UK Agri-Tech Centre
Edinburgh, Midlothian
Director of Income Generation and External Affairs The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a world-leading centre for plant science, horticulture, conservation, education, and public engagement. Founded in 1670 as a physic garden for the study of medicinal plants, it attracts around one million visitors each year and holds one of the world's most diverse botanical collections. We have four gardens in Scotland; Benmore, Dawyck, Edinburgh and Logan. Through a wide network of national and international partnerships, we pursue our mission to Explore, Conserve and Explain the World of Plants, addressing global biodiversity loss and climate change. RBGE is funded by Scottish Government Grant-in-Aid and self-generated income, reflecting our dual role as a public institution and an enterprising organisation. The continued growth of commercial activity, philanthropic support, and consultancy work is a key strategic priority for ensuring long-term sustainability and impact. The Opportunity RBGE is now seeking to appoint a Director of Income Generation & External Affairs to join its Executive Team at a pivotal moment in the organisation's development. As RBGE prepares to launch its next Corporate Strategy, this key leadership role will bring together commercial income generation, philanthropy, marketing, communications, public affairs and wider stakeholder engagement to strengthen profile, influence and long-term financial sustainability. Reporting to the Regius Keeper, you will provide strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio of talented teams across the spectrum of external engagement, including engagement with the Botanics Foundation and oversight of the Botanics Trading Company. Key Responsibilities Lead the development and delivery of strategies to drive sustainable growth across both philanthropic and commercial income streams. Oversee and strengthen RBGE's fundraising capability, including major donor engagement and relationships with trusts, foundations and corporate supporters. Play a leading role in shaping and delivering the next phase of the Edinburgh Biomes capital campaign. Develop and implement integrated communications, marketing and public affairs strategies that enhance RBGE's profile, influence and public engagement. Build meaningful relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, supporters, partners and audiences to advance RBGE's mission. Provide strategic leadership for the Botanics Trading Company as a Director on the Board, identifying and delivering opportunities for commercial growth. Develop new income-generating opportunities across retail, catering, events, venue hire, consultancy and commercial partnerships. Contribute as a member of the Executive Team to organisational strategy, performance, governance and stakeholder engagement. Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and achievement. Support the long-term financial sustainability of RBGE through a balanced approach to income generation, external engagement and commercial development. Person Specification Significant experience of securing philanthropic and/or commercial income and delivering sustainable growth through diverse revenue streams. A proven track record of developing and implementing successful marketing, communications and stakeholder engagement strategies. Experience of building and sustaining influential partnerships across a wide range of stakeholders, including funders, supporters, commercial partners and public sector organisations. Success in leading, motivating and developing high-performing multidisciplinary teams. Strong commercial acumen, combined with strategic thinking and the ability to identify opportunities, assess priorities and deliver measurable outcomes. Exceptional communication and relationship management skills, with the credibility to engage effectively with senior stakeholders, boards, partners and external influencers. Experience of operating at senior leadership level within a complex organisation, including responsibility for budget management, strategic planning and organisational performance. A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to inspire confidence, build consensus and represent an organisation externally. Experience of both philanthropic and commercial income generation would be advantageous. Experience gained within science, education, environmental, conservation or similarly mission-led organisations would be beneficial. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of Scotland's most respected institutions and play a leading role in supporting its mission to explore, conserve and explain the world of plants for the benefit of people and planet.
