Conservation Projects Lead

Full Time, 35 hours per week
UK-based with easy access to Wales
Work from home (UK base only)
Funded role for 2 years

Help Us Restore the Ocean

At the Marine Conservation Society, we are dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable practices. We are looking for a Conservation Projects Lead to lead the design and creation of targeted ocean restoration projects to enable ecological improvement. The role will have a particular focus on project opportunities in Wales, but with scope to develop projects across the UK.

You will drive our work to create and demonstrate innovative ecological & nature-based solutions, focusing on biodiversity recovery.

At the Marine Conservation Society, we’re passionate about protecting UK seas and demonstrating what recovery really looks like. We’re looking for a creative, collaborative Conservation Projects Lead to design and deliver targeted ocean restoration projects, particularly in Wales, with scope to scale impact across the UK.

Why This Role Matters

• Turn science into real-world nature-based solutions that boost marine biodiversity and resilience
• Pilot innovative, place-based approaches that inform policy and inspire communities

The Role

As our Conservation Projects Lead, you will design and deliver innovative approaches to marine recovery across Wales.

You’ll lead the creation of evidence-based, place-focused projects that tackle nature decline, trial new approaches to marine management, and embed nature-based solutions.

Working with colleagues across the organisation, you’ll align projects with advocacy and policy opportunities, secure investment and funding, and engage communities and stakeholders to maximise impact and long-term sustainability.

You’ll also represent the organisation at national and international levels, building partnerships with statutory bodies, learning institutions, and other organisations to influence decision makers and showcase marine recovery solutions.

Additionally, you will:

• Manage and support your project team
• Oversee workplans and budgets
• Review the strategic impact of projects with senior leadership
• Act as a spokesperson for recovery projects with media, partners, and funders

About You

• Able to assess ecological need and ability for recovery/enhanced resilience to determine distinct geographically focused projects.
• Proven ability in project planning and management and demonstratable experience of managing a portfolio of projects.
• A proven track record of developing high quality funding proposals
• Ability to develop strong and effective partnerships with existing, and critically, new audiences that deliver towards ocean recovery and building strong working relationships.
• An effective communicator, with proven ability as an external spokesperson to a wide range of audiences, including media, political and business audiences.