Make data and AI work for nature.
We're hiring an Assistant Director of Data & AI on Behalf of the RSPB. You'll set their strategy, build strong governance, and turn ethical AI into practical solutions — from smarter field monitoring to better fundraising insights. With board-level backing, this is your chance to shape a modern data function and scale your remit as it grows.
What you'll do
* Publish and embed the organisation-wide Data & AI strategy in your first six months.
* Build the foundations: governance, stewardship, literacy, GDPR-ready controls.
* Standardise BI, grow self-serve, and expand storytelling with data.
* Define a practical AI roadmap across all business units, with some examples including:
* Field and conservation – computer vision for images, drones, and camera traps.
* Knowledge and research – natural language AI to process scientific and policy data.
* Operations and engagement – predictive analytics for fundraising, supporter behaviour, and resource planning.
* Innovation and insight – generative AI to speed up scenario modelling and reporting.
* Unite data functions, end duplication, and establish the target operating model.
* Lead and grow capability across architecture, engineering, and data science.
What you'll bring
* Proven leadership in enterprise data governance and strategy delivery.
* Experience applying AI and BI at scale, with judgement to keep tech choices problem-led and model-agnostic.
* A collaborative leadership style: you've managed teams and influenced widely, building credibility with scientists and academics.
* Strong literacy across modern data platforms (cloud-native, engineering tools, analytics).
* Useful extras: GIS familiarity; research/university or conservation background; relevant certifications (e.g. data governance, cloud, AI/ML).
The offer
* Home-based. Expenses may be claimed for business travel (subject to the terms of the Organisations policy)
* Flexible patterns (condensed week/fortnight considered).
* Salary £80,026–£89,569 plus full benefits.
* A rare brief with trustee/exec sponsorship and the scope to build a function that defines how data and AI deliver impact right across the organisation.