Charity registered in Scotland SC004064
To develop and deliver the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) volunteer programme including innovative and creative volunteering activities; managing volunteer partnerships and projects part of the onsite discovery programme to engage our daily visitors.
To support the development and delivery of community partnerships programmes and explore opportunities for continued development of the community and discovery programmes.
Some of the things you’ll do:
- Contribute to and develop, monitor and maintain, an RZSS Strategy, plan, and policies for volunteering
- Lead on the planning, development, delivery, coordination and evaluation of the volunteer programmes and resources to achieve agreed outcomes including the NLHF activity programme.
- Ensure that RZSS are meeting or leading best practice in volunteering practices.
- Lead all aspects of volunteering activities for agreed target participants, to agreed standards supporting RZSS' vision and mission, ensuring all activities deliver meaningful outcomes.
- Support and take an active role in the:
- development and delivery of the annual community plan; meeting agreed engagement targets.
- creation of programmes including the wider discovery programme(s) which promote the RZSS' resource as community hub to support initiatives to strengthen community.
- Maintain dynamic first-class customer service and public engagement, focusing on delivering informative, professional presentations and exceeding audience expectations.
What we’re looking for:
- Educated to a degree level in a relevant subject of extensive practice experience in a similar field other zoo related management systems
- Excellent working knowledge of the Microsoft Suite (Excel and Word)
- Substantial experience and understanding of working with communities including the development of community programmes
- Practical working knowledge of GDPR regulations
- Sound understanding of public engagement best practices
- Working knowledge of the natural world, conservation, and science
- Extensive practical understanding of nonformal learning and engagement best practices
- Substantial understanding of the Scottish volunteering processes and policies.
What you’ll get in return:
- Starting salary between £31,531- £32,413 (offer based on experience) with future salary progression up to £36,250 per annum
- 37.5hr working week
- 34 days annual leave (pro rata)
- Discount in both retail/catering
- Access to a healthcare plan
- Employer contributory pension scheme
- You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other Zoo’s across the UK.
Group Travel and Trade Sales Executive
- Full time
- £31,531 – £36,250
- Edinburgh
- Closing 24th January 2024
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is delighted to be recruiting for a brand-new position in the marketing and sales team, focussed on growing our groups and travel trade business. It's an exciting time to join the charity with Scotland's Wildlife Discovery Centre due to open in spring 2024 in the Highlands and huge potential for new group and FIT experiences at Edinburgh Zoo,
The role objective:
To maintain and grow travel trade business for Edinburgh Zoo & Highland Wildlife Park by proactively selling group ticketing & experience products, building relationships, providing outstanding customer service & growing brand awareness of RZSS within the tourism & travel trade sector.
Some of the things you’ll do:
- Work across Edinburgh Zoo & Highland Wildlife Park both promoting group visits, experiences & ticketing products to meet budgeted figures
- Establish sales processes and use of CRM database
- Develop group & travel trade products with wider RZSS teams
- Travel between RZSS sites & tourism / travel trade events across the UK as required
What we’re looking for:
- You'll have proven and relevant experience in a similar role
- Knowledge and understanding of the tourism & travel trade landscape
- Assertive communicator, confident in dealing with a wide range of stakeholders
- Excellent attention to detail and team player
What you’ll get in return:
- Starting salary between £31,531 - £32,413 (offer based on experience) with future salary progression up to £36,250 per annum
- 37.5hr working week
- 34 days annual leave (pro rata)
- Discount in both retail/catering
- Access to a healthcare plan
- Employer contributory pension scheme
- You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other Zoo’s across the UK.
Please see the role profile for further information on what the role involves and essential/ desirable criteria.
We offer a range of amazing benefits which can be found at rzss.org.uk/about-rzss/staff-benefits
To promote Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park as world class visitor attractions and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) as an international leader in conservation, growing brand awareness, income and support.
Some of the things you’ll do:
- Support and deliver an annual marketing activity plan to meet agreed targets
- Assist and develop a market research programme to enable data-led decision making
- Making use of data and insight, develop promotional campaigns to increase visitor numbers and income at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park.
