Application Guide

How to Apply for Head of Plantlife Scotland

at Plantlife

🏢 About Plantlife

Plantlife is the global voice for plants and fungi, uniquely positioned as an international organization focused specifically on plant and fungal conservation. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that prioritizes restoring native wild plant species and habitats through strategic partnerships and evidence-based advocacy, offering the chance to directly shape conservation policy and practice at national and global levels.

About This Role

As Head of Plantlife Scotland, you'll lead the development and delivery of Plantlife's conservation ambitions specifically for Scotland, influencing programs and partnerships to maximize impact. This remote, part-time leadership position requires inspiring both internal teams and external stakeholders to advance plant and fungal conservation outcomes across Scotland's unique ecosystems.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve virtual meetings with Scottish government officials to advocate for plant conservation policies, collaborating with Plantlife's UK team on strategy alignment, and networking with potential partners to develop new conservation initiatives. You'd spend significant time analyzing conservation data, preparing influence materials, and representing Plantlife in Scottish conservation forums, all while managing remote communication across time zones.

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🎯 Who Plantlife Is Looking For

  • A proven leader with substantial experience (likely 8+ years) specifically in influencing conservation outcomes, not just managing projects
  • Demonstrated success in building high-level partnerships with Scottish government agencies, NGOs, landowners, and research institutions
  • Deep understanding of Scotland's conservation landscape, including key policies, habitats, and stakeholder dynamics
  • Exceptional networking skills with experience engaging diverse audiences from policymakers to local communities in conservation forums

📝 Tips for Applying to Plantlife

1

Focus your application on demonstrating specific examples of how you've influenced conservation outcomes in Scotland or similar contexts, not just managed programs

2

Research and reference Plantlife's current Scottish initiatives (like their work on temperate rainforests or grasslands) to show genuine understanding of their priorities

3

Emphasize your experience working within Scotland's specific conservation governance structures and partnerships

4

Since they don't accept CVs, carefully follow their application format requirements on their website to avoid automatic rejection

5

Highlight your ability to work effectively in a remote, part-time leadership capacity while maintaining strong collaboration across teams

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience influencing conservation policy and practice in Scotland', 'Examples of building successful partnerships with diverse stakeholders to achieve conservation impact', "How your leadership style aligns with Plantlife's collaborative, ambitious, and expert culture", "Your vision for growing Plantlife's impact in Scotland through their existing programs and new initiatives"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Plantlife's specific Scottish programs and recent publications on Scottish conservation issues
  • → Scotland's Biodiversity Strategy and how Plantlife currently engages with it
  • → Key conservation partnerships Plantlife Scotland already has (check their website and annual reports)
  • → Current Scottish policy debates around nature restoration, land use, and biodiversity targets

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you successfully influenced a conservation outcome in Scotland through partnerships rather than direct implementation
2 How would you approach building Plantlife's influence with Scottish government agencies like NatureScot and SEPA?
3 What specific Scottish plant or fungal conservation priorities would you focus on first in this role and why?
4 How would you balance being a remote, part-time leader while maintaining strong connections with both Scottish stakeholders and Plantlife's UK team?
5 Share an example of how you've engaged diverse audiences (from policymakers to local communities) in conservation advocacy
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing too much on general conservation experience without specific Scottish context or policy influence examples
  • Applying with a standard CV when they explicitly state they don't accept them
  • Demonstrating a directive leadership style rather than the collaborative, partnership-based approach Plantlife emphasizes

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

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Good luck with your application to Plantlife !

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