VACANCY

HEAD OF CONSERVATION

Starting salary range: £35,000 - £45,000

Closing date: 5pm Monday 26th April 2010

The Marine Conservation Society has been the voice for UK seas for 25 years; championing sustainable fisheries, clean seas and beaches and protection for marine wildlife.

Our seas are under immense pressure: too many fish are being taken out, too much rubbish is being thrown in and too little is being done to protect our precious marine wildlife and fish stocks. MCS role is to achieve measurable improvements in the state of our seas, marine biodiversity and fish stocks, through changes in government policy, industry practice and public behaviour.

MCS campaign achievements include the introduction of UK and Scotland Marine Acts to better protect our seas, influencing sustainable seafood choices through the Good Fish Guide, involving thousands of volunteers in Beachwatch litter surveys to tackle pollution at source and campaigning for marine reserves to create havens for wildlife and fish stocks to recover.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to play a leading role in this progressive and rapidly developing charity, working with a dynamic and enthusiastic team, to make an outstanding contribution to marine conservation in the UK.

The Head of Conservation will be instrumental in the delivery of MCS strategy for protection of the marine environment. Through the development, management and direction of policy and campaign action plans, working closely with your team you will influence changes in government policy, industry practice and public behaviours that make a difference to the future of our seas. You will represent MCS at the highest level of government and industry, and promote effective public and stakeholder engagement to promote MCS conservation objectives and achieve conservation success.

You will report to and work closely with the MCS Director and manage an overall team of 18 staff with 7 direct reports, primarily based in England, but also in Scotland and Wales. You will also contribute to the delivery of communications and fundraising strategies, in particular in sourcing funds for development of MCS conservation programmes.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced, team oriented individual, with a working background in marine conservation, excellent organisational, management and communication skills, to play a significant role in the delivery of marine conservation in the UK.

Salary, benefits and location

The starting salary will be in the range of £35,000 - £45,000 per annum dependent on experience.

Annual leave allowance is 25 days with pay per annum, including mandatory leave between Christmas and New Year, plus public holidays. For senior managers such as this role, this increases to 27 days per annum following one years service.

The position is to be full-time based at the MCS Head Office in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, although relocation to a coastal location within the next 3 years is under consideration.

Normal office hours are 9 am –5 pm Monday to Friday. Work during weekends and after hours may be required for which time off in lieu may be taken in agreement with the Director.

After 6 months you will be entitled to join the MCS staff pension scheme to which you may make additional personal contributions in addition to those made by MCS.

The Marine Conservation Society operates a non-smoking policy.

1

March 2010