Director of Income Generation and External Affairs The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a world-leading centre for plant science, horticulture, conservation, education, and public engagement. Founded in 1670 as a physic garden for the study of medicinal plants, it attracts around one million visitors each year and holds one of the world's most diverse botanical collections. We have four gardens in Scotland; Benmore, Dawyck, Edinburgh and Logan. Through a wide network of national and international partnerships, we pursue our mission to Explore, Conserve and Explain the World of Plants, addressing global biodiversity loss and climate change. RBGE is funded by Scottish Government Grant-in-Aid and self-generated income, reflecting our dual role as a public institution and an enterprising organisation. The continued growth of commercial activity, philanthropic support, and consultancy work is a key strategic priority for ensuring long-term sustainability and impact. The Opportunity RBGE is now seeking to appoint a Director of Income Generation & External Affairs to join its Executive Team at a pivotal moment in the organisation's development. As RBGE prepares to launch its next Corporate Strategy, this key leadership role will bring together commercial income generation, philanthropy, marketing, communications, public affairs and wider stakeholder engagement to strengthen profile, influence and long-term financial sustainability. Reporting to the Regius Keeper, you will provide strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio of talented teams across the spectrum of external engagement, including engagement with the Botanics Foundation and oversight of the Botanics Trading Company. Key Responsibilities Lead the development and delivery of strategies to drive sustainable growth across both philanthropic and commercial income streams. Oversee and strengthen RBGE's fundraising capability, including major donor engagement and relationships with trusts, foundations and corporate supporters. Play a leading role in shaping and delivering the next phase of the Edinburgh Biomes capital campaign. Develop and implement integrated communications, marketing and public affairs strategies that enhance RBGE's profile, influence and public engagement. Build meaningful relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, supporters, partners and audiences to advance RBGE's mission. Provide strategic leadership for the Botanics Trading Company as a Director on the Board, identifying and delivering opportunities for commercial growth. Develop new income-generating opportunities across retail, catering, events, venue hire, consultancy and commercial partnerships. Contribute as a member of the Executive Team to organisational strategy, performance, governance and stakeholder engagement. Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and achievement. Support the long-term financial sustainability of RBGE through a balanced approach to income generation, external engagement and commercial development. Person Specification Significant experience of securing philanthropic and/or commercial income and delivering sustainable growth through diverse revenue streams. A proven track record of developing and implementing successful marketing, communications and stakeholder engagement strategies. Experience of building and sustaining influential partnerships across a wide range of stakeholders, including funders, supporters, commercial partners and public sector organisations. Success in leading, motivating and developing high-performing multidisciplinary teams. Strong commercial acumen, combined with strategic thinking and the ability to identify opportunities, assess priorities and deliver measurable outcomes. Exceptional communication and relationship management skills, with the credibility to engage effectively with senior stakeholders, boards, partners and external influencers. Experience of operating at senior leadership level within a complex organisation, including responsibility for budget management, strategic planning and organisational performance. A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to inspire confidence, build consensus and represent an organisation externally. Experience of both philanthropic and commercial income generation would be advantageous. Experience gained within science, education, environmental, conservation or similarly mission-led organisations would be beneficial. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of Scotland's most respected institutions and play a leading role in supporting its mission to explore, conserve and explain the world of plants for the benefit of people and planet.
UK Agri-Tech Centre
Edinburgh, Midlothian
Crown Estate Scotland's purpose is investing in property, natural resources, and people to create lasting value for Scotland. Crown Estate Scotland seeks to maintain and enhance the value of the assets which it holds on behalf of the Monarch ("in right of the Crown") and to pay its net revenue profit for each year to the Scottish Consolidated Fund. Our vision is that the Scottish Estate supports a thriving and sustainable Scotland where land and resource under management benefit communities, environment and economy, both now and in the future. Crown Estate Scotland is a unique business with a diverse portfolio that includes real estate, rural estates and the management of the seabed and the foreshore. About the role The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for the effective day-to-day operation and strategic alignment of Crown Estate Scotland. The role leads a broad portfolio of corporate functions, including People, Data and Digital, Business Administration, Planning and Performance Management, and continuous improvement. As a member of the newly established Corporate Leadership Team, the COO provides strategic leadership across Crown Estate Scotland and expert advice to the Chief Executive and Accountable Officer and the Board. The role will balance the complex demands of commercial success, sustainable development, effective stewardship of the Estate and the optimisation of financial returns for the public good. Key