Communications Project Manager (part-time)

2025 marks the 10th year of the Weather Photographer of the Year competition – our flagship public engagement campaign. Reaching tens of millions globally and showcasing incredible images of weather phenomenon, the competition enables the Society to share the science behind the weather, make the connection between weather and climate change and highlight how climate change impacts our daily lives.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Communications professional to lead the delivery of the competition, growing its reach and engagement internationally and maximising its impact through compelling content and storytelling. You will be responsible for driving the competition forward in 2025, working closely with the wider team at RMetS and with our partners. 

If you have a passion for engaging the public, coupled with experience of project managing communication campaigns, this could be the perfect role for you. 

What you will do in the role: 

The Communications Project Manager is responsible for project managing the Weather Photographer of the Year competition and delivering an exciting campaign to increase reach and audience engagement.  You will lead across all elements of the project including planning, launch, delivery and evaluation to increase the competition’s impact. 

• Take ownership of and project manage the competition throughout its full lifecycle (including planning, launch, entry phase, shortlisting, public vote, winners’ announcements). 

• Define and deliver key documentation of the project including a project plan with transparent timelines and milestones, assigned responsibilities, defined outcomes etc. 

• Work with the Senior Marketing and Communications Manager to develop and deliver strategies and campaigns designed to reach new audiences and increase entries and engagement with core messages. 

• Work with the Head of Partnerships to build and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including new and existing sponsors, partners, judges and subject matter experts, to support the competition’s growth. 

• Work with the members of the wider Marketing and Communications team to ensure that the Society is maximising opportunities to support the competition across the breadth of its channels and activities, including international media, websites, social media (organic and paid), email, as well as influencers and affiliates. 

• Work with subject experts to translate scientific information into content that is easily understood by the general public. 

• Develop content and messaging to engage audiences across a range of channels.  

• Write compelling media releases and develop effective media briefs to promote the competition and secure significant media coverage internationally. Identify opportunities for proactive media coverage through cultivating strong relationships with journalists and media partners. 

• Manage and track the competition budget, control expenditure and optimise resource allocation 

 Essential criteria you will need to demonstrate:  

• A minimum of five years’ experience in delivering communications projects and campaigns. 

• Exceptional organisational and project management skills including time and resource management. 

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with colleagues, external partners and other stakeholders. 

• Excellent attention to detail. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

• Working knowledge of monitoring and tracking delivery and impact of communications activity. 

• Competent with Microsoft Office packages. 

In addition, the following skills and experience would be desirable: 

• A project management qualification. 

• A marketing or communications qualification. 

• Experience in both B2B and B2C communications. 

• Demonstrable experience of engaging with the media and securing significant media coverage internationally. 

What you can expect when you work for the Royal Meteorological Society 

• 1-year fixed term contract (with potential to extend) 

• Part time role (3 days/21 hours per week); the Society is happy to offer opportunities for flexible working.  

• For this role, we’re happy to consider both remote or hybrid working, with an agreement on the amount of time split between the Society’s Headquarters in Reading and working from home.

• 25 days holiday per year (reduced pro rata for part time working) + an extra day off on your birthday. 

• 10% employer pension contributions.  

• Salary sacrifice scheme.  

• Private healthcare.  

Recruitment Information and Timetable:

The final deadline for applications is 31 January 2025. However, we will be reviewing candidates weekly, so please apply as soon as possible!

To apply please click the link and apply through CharityJobs, with a full CV and detailed covering letter explaining how you meet the essential criteria for this role.

Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 16 February with some flexibility for interview times outside of core working hours.

The Royal Meteorological Society values diversity of background and perspective and is committed to treating all people equally and with respect irrespective of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We value diversity of background and perspective.

We are particularly committed to the employment and career development of people with disabilities. As part of this commitment, we operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who consider themselves to have a disability (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) and who meet the essential criteria for the role they have applied for. If you wish to apply under this scheme, please indicate this in your covering letter. We also welcome discussion of any reasonable adjustments required to enable you to engage with the application process.