Chief Executive Officer

Gwent Wildlife Trust's vision is of people close to nature in a landscape rich in wildlife.  

Established in 1963, we share decades of ecological experience, learning and evidence to protect wild places and wildlife with and for the people of Gwent. We are part of a movement of 5 Wildlife Trusts in Wales and 46 Wildlife Trusts across the UK, Isle of Man and Alderney. 

Gwent Wildlife Trust is now looking for an inspirational leader to take the Trust into the next chapter of its important work where everyone can experience and enjoy wildlife. Reporting to the Chair and Board of Trustees, the CEO will have a passion for wildlife and provide overall strategic direction and operational responsibility to a well-established and highly motivated team, all acting as a strong force for wildlife conservation across a highly distinctive and beautiful part of Wales.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Development:

• Providing strong and visible strategic leadership for the Trust as a whole, both internally and externally
• Directing, inspiring and motivating staff and volunteers
• Supporting and working with the Senior Management Team on the development and implementation of the Trust’s long-term strategy, through development and delivery of annual business plans and associated budgets and KPIs
• Providing strong financial and budgetary management oversight and focus the development of diverse and sustainable income sources
• Ensuring that management policies and decisions support the agreed vision, mission, values and strategy of the Trust
• Role modelling the values and behaviours of Gwent Wildlife Trust to continue developing a positive high-performance culture

External Relations and People Contacts:

• Be a persuasive and influential advocate, raising the profile of Gwent Wildlife Trust, The Wildlife Trusts, and the importance of nature in solving society’s challenges
• Develop and enhance relationships with key stakeholders and strategic partners
• Support the Senior Management Team to develop contacts with key stakeholders and develop strategic partnerships
• Engage with key decision-makers including SMs, MPs, Local Authorities, local councillors, corporate leaders, and community champions, to position the Trust and promote its objectives
• Support the Senior Management Team with major fundraising initiatives
• Co-operate and collaborate with the The Wildlife Trust central team, other Wildlife Trusts in Wales and across the UK

Organisational and Operational Management to include:

• Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with the Chairman, Honorary Officers and Trustees to ensure lawful and effective governance
• Lead the Trust’s Senior Management Team including holding monthly one to one meeting and annual appraisals
• Oversee financial management systems, ensuring the timely preparation and effective achievement of annual budgets
• Co-develop and deliver an annual Business Plan which aligns with the 2030 Strategy
• Oversee compliance with all statutory requirements (including Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities, Employment Law, GDPR, etc.)
• Ensure effective communication with staff, trustees and volunteers
• Work with the trustees to implement appropriate risk management systems
• Deepen the Trusts commitment to the Welsh language