responsibilities Specific responsibilities include: Lead Crown Estate Scotland's corporate operations, ensuring the organisation has the capacity, capability and resilience required to deliver the outcomes set out in the Corporate Plan 2026-31. Provide strategic leadership across the People, Data and Digital, Business Administration, and Planning and Performance Management functions, ensuring they operate effectively and remain aligned with organisational priorities. Lead the corporate business planning process, bringing together strategic planning, budgeting, workforce planning, performance measurement and reporting to support effective delivery and continuous improvement. Lead the implementation and continued development of the People Strategy, fostering an inclusive and high-performing organisational culture aligned with Crown Estate Scotland's values. Develop and implement the Data and Digital Strategy, ensuring that data is effectively governed and accessible, and that secure and scalable digital solutions support organisational performance and service delivery. Strengthen organisational resilience, supporting informed decision-making and the effective delivery of strategic priorities. Embed a culture of innovation, efficiency and data-led continuous improvement across Crown Estate Scotland's operations. Actively contribute to the wider leadership of Crown Estate Scotland, acting as Senior Responsible Officer for major projects and as sponsor for internal cross-functional initiatives. Candidate requirements Candidates should be educated to degree level or have an equivalent level of professional experience, together with a formal management or leadership qualification. You will bring a strong combination of senior operational and leadership experience, with a demonstrable record of improving service delivery and leading organisational change within a complex environment. You will have a strong understanding of corporate business functions and leading practice in at least two areas within the COO portfolio, such HR, technology, organisational change, business administration or planning and performance management. You will be a strategic and commercially astute leader who can translate organisational priorities into effective delivery, strengthen performance and governance, and operate confidently in a complex and highly scrutinised environment.
Crown Estate Scotland's purpose is investing in property, natural resources, and people to create lasting value for Scotland. Crown Estate Scotland seeks to maintain and enhance the value of the assets which it holds on behalf of the Monarch ("in right of the Crown") and to pay its net revenue profit for each year to the Scottish Consolidated Fund. Our vision is that the Scottish Estate supports a thriving and sustainable Scotland where land and resource under management benefit communities, environment and economy, both now and in the future. Crown Estate Scotland is a unique business with a diverse portfolio that includes real estate, rural estates and the management of the seabed and the foreshore. About the role The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for the effective day-to-day operation and strategic alignment of Crown Estate Scotland. The role leads a broad portfolio of corporate functions, including People, Data and Digital, Business Administration, Planning and Performance Management, and continuous improvement. As a member of the newly established Corporate Leadership Team, the COO provides strategic leadership across Crown Estate Scotland and expert advice to the Chief Executive and Accountable Officer and the Board. The role will balance the complex demands of commercial success, sustainable development, effective stewardship of the Estate and the optimisation of financial returns for the public good. Key responsibilities Specific responsibilities include: Lead Crown Estate Scotland's corporate operations, ensuring the organisation has the capacity, capability and resilience required to deliver the outcomes set out in the Corporate Plan 2026-31. Provide strategic leadership across the People, Data and Digital, Business Administration, and Planning and Performance Management functions, ensuring they operate effectively and remain aligned with organisational priorities. Lead the corporate business planning process, bringing together strategic planning, budgeting, workforce planning, performance measurement and reporting to support effective delivery and continuous improvement. Lead the implementation and continued development of the People Strategy, fostering an inclusive and high-performing organisational culture aligned with Crown Estate Scotland's values. Develop and implement the Data and Digital Strategy, ensuring that data is effectively governed and accessible, and that secure and scalable digital solutions support organisational performance and service delivery. Strengthen organisational resilience, supporting informed decision-making and the effective delivery of strategic priorities. Embed a culture of innovation, efficiency and data-led continuous improvement across Crown Estate Scotland's operations. Actively contribute to the wider leadership of Crown Estate Scotland, acting as Senior Responsible Officer for major projects and as sponsor for internal cross-functional initiatives. Candidate requirements Candidates should be educated to degree level or have an equivalent level of professional experience, together with a formal management or leadership qualification. You will bring a strong combination of senior operational and leadership experience, with a demonstrable record of improving service delivery and leading organisational change within a complex environment. You will have a strong understanding of corporate business functions and leading practice in at least two areas within the COO portfolio, such HR, technology, organisational change, business administration or planning and performance management. You will be a strategic and commercially astute leader who can translate organisational priorities into effective delivery, strengthen performance and governance, and operate confidently in a complex and highly scrutinised environment.