External Affairs & Engagement Officer

An exciting opportunity for a highly organised and proactive communications professional to join Kew’s External Affairs & Engagement team, supporting Kew’s relationships with influential individuals, partners and organisations across the UK and internationally.

The role supports Kew’s relationships with a wide range of external stakeholders, including Kew Ambassadors, strategic partners, sector leaders, influential individuals and organisations aligned with Kew’s mission. The post holder will coordinate stakeholder communications, visits and strategic events; support the delivery and development of Kew’s Ambassador Programme; prepare briefings and correspondence; and help ensure our relationships are underpinned by accurate data, effective processes and strong use of CRM systems.

Reporting to the External Affairs & Engagement Manager, the role works collaboratively with colleagues across Communications, Development, Science, Horticulture, Government Affairs and Learning & Participation to support planned activity as well as emerging and reactive opportunities.

This is a varied and people-facing role, suited to someone with excellent organisational and communication skills, sound judgement and attention to detail, who enjoys building relationships and managing multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.3. Details and requirements of the role and applicant

An exciting opportunity for a highly organised and proactive communications professional to join Kew’s External Affairs & Engagement team, supporting Kew’s relationships with influential individuals, partners and organisations across the UK and internationally.

The role supports Kew’s relationships with a wide range of external stakeholders, including Kew Ambassadors, strategic partners, sector leaders, influential individuals and organisations aligned with Kew’s mission. The post holder will coordinate stakeholder communications, visits and strategic events; support the delivery and development of Kew’s Ambassador Programme; prepare briefings and correspondence; and help ensure our relationships are underpinned by accurate data, effective processes and strong use of CRM systems.

Reporting to the External Affairs & Engagement Manager, the role works collaboratively with colleagues across Communications, Development, Science, Horticulture, Government Affairs and Learning & Participation to support planned activity as well as emerging and reactive opportunities.

This is a varied and people-facing role, suited to someone with excellent organisational and communication skills, sound judgement and attention to detail, who enjoys building relationships and managing multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.3. Details and requirements of the role and applicant

External Affairs & Engagement Officer

More details

The successful candidate will bring curiosity and enthusiasm for Kew’s work across science, horticulture, culture and public engagement, alongside a proactive approach and genuine interest in building and supporting meaningful external relationships.

To succeed in this role, they will have experience supporting projects, events or stakeholder activity within a busy team environment, with strong coordination, administrative and organisational skills. They will be confident communicating with a wide range of people, including senior and high-profile individuals, and able to exercise sound judgement, discretion and professionalism.

The ideal candidate will also have practical experience using databases or CRM systems to research, maintain and update stakeholder information, and an understanding of handling personal and professional data appropriately and in line with data protection requirements. They will be detail-oriented, adaptable and able to manage competing priorities, while working collaboratively with colleagues across different teams and disciplines.

This role is based at Kew with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.

We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.

Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi.

The salary for this position is £35,000 per annum [Band C]

Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the online portal, by clicking “Apply for this job”.

At Kew, our strength lies in the diversity of our people and the insights they bring. When you join us, you will find an organisation that values your perspective and lived experience. You will receive support to achieve your full potential and access opportunities to develop and progress. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is ongoing, shaped by the people who work here and the communities we serve. As a disability confident employer, we are breaking down barriers to be an inclusive workplace for everyone.

Whoever you are, and however you experience the world, there is a place for you to grow and belong at Kew.

No agencies please.