Head of Strategic Planning (Full Time / 2 years Fixed-Term Contract)

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About Us:

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a leading international conservation, science and education charity. ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries around the world and through education and engagement at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

Job Overview/Purpose:

ZSL is in the process of a Society wide strategic review, with the objective of developing a strategic plan for the next 10 years which will take the organisation to its 200th anniversary in 2026. This plan will be anchored in delivering impact on the Society’s mission to "promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats" whilst ensuring that the Society can continue to operate sustainably into the future.

This has led to ZSL seeking a Head of Strategic Planning to work closely with the Director General, Director Group and external consultants to drive the development and implementation of the strategy plan including a review of the organisations operating model. Reporting directly to the Director General who will be leading this work, this key leadership position requires a highly credible, resilient and proactive individual who has the gravitas and ability to build strong relationships with multiple key stakeholders. Therefore this role requires an individual with robust strategic planning experience across international boundaries, exceptional negotiation and influencing skills to ensure a balance in different opinions is obtained to force through a conclusion.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an individual to take on a senior strategic partnership role within an established international charity, with a real opportunity to help reshape the future of the organisation.

Person Specification:

Proven ability to lead at strategic level while driving forward detailed implementation, combining excellent planning, organising, influencing and advocacy skills as appropriate given the diverse nature of internal and external stakeholders and competing priorities.

Extensive project management experience ideally working in a science-led organisation, an NGO, or a higher education institution advantageous.

Track record of working effectively with multiple internal and external stakeholders, including strategic consultants, and Trustees, to develop a coalition of support for strategic planning and converting consensus into action.

Ability to provide strategic direction and reshape operating models at international level across divergent sites to successfully manage cultural change in a complex organisation with a diverse set of cultures.

Proven experience of financial planning and reporting, budget management and monitoring.

Tenacity to guide a leadership team in successful collective decision making with tact to resolve conflict.

Educated to degree level in a relevant subject or equivalent qualification or have relevant work experience.

Experience of working in a large/diverse organisation, similar in scale to ZSL.

Please note: This position will be offered on a full-time, 2 year fixed-term contract and is based at ZSL’s head office in Regents Park.

Benefit Package:

This role offers a competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days holiday, stakeholder pension where the employer minimum contribution is 6%, complimentary zoo tickets and more!

To Apply:

Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) by clicking the APPLY button.