- Develop promotional content and assets, ensuring brand consistency, value for money and quality
- Working with the marketing manager, support the management of the full RZSS website suite, delivering continuous improvement in performance through development and search engine optimisation, maximising income through ticket sales, events, experiences, membership and retail
What we’re looking for:
- You’ll be Degree qualified (relevant degree) or hold equivalent experience
- Have a good understanding of the marketing industry and understanding of current Gift Aid and GDPR guidelines
- Excellent standard of written and spoken English. Assertive communicator, confident in dealing with a wide range of stakeholders
- Marketing, including digital advertising, Google Analytics, email marketing and direct marketing
- Experience of working in a busy marketing environment, delivering to deadlines
To ensure safe electrical installations and undertake designated activities, related to your trade, for the maintenance and refurbishment of all buildings, facilities and infrastructure owned by the RZSS; to ensure that all areas of the site are safe and well presented for our visitors and in accordance with agreed service standards and in a cost-effective manner, in support of RZSS’ mission and vision.
Some of the things you’ll do:
- Take the day to day lead to ensure all assigned repairs and projects are delivered effectively, safely, on time and to budget and recommend cost-effective opportunities to minimise the impact of its operations on the environment. Pro-actively inspect electrical installations and equipment to ensure standards are being maintained and is safe to use
- To attend design team meetings with designers and other customers to give expert advise on infrastructure and facilities
- To supervise sub-contractors of your own trade and ensure that they complete works to a suitable standard. Assist in arranging access for these sub-contractors and highlight any unsafe practices to senior management.
- To be the responsible person for all electrical installations ensuring their day to day safety for staff and visitors.
- Undertake all forms of Electrical works, e.g. new installations (heaters/hand dryer/large scale lighting) electrical fault finding and testing and partial re-wiring and be able to take the lead on an projects requiring electrical works including measuring up for materials and planning the works with minimal supervision.
- Ensure all electrical plant, equipment, is inspected, maintained and documentation kept to meet relevant legislation and best practice standards at all times.
What we’re looking for:
- Relevant City and Guilds certification or S/NVQ Level 3
- Trained and competent on 17th/18th Edition test and inspection.
- PASMA scaffolding certificate
- Up-to-date knowledge and understanding of basic building related H&S legislation
- The maintenance and construction of buildings and similar structures.
What you’ll get in return:
- 37.5hr working week
- 34 days annual leave (pro rata)
- Access to a healthcare plan
- Employer contributory pension scheme
- You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other Zoo’s across the UK.
We offer a range of amazing benefits which can be found at rzss.org.uk/about-rzss/staff-benefits
Top job! Head of Communications and Public Affairs
- Full time
- £51,825 – £65,718
- Edinburgh
- Closing 18th July 2023
If you are a communications professional who wants to work for an incredible charity and make the world a better place for wildlife then keep reading!
This a fantastic role for someone with a passion for nature, a strong track record in communications and experience working within the Scottish/UK political environment.
The role
To lead the strategic development of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)’s internal and external communications, including public affairs.
Promote Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park as world class visitor attractions and gateways to nature and RZSS as an international leader in conservation and science, grow brand awareness, income and support, safeguard our brand reputation and promote RZSS within the political environment.
As part of the strategy and steering group, contribute to strategic planning in support of RZSS achieving its mission and aims.
Some of the things you’ll do:
- Lead the strategic development of the communications function, formulating innovative strategy and business plans, including resource management for current and future needs, setting and monitoring targets/budgets including media, social media, internal communications and customer complaints
- Manage and develop content and engagement across communications channels, including the media, social media, website, newsletters, blogs and intranet
- In conjunction with the Director of Engagement and Business Development, develop RZSS’ political profile and advise on public affairs, ensuring best practice and a co-ordinated and integrated approach.
- Lead the design and delivery of stakeholder engagement with key political and policy influencers, building relationships with opinion formers and decision makers, fostering strong relations with both internal and external stakeholders
- Oversee the development, implementation and review of the complaints/resolution process for Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park, providing feedback to senior management on key themes which impact the visitor experience and recommend solutions
- Manage and develop an annual budget, ensure compliance, and maintain accurate records
- Manage, motivate, develop direct reports, following good management practice and working with HR policy guidelines, so their performance meets agreed standards.
