External Communications Officer

As our new External Communications Officer you’ll help raise awareness and public support for the National Trust's role in looking after nature across thousands of hectares of countryside and hundreds of miles of coastline in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Helping to promote the work we do to help reverse nature’s decline and to tackle climate change. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who has background in media relations or journalism to join our Land & Nature Communications Team.

You’ll help us tell the stories connected to our ambitions to plant and establish 20 million trees and to become net carbon zero by 2030, as well as our ambitions around creating new areas of priority habitat on the land we care for, to help nature to thrive.

What it's like to work here:The Trust’s media profile has probably never been higher, generating over 15,000 pieces of coverage in print, broadcast and online every year. The media play a vital role in raising awareness and support for the work of our charity. While it’s a busy environment, there are also rewards - including access to the nation’s most beautiful buildings, coastlines and sites.

Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon, however there will be an opportunity to explore and agree remote working arrangements which strike the right balance for you and the Trust.

What you'll be doing:You’ll play a key role in promoting and raising awareness of our land and nature work, using a range of different channels. The Trust has a wealth of engaging, interesting and agenda-setting stories to tell and you’ll dig them out and ensure that they are packaged for the national print, broadcast and online media. You’ll conduct site visits and tell the conservation and human stories behind our stunning landscapes, coastline, farms and estates.

You’ll ensure that our communications are clear, consistent and well-targeted, aligning strategic messaging across our channels, and bringing our charitable cause to life with smart, engaging and audience-focused content.

Who we're looking forYou can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what is possible in this role. For this position we’re looking for someone who has:

- A strong track record in journalism or media relations and is experienced in dealing with national journalists
- Carefully and strategic planning skills, ensuring it’s helping to deliver our objectives
- Sharp writing skills, someone who can get to the heart of an issue quickly and knows how to tell a tale
- Pragmatism and is a problem solver and collaborator who is good at building close working relationships across a wide range of teams, locations and levels with the ability to advise and negotiate
- A cool and calm demeanour when faced with some tricky issues, you will thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Excellent interpersonal and networking skills
- Determination and energy to see the job through and the ability to listen and learn from others
- Excellent multi-platform skills, with the ability to produce content for web, social, and print media

The packageThe National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

Wherever you’re from, and whatever your background, we want to hear from you - and it doesn’t matter if you’re jam first, cream first, or even if you don’t like scones at all. Everyone is welcome.

Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

- Flexible working whenever possible
- Free parking at most locations
- Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK