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The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international conservation charity, driven by science, working to restore wildlife in the UK and around the world. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives, and every person at ZSL plays a part in achieving this shared mission.
Role Overview
The Head of Sustainable Business & Finance leads ZSL’s work to embed nature recovery at the heart of private sector markets. This influential role guides a high‑performing team and works across the organisation to unlock over £100 million in finance for nature and engage 500 companies to improve transparency around environmental impacts by 2030. A central focus is forging transformational partnerships with major organisations, ensuring ZSL’s scientific expertise shapes how businesses and investors address biodiversity.
As a senior leader within the Conservation & Policy Directorate, you will already have an established network of contacts, shaping and delivering ZSL’s markets‑facing strategy, steward the Sustainable Business & Finance department, and oversee a diverse portfolio of institutional and philanthropic grants. You will grow ZSL’s advisory services, expanding income and impact while ensuring all work aligns with ZSL’s ethical standards and delivers measurable outcomes for wildlife.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop strategic direction, cultivate high‑level corporate and financial sector partnerships, and scale innovative finance mechanisms.
- Strengthen ZSL’s leadership role in biodiversity disclosure and standards such as TNFD.
- Support global corporate engagement through programmes including ZSL’s SPOTT initiative and ForestIQ partnership.
- Provide organisational leadership, mentoring and developing team members across the UK, Africa and Southeast Asia.
- Ensure financial sustainability through effective budgeting and resource allocation.
- Champion an inclusive, collaborative culture grounded in ZSL’s values and contribute to the wider strategic leadership of the Directorate.
- Engage in international travel, cross‑sector engagement at senior levels, and commit to delivering impactful, ethical and science‑driven conservation outcomes.
Qualifications & Experience
Requirements include strong organisational leadership, experience in leading high‑performing teams, and a proven track record of securing and managing large finance programmes for conservation. Familiarity with biodiversity disclosure standards such as TNFD and experience working with large corporate partners is desirable.
Contact
To find out more or for an informal confidential conversation about the role, please email Justine Sanford at jsanford@allen-york.com
Equal Opportunity Statement
About us: Allen & York have been matching purposeful people with purpose‑led organisations for 30 years. We partner with our clients and candidates on roles that build an understanding of climate change, promote sustainability and create inclusive and responsible organisations, working towards a sustainable world for us all. Committed to inclusiveness in the workplace, we aim to increase diversity across all areas and therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, or whether or not they have a disability. Let’s help build a better world, together.
Seniority level: DirectorEmployment type: Full‑timeJob function: General Business, Finance, and Accounting/AuditingIndustries: Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos, Zoos and Botanical Gardens, and Non‑profit Organizations
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