What we’re looking for:
- Educated to degree level in relevant degree or equivalent experience
- An excellent understanding of the Scottish media industry
- Knowledge of the political environments in Scotland
- Understanding of legal and ethical requirements in the media
- Creative copywriting and proofreading, with the ability to tailor often complex messages to a wide range of audiences, including the media, with an understanding of search engine optimisations
- Project management development and application
- Demonstrable experience in a similar role including managing and motivating a team
What you’ll get in return:
- 37.5hr working week (5 out of 7 days / working a rotational pattern including weekends)
- Supporting both Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park
- 34 days annual leave (pro rata)
- Access to a healthcare plan
- Employer contributory pension scheme
- You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other Zoo’s across the UK.
To promote Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park as world class visitor attractions and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) as an international leader in conservation, growing brand awareness, income and support.
Some of the things you’ll do:
- Support and deliver an annual marketing activity plan to meet agreed targets
- Assist and develop a market research programme to enable data-led decision making
- Making use of data and insight, develop promotional campaigns to increase visitor numbers and income at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park.
- Develop promotional content and assets, ensuring brand consistency, value for money and quality
- Working with the marketing manager, support the management of the Society’s website, delivering continuous improvement in performance through development and search engine optimisation, maximising income through ticket sales, events, experiences, membership and retail
What we’re looking for:
- You’ll be Degree qualified (relevant degree) or hold equivalent experience
- Have a good understanding of the marketing industry and understanding of current Gift Aid and GDPR guidelines
- Excellent standard of written and spoken English. Assertive communicator, confident in dealing with a wide range of stakeholders
- Marketing, including digital advertising, Google Analytics, email marketing and direct marketing
- Experience of working in a busy marketing environment, delivering to deadlines.
We offer a range of amazing benefits which can be found at rzss.org.uk/about-rzss/staff-benefits
An exciting role has arisen within RZSS, the Royal Zoological Society for Scotland. We are the conservation charity that owns Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park and have big ambitions to save wildlife and empower people in Scotland and around the world to protect, value and love nature.
The role
Undertake designated specialist IT activities across multiple locations, to provide an effective IT service to colleagues, in accordance with agreed service standards, under appropriate guidance and direction, in support of RZSS’ vision and mission. Assist the Head of IT, and other IT staff, as needed in providing a professional service to all employees.
This is a full time, permanent position where the working hours are 37.5 hours per week and weekend and evening working may be required.
Some of the things you’ll do:
- Acts as the primary escalation point for issues escalated from level 1 IT support across the whole Society, demonstrating first-class customer care and service. May, very occasionally, be the only IT resource for the Society (e.g. during sickness, holiday, work commitments elsewhere in the IT team).
- Troubleshoots and resolves level 2 IT issues in a timely and efficient manner, updating ITSM systems as appropriate and keeping the end user informed.
- Where necessary, escalates issues to level 3 staff and/or 3rd party suppliers as appropriate, keeping internal colleagues and end users updated on progress. Monitors escalated tasks through to completion.
- Undertakes 2nd line technical support of the Society’s IT hardware estate (servers, storage, networking, IP-CCTV, desktops, laptops, printers, peripherals, VoIP/PBX telephone).
- Undertakes 2nd line technical support of the Society’s networking and communications infrastructure (Internet, WAN, LAN, VLAN, Wi-Fi etc).
- Undertakes 2nd line technical support for both the Society’s standard IT software provision (Windows, Mac, Office365 etc) and its line of Business specialist systems.
What we’re looking for:
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate or equivalent
- An awareness of current trends and issues in IT, data protection and information compliance
- Promotes an excellent customer service ethos
- Ability to communicate technical issues, both verbally and in writing, to a varied user base
- Experience in an IT department providing personal support to users with a range of abilities, including the provision of 1st and 2nd line support.
- Demonstrable technical experience of Microsoft server stack technologies and architectures
Please see the role profile for further information on what the role involves and essential/desirable criteria.
Senior Fundraising Officer
- Full time
- £30,612 – £36,898
- Edinburgh, hybrid working pattern
- Closing 22nd November 2022
Come join an ambitious and successful team raising funds to support RZSS’s education, outreach and conservation work where you will take the lead on generating creative and compelling proposals as well as managing relationships with supporters and working closely with other members of RZSS team.
