Job Description

About Us:

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation. ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries across the globe and through education and awareness-raising at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

ZSL is seeking a collaborative and confident senior communications professional to take the reins of our communications department based at ZSL London Zoo, but working across all areas of ZSL’s work for up to a year covering maternity leave. Reporting to the Commercial and Communications Director, this role is crucial in developing communication strategies for the organisation and advising on communication priorities that help us to achieve our wider objectives.

Job Overview:

As a senior member of ZSL you will have impeccable judgement and sound understanding of brand guardianship and reputation management. You will work closely with the senior leadership team to establish content priorities and identify appropriate channels as well as constantly scanning the horizon for opportunities and threats.

The successful candidate will possess exceptional time and people-management skills, and be able to keep track of multiple priorities. You will have extensive experience working within media and would be highly beneficial if you have taken a lead role in crisis management, often directly advising the directors on crisis strategies. The role holder will be expected to be highly creative and be able to spot and shape opportunities to raise the profile of ZSL and its two zoos externally, as well as continually reviewing and improving the visitor experience of our zoos through our talks, shows and visitor interactions – all of which are becoming increasingly creative and exciting.

Person Specification:

The successful candidate will ideally have: 

• Proven experience developing and implementing communication strategy and management at senior level in a diverse organisation.
• A strong understanding of communications strategy and tactics is required plus experience of developing competitive communications strategies.
• Previous or current experience managing large teams.
• Extensive experience of communicating through different channels and understanding how to make sure channels are appropriate both to message and audience is absolutely key.
• Journalistic skills or experience would be advantageous.
• Experience of sense-checking demands and requests and driving forward a cohesive communications output for the whole society requires experience of managing multiple demands while retaining clear focus, and commitment to seeing each separate communication as part of the bigger picture.
• A strong track record in managing high profile public and media relations’ campaigns.
• Expertise in developing and implementing strategies to influence opinion formers and engage influencers at a high level and proactively manage senior members of the media.
• The gravitas and ability to build strong relationship with external individuals and organisations whilst also developing key relationships within ZSL.
• Strong people management, emotional intelligence and personal presence to be able to deal with media issues with confidence.
• An ability to manage competing priorities and delegate effectively is essential.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills both written and verbal.
• Advanced skills in using MS office and other software packages.

Please note: This is a full-time (ideally 5 days a week but happy to discuss 4 days), 12 months fixed-term maternity cover contract. Whilst the role is based at our site in Regent's Park the functional nature of the job will require the post holder to also work at Whipsnade Zoo on a regular basis. You may also be required to work occasional evenings and weekends as required and carry out visits to external agencies, consultancies and organisations as and when necessary.

To Apply:

Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position including details of availability) and can do this by clicking the "Apply" button which will re-direct you to the ZSL site to complete your application. If you have any queries regarding these positions or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Sunday 4th September 2016

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.