Our client, a global wildlife conservation charity, is looking for a new senior press officer to join its busy in-house media team to lead on media outreach for the Science, Conservation and Policy work of the world-renowned Society.

Senior Press Officer - Science, Conservation and Policy 
Location: London
Category: Public Relations
Department: Communications
Position Type: Permanent Full-Time
Salary: £35,175 (includes of London Weighting) plus benefits
Enhancements: London Weighting 

Our client runs two zoos and carries out ground-breaking research for wildlife in the Institute of Zoology and puts this research into action in conservation projects around the world. This global work is impossible without support from international conservation partners, collaborators and of course, donors.

The senior press officer will report into their Media Manager, and work with the wider communications, science and conservation and policy teams at the Society, to deliver positive, inspiring and impactful news coverage to raise the profile of the organisation to key audiences.

In line with a dynamic new strategy, the individual in this role will seek to raise the awareness of the conservation and science work through sustained media coverage of the organisation and help them to influence policy-makers through targeted news reports.

Working closely with the Director of Science, Director of Conservation and Policy, and the Head of Policy, this individual will seek out news stories from across the charity, to ensure the organisation maintains a high public profile, and its work to influence policy is recognised and understood by all stakeholders.

The press officer must be a self-starter with a sharp nose for news, a keen eye for detail, able to respond quickly to reactive opportunities and have a thorough understanding of the needs and workings of national, local and online media.

The ideal candidate will have an interest in conservation, a thorough understanding of the scientific peer-preview process, and experience in producing science-based communication.

A full-time position based primarily in London, the role may require occasional travel to our client's field conservation sites, sister-site Zoo in Bedfordshire, and occasional evening and weekend work.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To develop and implement a media plan for conservation and policy, and science work including an overarching annual schedule of activity.
• To create programme of hard-hitting news stories for science and conservation and policy work specifically aimed at UK mass media covering all target demographics as defined by the Media Manager and the Brand Manager.
• To supervise the Specialist Media Press Officer’s outputs when they are working on projects that fall with the science, conservation and policy remit.
• To establish an effective process of identifying and creating media opportunities to raise the profile of our conservation and policy, and science work.
• To act as an advocate within the organisation to ensure that the science and conservation and policy departments are represented across the board, and that they also understand and support the goals of other departments.
• To ensure any negative coverage is swiftly and effectively responded to.
• To develop relationships with broadcast production companies and develop a strategy for TV coverage for lifestyle and documentary programmes and channels for conservation and science work.
• To support the media manager, colleagues in the media team and marketing managers with their respective goals
• To work with the Head of Science Resources and Meetings to enhance the impact of science via media channels, particularly where the science is aligned to strategic priorities.

Please note: Flexibility is essential to this post. This is involved at a strategic level; where plans may need to be revised as event or opportunities arise. A duty phone rota is in operation within the Press Office to cover weekend press enquiries. This involves being on call on a work mobile phone one in every four or five weekends.

Benefit Package:

This role offers a competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days holiday, stakeholder pension where the employer minimum contribution is 7%, complimentary zoo tickets and more.

Closing date for applications: 2nd December 2018

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To find out more information and apply for this position, please click the apply button. You will be taken to a simple CHM Recruit form and then redirected to the employer’s website.

No agencies please.