Press and Publicity Officer at Sussex Ornithological Society

What does the opportunity involve doing?

Sussex Ornithological Society wants to raise its profile in local media to assist their conservation campaigns, become a more vocal presence in the county and enhance their appeal to a wider audience. They already have a presence on social media (which is well supported through existing volunteers. Your role would be to help them build on this basis so they become one of the go-to organisations that local media turn to if they have a question about bird matters in Sussex.
You would:
• build a relationship with local media providers;
• liaise with SOS Council on communication priorities;
• work with SOS Membership and Publicity Committee;
• be able to talk confidently about matters relating to the work of SOS; and
• write compelling copy that could be used by media outlets and through our own channels.

What induction, training and support is offered?

The role would be well supported throughout – you would not be on your own! There are plenty of supporting SOS members to help clarify your understanding. You need not be an expert bird watcher, but some knowledge will help.

You would be part of a team that prioritizes our communications, it would be your role to synthesise complex issues to get them into a format that local media could use. There will be a support team on hand to sense check your work before hitting that send button.

What skills or qualities are needed?

Ideally they are looking for a person with a passion for nature in Sussex. They will need to have some knowledge of birds, their habitats and the conservation issues they face (although you need not to be expert in this area).

This role could suit somebody wanting media experience to build their CV or help evidence course work. Equally it could be a great for anyone who is trying to get employment in the highly competitive environmental world of employment.

You will need to be reasonably IT literate, be reliable and have a professional approach to the role. The volume of work will be ad-hoc, but they are seeking a long term commitment of at least a year. There will be some meetings to attend, some face to face and some online, but these will be no more than ten a year (probably less). Mostly, these meetings would be in the evening. The role is mainly working from home.