Location
Home-based with occasional travel to Newark, Nottinghamshire and Central London.

Hours
Full Time - Hours to be agreed.

Salary
£65,000 per annum.

About the Role
The Wildlife Trusts are a grassroots movement of people from diverse backgrounds united by a shared belief in the importance of nature. With over 944,000 members, 38,000 volunteers, 3,600 staff, and 600 trustees across 46 independent Wildlife Trusts, we work locally to make a positive difference for wildlife and future generations. The Wildlife Trusts federation is a registered charity and a founding member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The next few years are critical for reversing wildlife loss and driving nature recovery at scale to prevent climate and ecological disaster. This will require bold changes in how The Wildlife Trusts operate, including how we mobilise and support communities.

As Associate Director of Legal Services, you will lead the Legal Services function, working closely with Trustees, senior leaders, and colleagues across the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (RSWT) and the wider federation. You will build a commercially focused legal team that enables confident, bold action in pursuit of our mission to bring nature back.

This pivotal leadership role requires an exceptional individual with outstanding legal and strategic leadership skills, able to inspire confidence and embed a strong commercial culture across a diverse and dynamic organisation. You will navigate the unique landscape of a federation of 46 independent Wildlife Trusts, delivering high-impact outcomes through your legal expertise in areas such as complex commercial contracts, environmental issues, campaigning support, and charity sector work.

We are passionate about our mission and committed to inclusivity, valuing diversity and individual differences. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups within our sector.

Experience
Proven experience as a highly skilled lawyer with strategic leadership capabilities. Demonstrated success in delivering complex commercial contracts, managing environmental legal matters, supporting campaigning activities, and working within the charity sector. Experience navigating federated or multi-entity organisations is highly desirable.

About you
Self-motivated and confident leader with outstanding judgement and the ability to inspire trust and embed a strong commercial culture. Passionate about conservation and aligned with The Wildlife Trusts’ values of passion, respect, trust, integrity, pragmatic activism, and strength in diversity. Committed to inclusivity and building a diverse workforce.

Qualifications
Qualified lawyer with relevant professional legal qualifications. Commitment to ongoing professional development and safeguarding responsibilities.