Communications Officer

Background: Gilbert White’s House and the Oates Collections, set in the idyllic village of Selborne in Hampshire, is recruiting for a Communications Officer to support the Collections & Marketing Manager on a fixed term 1 year contract. This new position is made possible with support from Swire Charitable Trust and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to recruit for this fixed term contract. This is an opportunity to undertake an important supporting role for a unique, regional organisation within the heritage and conservation sectors, working alongside a committed team of staff, trustees and volunteers. The museum attracts visitors from across the South, eager to learn about Gilbert White, the man called the ‘father of ecology’, and Lawrence and Frank Oates, explorers of the natural world. We are now seeking a Communications Officer on a full-time fixed one-year contract to support the Collections & Marketing Manager. The successful applicant will be responsible for promoting not only the attraction but will help to raise awareness of the museum’s key messages about engaging with the natural world.

The Role: The key objective is to increase visitors to the house and gardens and focus on promoting its services, products and events during 2025 as we celebrate 70 years of the museum since it opened. The role will include content creation, social media, PR and other aspects of marketing. This is a supporting role to the Collections & Marketing Manager, who will be responsible for all marketing. The successful applicant will be undertaking individual projects as well taking the lead on day-to-day activities and will also take on the role of museum duty manager on occasions and some weekend work will be required.

Job description Key duties within this position will include:

• To write and distribute press releases and manage press visits.

• To work with Collections & Marketing Manager on social media and content creation.

• To develop our You Tube page and social media platforms of Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok.

• To liaise with colleagues to look for opportunities to promote their work, such as education.

• To act as brand guardian. Your key objectives will be:

• To help make 2025 and the 70th anniversary of the museum a successful season in both footfall and reach. Your success will be measured against the 2025 marketing plan. 

• To raise awareness of our three explorers of the natural world and of the museum and gardens.

• To increase awareness of our environmental contribution, including:

 Helping people gain personal experience of the natural world (because we know those with a personal connection with nature are more likely to take climate action)

 Helping people understand the natural world

 Managing our grounds for nature conservation

 Wider implementation of our sustainability strategy

• To drive customers to our various income generating activities (museum/garden visits, events, education visits, café, retail, weddings, etc), working with departmental managers.

• To increase the effectiveness of our marketing activity.