Director of Conservation

BGCI is seeking an experienced, committed and strategic Director of Conservation to provide leadership across the organisation’s policy, conservation prioritisation and conservation action portfolio. The postholder will translate BGCI’s 2026–2030 Strategic Framework into coherent programmes, partnerships, monitoring systems and resource mobilisation, ensuring that BGCI’s work delivers measurable outcomes for plant conservation, ecological restoration and community resilience.

The Director will help position BGCI as the most effective and renowned plant conservation network in the world, working across an expanded global network of botanic gardens and other conservation organisations to bring more plant species under conservation action. The role requires a strong combination of conservation leadership, programme oversight, partnership development, fundraising and people management.

Title of post: Director of Conservation
Job Purpose: To provide strategic direction to the organisation’s plant conservation activities worldwide.
Reports to: Secretary General
Contract Type: Full-time (35hrs/week)
Duration: Permanent
Location: BGCI Offices, Kew, London; Hybrid *
Remuneration: £55,000 - £60,000padependent on level of experience within a broad range (experience, required qualifications, training) and performance related to budget management, project management and other measures.

*Please note that our temporary office address in 2026 is in Putney, London

About BGCI

Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) is the largest global plant conservation network with over 950 member institutions in more than 120 countries. BGCI plays a key coordinating role, facilitating collaboration between botanic gardens and other conservation organisations, and supports the development and long-term functioning of botanic garden networks. BGCI ensures that local expertise contributes to global impact, and mobilises funding and technical assistance for practical conservation efforts worldwide.

Person Specification

BGCI is seeking to appoint an individual with strong track record in strategic leadership in plant conservation, with the ability to translate global frameworks into impactful programmes and partnerships. Candidates will have a proven track record working within a conservation or scientific organisation, ideally in plant conservation, with demonstrable experience delivering complex, multi-partner initiatives at international scale. The post holder will be an experienced team leader with demonstrable success in inspiring and motivating diverse teams. They will bring a sophisticated understanding of the institutional landscape in which BGCI operates, including botanic gardens, governments, NGOs, and multilateral processes, and will demonstrate cultural awareness and political acuity in navigating complex, multicultural and multinational contexts.

Please note that the role is UK based so you must be eligible to work in the UK. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role. Please confirm in your cover letter that you are eligible to work in the UK.

Closing date for applications is 27th April 2026

The interviews will be conducted online week commencing 25th May 2026

BGCI is committed to putting equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our organisation. We are committed to ensuring a working environment in which all individuals are free from discrimination and in which opportunities are equal to all. We encourage applications from all sections of the community, particularly those underrepresented within our sector.