Communications Officer

Blue Marine Foundation is seeking an experienced and reliable Communications Officer to join the busy communications and outreach department of an ambitious and dynamic ocean conservation charity whose mission is to restore the ocean to health. The successful candidate will be the first point of contact in leading communications for the Solent Seascape Project : a five-year, multi-million-pound conservation project delivered by a partnership of ten organisations. The project aims to reconnect the Solent into a functioning seascape by improving the condition, extent, and connectivity of key marine and coastal habitats using protection and restoration initiatives.  The role requires someone who can input and deliver the projects communications strategy, with a view to significantly increasing engagement and reach of the project. 

Salary: £27,000 - £30,000 depending on experience. Pro rata to part time hours. 

Contract: 18 months initially with potential for extension 

Hours:  Flexible, up to 24 hours per week, days/ hours to be agreed  

Location:  Flexible. Regular travel to the Solent with some travel to London 

Reporting to: Communications Director 

Application deadline:  

Please apply with your CV and a covering letter detailing your skills and suitability for the role by Sunday 7 April. We reserve the right to close applications early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. 

If you would like to know more or have any questions, then we’d be happy to help. 

We are an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.  

Interviews: Thursday 25 and Friday 26 April 

Role & responsibilities:  

• Manage, maintain and deliver the Solent Seascape Project (SSP) communications strategy 

• Oversee all press, media and communications for the project

• Co-ordinate all press activities and write press releases relevant to SSP activities

• Chair the SSP Media and Comms Working Group meetings

• Work with project partners to create and upload website content and news stories

• Ensure that relevant and newsworthy content is promoted on the projects social media accounts including Instagram, Twitter/X and Facebook, and work with the wider Blue Marine media unit to promote relevant material on Blue Marine’s social media accounts

• Write and manage monthly newsletters to SSP partners and subscribers 

• Commission, review and input into the SSP films with the project team

• Edit and proof-read communication and engagement materials, ensuring they adhere to SSP branding guidelines

• Create infographics and other engaging communication assets for the SSP project

• Support the planning and implementation of outreach activities and events for SSP with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

• Help to co-ordinate oyster volunteering events with project team

• Scope and secure opportunities to collaborate with local ambassadors and influencers 

• Asset bank management of Solent imagery and videos throughout all partner activities

• Regularly check and subscribe to relevant news platforms and websites to ensure that the projects social media account is current and up to date

This list is not exhaustive, and the selected candidate will be required to undertake other relevant tasks. 

Skills and experience required: 

• Educated to degree level preferred but may be discounted with significant relevant experience

• Strong understanding of effective communication 

• Proven significant experience within a similar position 

• A motivated self-starter who displays a strong work ethic

• Able to work under pressure, prioritise tasks and meet key deadlines

• Experience in managing multi-partner communications 

• Able to join site visits, fieldwork, and events locally to the Solent to support media and press on a regular basis 

• Excellent team working and inter-personal skills

• Excellent communication skills with experience in engaging effectively and confidently at all levels