You will have the opportunity to work with local, national and international companies and funders to create innovative partnerships. RZSS has a strong track record of working collaboratively with funders, this role will give you the opportunity to develop and grow our network of supporters and create strong and meaningful partnerships. We work with companies and funders to support a wide variety of RZSS’s work, from conservation projects around the world to unique education initiatives. Our recent Giraffe About Town sculpture trail saw incredible new sponsors come on board meaning this is an exciting time to join RZSS!
This is a varied role where you can inspire our partners to love and protect nature for today, tomorrow and generations to come.
Some of the things you'll do
- Generate income for RZSS Edinburgh Zoo and RZSS Highland Wildlife Park as well as national and international conservation and education programmes.
- Manage and develop the RZSS Corporate Partners Programme
- Take the lead on generating income from key funders including companies and major sponsors to achieve agreed income targets
- Maintain excellent relationships with funders and partners, meeting all application and reporting deadlines and ensuring that funders are engaged and informed on developments within RZSS.
- Periodically supervise other staff, interns and volunteers.
- Deputise for the Development Manager when required.
What we're looking for
- You’ll be educated to degree-level or hold equivalent experience
- CIOF Certificate of Fundraising or equivalent experience/qualification
- Detailed knowledge of stewardship principles
- Knowledge of donor cultivation and stewardship principles
- Demonstrate a good understanding of the external fundraising environment in Scotland
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships, e.g. working with senior level managers to deliver cultivation activity and managing prospect lists
- Practical application of using CRM databases e.g. ThankQ or another relevant database management system
- Membership of relevant professional body e.g. CIOF
- Understanding of GDPR guidelines
Senior Development Officer – Grants
- Full time
- £28,343 – £34,379
- Edinburgh Zoo
- Closing 18th February 2022
Join a successful team to take the lead on income generation from grants to support RZSS’ vision and mission at an exciting time of growth and expansion. This will include producing compelling applications and reports as well as excellent management of relationships with a wide range of funders.
Undertake designated specialist IT activities across multiple locations, to provide an effective IT service to colleagues, in accordance with agreed service standards, under appropriate guidance and direction, in support of RZSS’ vision and mission. Assist the Head of IT, and other IT staff, as needed in providing a professional service to all employees.
Development Officer - Individual Giving
- Full time
- £23,748 – £28,314
- Edinburgh Zoo
- Closing 9th January 2022
To join a successful team to expand individual giving programmes in support of RZSS’ vision and mission at an exciting time of growth and expansion. This will include digital fundraising, recruiting and stewarding donors, managing donations and initiating compelling appeals.
Development Officer - Corporate
- Full time
- £23,748 – £28,314
- Edinburgh Zoo
- Closing 26th November 2021
To join a successful team to take the lead on relationships with new and existing corporate supporters to maximise income for RZSS’ vision and mission at an exciting time of growth and expansion. This will include identifying and pursuing opportunities to broaden existing relationships and develop new business partnerships.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS or “the Society”) is a charity founded in 1909, which owns and manages Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park. Our mission is to connect people with nature and safeguard threatened species.
The Society has elections to the Board from our membership at each AGM. But in addition to this, the Board can also co-opt people to complement the skills set of its current members. It is in this regard that the Society is now looking to co-opt 3 people to join the Board and is interested in hearing from a wide range of people who have a distinct interest in animal conservation. The duration of the co-option periods will vary from 1 to 4 years and after the expiry of each co-option period, the incumbent is eligible to stand for re-election to the Board through the AGM.
The responsibilities of the Board include:
· Promoting and safeguarding the sustainability of the Society
· Providing leadership within prudent and effective controls
· Setting the Society’s strategic aims
· Setting the Society’s values & standards
· Ensuring all regulatory requirements are met
To complement the expertise of current board members, we would be particularly interested to hear from individuals with recent or current expertise in (among other things) conservation, tourism, veterinary skills, zoology or social media and digital technology. Additionally, candidates who have experience of either working with or knowledge of conservation, tourism or government organisations (examples of which could include Visit Scotland, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, NatureScot or similar) would also be of particular interest.
We are looking for individuals who share our values and who can contribute to greater diversity of thought in order to help the Board better reflect our diverse community.