Head of Learning & Public Engagement
Head of Learning & Public Engagement
At Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex we have an exciting opportunity for a creative and experienced learning and public engagement specialist to join our Senior Leadership Team to lead a newly structured department. Reporting to the Director of Wakehurst, this role will help to deliver our mission by leading formal and informal learning, participation and events, delivering inspiring and informative experiences and content and connecting people to nature through Wakehurst’s designed and wilder landscapes, conservation, and research programmes.
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Our ideal candidate is a dynamic leader with a passion for connecting people to nature. You’ll bring a proven track record of creating inspiring visitor experiences and events that drive attendance and income, alongside confidence in leading multi-disciplinary teams and collaborating internally and externally. With strong strategic thinking and hands-on delivery skills, you’ll manage complex projects, budgets, and KPIs while championing accessibility, safeguarding, and EDI best practice.
Experience in fundraising, ticketing strategy, and audience engagement is essential and we’re looking for someone with excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder engagement skills. A background in botanic science, conservation, or biodiversity is a bonus.
First interviews w/c 8 December. Second round interviews if required w/c 15 December.
This role is based at Wakehurst with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.
We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.
Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi.
The salary for this position is £61,337 per annum (pro rata) [Band F7]
Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.
If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the online portal, by clicking “Apply for this job”.
We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
No agencies please.