The Board of BGCI is undertaking an international search to recruit an outstanding candidate to become its Secretary General, when the current holder of that position, Dr Paul Smith, steps down in 2026.

The Secretary General provides leadership, inspiration and direction to ensure the successful development and delivery of BGCI’s strategies and policies on behalf of the Board of BGCI, its members, donors, partners and wider communities. Their focus will be on the growth and impact of BGCI through increasing the financial and staff resources and expanding BGCI’s networks, outreach and influence.

The Board of BGCI is seeking to appoint a person with proven leadership qualities, and outstanding organisational, management, diplomatic and communications skills. Candidates for this post will require a proven track record in the botanic garden/conservation/environmental sector, with demonstrated sensitivity to complex, multicultural and multinational institutions and structures. Working within a partnership model, candidates must be able to show their capacity to innovate and to manage change. They must also be able to inspire donors and BGCI’s members around the world, and to have led on the development of significant capital and revenue schemes.

Deadline: 8 December 2025

Contract: Permanent/ Full-time

Location: Richmond, United Kingdom