External Affairs & Engagement Officer

As part of Kew's External Affairs & Engagement team, you'll help build relationships with influential individuals and organisations who can champion and support Kew's work. From engaging Kew Ambassadors and welcoming high-profile visitors to supporting strategic events and new partnerships, you'll help connect people with Kew's mission in the UK and internationally. Reporting to the External Affairs & Engagement Manager, you'll support the delivery of Kew's Ambassador Programme, Kew International Medal and wider stakeholder engagement. You'll coordinate strategic events, visits and communications, and prepare briefings and correspondence to support senior relationships. You'll also help identify and develop new opportunities and relationships. This is a varied role combining people-facing engagement with the systems and coordination that underpin strong relationships, from working with stakeholders and colleagues to research, CRM, accurate record-keeping and effective follow-up. It would suit someone who is organised, curious and proactive, with excellent communication skills and strong attention to detail. About You 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. About Us 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. 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. 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.