Communications Officer

The Sussex Ornithological Society is seeking a committed and capable Communications Officer to help strengthen and coordinate the Society’s messaging across traditional media, digital platforms, and internal channels. This is an important volunteer role for someone who understands communications, enjoys working collaboratively, and ideally has a good general knowledge of Sussex’s birds, habitats, and key wildlife sites.

The Communications Officer will help shape and deliver SOS communications at a time when we are actively improving our processes and approaches. Working across the organisation, the post holder will ensure that our scientific work, conservation messages, events and membership activities are communicated clearly, consistently and effectively to a wide range of audiences including young people and those who are new to birding.

Benefits

1. Join a friendly, supportive and successful team, delivering for people and nature in Sussex;
2. Help messaging on our conservation efforts for birds in the county; and
3. Introduce new people, particularly young people to the county's birdwatching community and places through targeted comms.

Practical Considerations

There is considerable flexibility in when work associated with this role can be delivered, as most of it can be done from home. When the team meets face to face, accessibility requirements are always taken into account, including proximity of public transport. 

Support Disabled

Each case will be taken on its own merits and needs. If the applicant demonstrates the right type of previous experience and in doing so can deliver for us, we will provide reasonable steps for them to successfully engage in the role.

Skills

We are seeking an experienced individual to fill this role and are likely to have previously performed a communications function in another organisation.

Essential

• Ability to write clearly and accurately for a range of audiences and formats.

• Experience in media relations, journalism, PR or digital communications.

• Understanding of communications principles and experience producing written content.

• Confidence using standard digital tools, including:

o Email applications (e.g. Outlook)

o Digital filing systems (e.g. SharePoint)

o Word processing software (e.g. Word)

o Online meeting platforms (e.g. Teams)

• Confidence working collaboratively with volunteers across different teams.

Desirable

• General knowledge of Sussex bird life, habitats and key sites. We have experts on hand to help with this, provide guidance and check copy.

• Familiarity with conservation organisations or wildlife NGOs.

When do I need to be available?

Details	Complete flexibility here. There are some evening team meetings, usually on weekday evenings.

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Register your Interest