Director of Nature Recovery

Do you believe that great leadership is fundamental to tackling the nature and climate
emergency and bringing about nature’s recovery?

We have an incredible opportunity to join Devon Wildlife Trust’s Leadership Team as Director of
Nature Recovery, leading our strategy to restore Devon’s landscapes & seas, bring back lost
species, protect our finest wildlife sites and influence decision making to drive nature’s
recovery.

This is a crucial and exciting moment for our natural environment, with Devon Wildlife Trust at
the forefront of pioneering solutions and innovative partnerships.

What’s the role about?

The Director of Nature Recovery leads a broad and dynamic portfolio, including DWT’s 60+ nature
reserves; our species reintroductions; landscape scale conservation; science & evidence;
and our policy influencing across both the terrestrial and marine environments. It also hosts
the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre, one of the largest local environmental records centres
in the country.

DWT has an ambitious strategy for recovering
nature in Devon with our current priorities including the ongoing reintroduction of pine
martens and supporting the coexistence of wild beavers; the expansion of temperate rainforest;
leading landscape recovery in East Dartmoor; establishing DWT’s science and evidence framework;
and seeking better protection of the marine environment.

DWT has a strong record of building partnerships and delivering with and through others, so
you’ll be a great collaborator and comfortable developing projects and seeking funds in
coalition with others. You’ll have a solid understanding of the issues affecting Devon’s nature
and what needs to be done practically to overcome these.

We’re looking for an energetic leader and role model, able to organise, inspire and motivate
people to achieve great outcomes; both within your own team and with partners & external
stakeholders. You’ll be someone who combines strategic nous with a passion to achieve the best
for nature, by working with and through people.

This is a full-time permanent post based in Exeter at DWT’s Cricklepit Mill offices, with agile
working arrangements.

Interviews are being held on Wednesday 23 April 2025. Second interviews will be held on
Wednesday 30 April.

During the application phase, we will be holding an open briefing to explain more about the
role, working for DWT, our strategy and our nature recovery priorities, with opportunities for
any questions of DWT’s CEO. If you would like to attend an online briefing, please contact
[email protected]

We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and abilities who meet the essential criteria for this
role. To achieve our vision, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. We
are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse organisation, in which everyone feels
supported, valued, and able to be their full selves.

DWT is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment.

Registered Charity Number no 213224