Communication Officer

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust UK is seeking a creative and experienced Communications Officer to join our team for up to 14 months as maternity cover, beginning in September 2024. This is a varied role, through which the postholder will be a part of our small team in the UK. The role is on-site, based at the charity’s office in Billingshurst, West Sussex. 

WHO WE ARE:

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has worked for over 47 years to protect wildlife and habitats in Kenya. Its projects include Anti-Poaching, Veterinary Intervention, Aerial Operations, Habitat Protection, Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation, and the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants, rhinos, and other wild species, all working towards a sustainable future for wildlife and communities.

In 2004, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust UK (SWT UK) was established to protect and preserve African wildlife. Through relationship building and informed communications we raise funds to undertake direct conservation activities in Kenya, and to provide grants to SWT Kenya and other NGOs, to save wild lives and secure habitats.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

As our Communications Officer, you will be responsible for managing the communications of the UK charity, inspiring and engaging both new and existing supporters. You will:

• Organise, create and schedule well-written, engaging content for a range of different audiences across various channels including email, print, and social media so that we communicate our news and story effectively.
• Maintain and develop the charity’s catalogue of marketing and communications assets, in line with charity brand guidelines, so that staff can easily access resources they need.
• Oversee, develop, and implement our communications plan, working closely with colleagues from SWT UK, and collaboratively with those from SWT Kenya, and SWT USA.
• Identify and explore opportunities to communicate conservation success stories so that we can engage new supporters in the charity.
• Write press releases, respond to media enquiries, and develop working relationships with relevant media contacts.
•  Handle administrative tasks, to include reporting on donor giving, campaign effectiveness, and digital analytics, so we can produce effective communications.
• Maintain the media library, and providing support to other team members.
• Occasional new projects and responsibilities in keeping with the role and remit.

This is a short overview of the role. If it spikes your interest, please download and read our detailed Job Description, which includes a person specification.

If, after reading the full Job Description, you believe you are well suited to the role, please send us your CV and one-page cover letter by clicking the 'Apply' button on this page. Use your cover letter to tell us about your previous experience and why you want to work for SWT UK. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Early application is encouraged as we will be reviewing applications throughout the advertised period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.

Closing date for applications is 18th August, if you do not receive an invitation for an interview by 23rd August, then you have unfortunately not been shortlisted.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are not able to support visa or work applications for this role. (No agencies, please).