Chief Scientific Officer

Location: Near Horsham, West Sussex

Salary package in the region of £65,000 per annum

The RSPCA is the largest animal welfare organisation in England and Wales. Its mission is to prevent cruelty, promote kindness to and alleviate suffering of animals. Its influence is recognised far beyond England and Wales. Our policies and practices are rooted in ethics and led by science. We seek an academically-esteemed Chief Scientific Officer to lead the expert work of our four specialist science teams to improve the lives of hundreds of millions of vulnerable companion, farm, research and wild animals.

The role:

• Lead the development of the Society’s evidence-based animal welfare policies
• Act as scientific adviser to the CEO, Directors and Trustees
• Manage the work of the specialist science teams
• Develop relationships with academics, science and animal welfare communities
• Publicly represent the Society, its policies and activities to decision makers, their advisers and other specialist audiences
• Direct the development of animal welfare policies in one of the specialist teams, according to your expertise
• Promote and implement policies through close work with marketing, campaigns, fundraising, veterinary, inspectorate and other operational teams

You will have:

• Doctorate or equivalent higher-level degree in a relevant science subject
• Extensive experience of policy and representational work at high levels
• Proven ability to communicate complex scientific information to various audiences
• Demonstrable commitment to animal welfare and the RSPCA’s purpose
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills

Closing date for receipt of completed applications: 5 April 2013

An application form and job description can be downloaded from this website or you can write, quoting reference CSO/910, to Alison Goddard, PA to Director of Marketing & Campaigns, RSPCA Southern Support Centre, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex, RH19 9RS.

Please send your completed application form to the above address or by e-mail to: alison.goddard@rspca.org.uk, to arrive no later than 5 April 2013. Please note we do not accept CVs.

First interviews will take place on 25 April 2013 followed by second interviews on 30 April 2013.

Charity No: 219099

Promoting kindness and preventing cruelty to animals.

The RSPCA offers excellent benefits including private healthcare, defined contribution pension scheme, childcare vouchers and employee assistance programme.

We value diversity and encourage applications from all sections of the community.