CEO for Dynamic Earth
This position is now closed
Job description...
- Location: Based at Dynamic Earth, with flexibility for home working in line with the job requirements. Some travel to attend meetings.
- Salary: circa £120k + company car
- Status: Permanent Contract
- Hours: Full time (37.5hrs/week), permanent. Ad-hoc evening and weekend work.
- Reports to: Board of Directors
- Closing Date: Monday 13th October 2025 at 12 noon
- Interview Date: Week commencing 3rd November, and second stage interviews shortly afterwards
Welcome from the Chair
As a millennium project, Dynamic Earth first opened our doors in 1999 and since then we’ve held a special place in the hearts of people living and visiting Edinburgh.
Fond memories of exciting days out with family, stories about the earthquake experience or that time you touched an iceberg. People always tell you about their favourite school trips back in the day or how much they enjoyed attending a conference, event or Christmas party night at our stunning and unusual venue that sits below Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags.
2025 is an epic year for us – as we celebrate our 25th anniversary and the launch of our bold new strategy – From Beginning to Mend. Over the next 10 years we have ambitious plans to become the UK’s leading science engagement charity by:
1. Delivering outstanding science engagement.
2. Reaching more people, in more ways.
3. Enhancing and transforming our science centre.
4. Achieving financial and environmental sustainability.
5. Maximising the quality of our relationships.
Planetary crises and climate change are undeniable and very alarming realities. For this reason, Dynamic Earth will increasingly shift its storytelling to help people make sense, through science, of what is happening to the planet we live on and what we can do about it.
We believe in offering a message that inspires hope. Through science, and sustainable living, we can achieve a positive future for us and our planet. Undoubtedly though, we need to act now.
We are looking for an experienced and ambitious leader, harnessing revenue generation as a premier visitor attraction and hospitality venue to deliver our strategic purpose in science engagement and inspire our stakeholders. Supported by an energetic and innovative leadership team you will be committed to shared decision making and a pragmatic appetite for risk. You will be skilled in external stakeholder management and building innovative and productive partnerships to expand opportunities, create new revenue streams and share risk. If you are passionate about the future of the planet which is our only home, please do get in touch.
Professor Sir Pete Downes
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Dynamic Earth is an Earth science engagement charity, with a mission to empower people with understanding and empathy for the Earth and its future.
We do this by providing compelling engagement at our world-class Science Centre in Edinburgh, as well as through our learning and engagement programmes across Scotland.
At Dynamic Earth, we use science and immersive, interactive storytelling to stimulate minds and ignite passions in contemporary Earth and environmental science.
We aim to inspire the next generation of scientists to become the problem- solvers of tomorrow by:
- Increasing skills and diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to support current and future industry.
- Reducing inequalities in access to quality science engagement, in order to improve life opportunities for children, young people and individuals.
- Improving levels of understanding about the science behind the planetary crisis and the means to avert it.
To provide overall leadership for Dynamic Earth, connecting Board and Leadership teams through a compelling strategy, clear delivery and effective reporting.
Essential Experience
Leadership Experience – You will have extensive experience of working with a Board of Trustees and leading a senior team.
Organisational Development and Values-Led Approach – You will be experienced in leading and securing support for change and innovation. Commercial Acumen – You will be experienced in developing business plans and monitoring in-year performance against plan.
Communication Skills – You will be experienced at handling media enquiries, public speaking and leading wider communication plans.
Desirable Skills
Charity Sector – You will have extensive experience of representing leading charities to develop and deliver their charitable purpose.
Visitor Attractions – You will have extensive experience of managing public-facing engagement propositions Visitor Attraction Leadership – A professional or personal interest in earth science and an empathy for what Dynamic Earth exists to deliver.
Local Industry Awareness – Knowledge of the Scottish business, education and charity marketplaces.
Please contact Alan Surgeon or Donna McKay to arrange a discussion about the post. Suitable candidates will then be invited to submit an application via the Apply box below with a CV and cover letter.
Please note no application form is necessary to apply for this post.
This position is now closed.
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