemented in critical areas such as wildlife management, captive wild animals, exotic animals traded and kept as pets, and casualty wildlife.
• Represent the RSPCA and influence high level decision makers in government, industry and academia.
• Additionally you’ll manage the budget, grants, operations and colleagues within our Wildlife Department, ensuring clear strategic direction and providing leadership in accordance with our values.

The role can be offered on a hybrid basis, with the postholder working from home and attending our offices in either Horsham or London (Blackfriars) at least once a week, with occasional travel.

What we are looking for in you
This is an important role, and we are looking for an exceptional candidate who can demonstrate the following:

• Qualified to PhD level in relevant scientific subject or relevant degree plus equivalent relevant experience
• Extensive knowledge of wild animal welfare issues (whether in captivity and/or in the wild) and national and international wildlife legislation.
• The ability to interpret scientific literature and make evidence based recommendations
• The ability to produce technical reports and research for a variety of audiences
• Experience of building and managing constructive working relationships with relevant stakeholders in government, industry, NGOs and academia
• Proven personnel management or supervisory experience

For more information please refer to the person specification.

Why work for the RSPCA?

The RSPCA works 365 days a year, rescuing all animals of all types from abuse, neglect, and injury.

We value and recognise our employees' contribution and are proud to offer an extensive benefits package that includes:

• Great annual leave benefits - all staff receive 25 days annual leave on entry rising to 30 days after five years service, and 31 days after six years service, plus an additional Society day around Christmas. Staff can also carry over up to five days leave to the next leave year
• Flexibility - we understand the importance of work-life balance and we offer our colleagues the flexibility to vary their location between both the office and home
• Core hours - with agreement, staff can work their hours flexibly provided the core hours of 10:00-15:00 are covered. If you are looking for further flexibility, speak to us at the interview stage so that we can consider your request
• Generous pension scheme- we also offer a generous pension scheme where contributions are made by salary sacrifice, improving tax efficiency, for example if you contribute 1.5% RSPCA will contribute 9%. The Pension also comes with associated life assurance and access to our employee assistance programme.
• Group income protection scheme
• Access to a healthcare cash plan

How to apply

Please follow this link to our website where you can submit your application: click here

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close this advert once sufficient applications have been received and screened.

All online information and documents are available in alternative formats, including Braille and large font, upon request from the Resourcing Team - resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk

We strongly believe in being an innovative, diverse, and inclusive organisation and recognise that diversity in all of our people will help achieve that purpose and our mission more effectively. We actively encourage and seek applications from a wide diversity of candidates and in particular welcome applications from minority ethnic, black, and candidates with disabilities, who are currently under-represented at the RSPCA.

Please note we are not accepting unsolicited CVs from agencies for this opportunity.

Ending cruelty, promoting kindness and alleviating suffering to animals.

Closing Date: 22/03/2023  Location: Hybrid