Project Communications Officer

The Rivers Trust is a leading environmental charity and the umbrella body of The Rivers Trust movement, comprising over 60 independent local charities. Our vision is for wild, healthy, natural rivers, valued by all. We are at a critical point in our history as we expand to deliver projects to protect and replenish this critical part of the natural environment, and our research and expertise is now needed more urgently than ever as water supply and quality move up the public agenda.

This is a newly-created position, providing communications support to some of our most complex, sensitive and impactful programmes of work. You'll be part of a welcoming, dynamic and growing Communications and Advocacy team who work across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, and also be collaborating with communications teams across a number of project partners and local Rivers Trusts.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving movement, and to make a meaningful personal contribution to environmental protection and improvement.

Whilst environmental and freshwater knowledge and experience are desirable, we are primarily looking for someone who can provide professional and effective communications support, to ensure we realise our projects' objectives in line with our charitable objectives.

It's a home-based role, although the job holder will be required to travel within the UK with advance notice. We offer flexibility around working hours - time off in lieu is also available.

We are happy to make adjustments for people with disabilities and/or caring responsibilities, and we welcome applications from all communities, backgrounds and circumstances.

We offer 25 days holiday pro rata (rising to 28 days) plus statutory holiday days.

The successful candidate will need to have the right to work in the UK.

Main purpose of the job:

To develop and deliver communication plans for a number of projects. Liaising with project partners to maximise the impact of project delivery and ensure alignment with Rivers Trust communications strategies and priorities.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Work closely with RT and Partner communication teams to write and deliver a comprehensive multi-channel communications plan that aligns with project objectives and deliverables as well as RT strategic comms.
• Proactively liaise with project partners to ensure project deliverables are met.
• Attend and facilitate partner meetings.
• Prepare, plan and contribute content for social media across partners and RT, working closely with the core communications team to ensure alignment with core strategies.
• Liaise with project partners and the PR & Events Co-Ordinator to seek out PR opportunities for the projects.
• Write and plan regular website copy.
• Co-ordinate the design and delivery of offline communication materials.
• Maintain, develop and co-ordinate the build of project websites.
• Plan, write and deliver project newsletters using Mailchimp.
• Meticulously record and report on the success of project communication activities.
• Assist in project related event preparation and provide on-the-day support to partners as required.
• Travel to sites, events and meetings in the UK with occasional overnight and multiple day trips.

The salary for the job will fall within a range of £33,000-£35,000 per year.

To apply, please send your CV and show how you meet the following criteria:

• Experience developing communication plans.
• Delivery of communications across the whole lifecycle of a project.
• Writing accessible copy for different audiences, including groups and communities currently under-represented within the water sector.
• An understanding of diversity and inclusion, and how it relates to the role
• Working with a broad range of partners across corporate, regulatory and third sectors
• Confidence developing and planning communications for complex and multisector partnerships.
• Good user skills across the MS Office suite (word, excel, PowerPoint, teams)
  
• Website CMS
• Excellent standard of written English and verbal communications skills.
• Good, up-to-date understanding of media, Social Media and other communication channels and platforms.
• Excellent time management, delivering within deadlines under time pressure.
  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A proven passion for the environment and awareness of current environmental issues.

Desirables but not essential, only include these if you have them:

• Content production across a range of media including written, audio and visual.
• Planning and implementing digital content, including website management.
• Working on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience of crisis communication and planning.
• Part or full qualification in communications, or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Full driving licence.
• Knowledge of SharePoint and Mailchimp.
• Design software e.g. Canva, InDesign, Photoshop.
• Comfortable using digital marketing tools such as WordPress, CRM databases and Google Analytics.
• Experience with project management.
• Experience in communicating scientific information for specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Awareness and understanding of current issues in the water sector.

We have tried to anticipate everything we need for this vacancy but realise that a great applicant might not meet all of them - if you are passionate about the role and what you can bring to the Rivers Trust, we would encourage you to apply, or get in touch first using the contact details below.

If you have any questions which aren't answered on our website or on the Recruitment FAQ, please contact [email protected] (available after 13 November) or [email protected] (available Wednesdays to Fridays) - please don't apply using these email addresses as we can only accept applications made through this system.

Closing date: Monday 27 November 2023