Communications Officer (Press & Media)

Fauna & Flora International - Communications Officer (Press & Media)

Founded in 1903, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is the world’s longest established
international conservation organisation. Our vision is to create a sustainable future for the
planet where biodiversity is conserved by the people living closest to it. We aim to do this
through the conservation of threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing
solutions that are sustainable, based on sound science and take account of human needs.
We have become a trusted entity in the world of conservation. Today FFI is active in over 40
countries.
This is an exciting time to work in communications at FFI, with the conservation sector
increasingly recognising that strong communications will be needed if we are to successfully
overcome the manifold and varied threats to our planet.
Our team is growing in response to this need, and we are seeking an experienced
Communications Officer to help us boost the visibility of FFI’s brand and our work within
target markets through strategic engagement with media. This will be a challenging and
exciting role, with the chance to use your skills to make a real difference to FFI as we strive
to protect threatened species and habitats around the world.
With substantial experience of working in PR, you will know how to build strong working
relationships with journalists, understand how to communicate complex stories in an
engaging way and be able to pitch these successfully to the press to achieve positive
coverage for the organisation. You will have a passion for media relations, while
understanding the complexities and challenges that this discipline entails. You will enjoy
working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, where the ability to respond swiftly to
changing organisational and team needs is paramount. In return, we offer the opportunity to
work for a ground-breaking organisation at the forefront of global conservation, generous
pension contribution, attractive annual leave allowance, life insurance and salary exchange
schemes, including Childcare Vouchers and Cycle to Work Scheme.
Our offices are located in The David Attenborough Building in central Cambridge, just a few
minutes’ walk from glorious historic buildings and museums, the picturesque River Cam, the
central market and shopping centre, and a host of cafés and restaurants.

Core responsibilities:

•  Support the development of a media strategy to tie into broader organisational objectives
•  Coordinate with Fundraising team to ensure that press activities complement fundraising activities (e.g. press advertisements, appeals)
• Prepare and implement yearly media plans
• Respond to media enquiries promptly and efficiently, using experience to maximise positive coverage resulting from these interactions
• Source newsworthy stories from across the organisation
• Successfully pitch and place stories in target print, online, radio and TV outlets in the UK
• Successfully secure media coverage on key emerging or strategic topics
• Develop FFI’s media contacts database and build key relationships that position FFI as a leading and credible source of engaging and reliable content
• Research and follow up on opportunities to engage with media in emerging markets for FFI (e.g. US, Europe)
• Monitor media clippings and prepare media reports
• Help colleagues to deal with media requests in non-target markets
• Help colleagues improve media engagement and spokesperson skills
• Flag potential reputational issues as they arise, and provide support and advice to help manage these issues as they emerge

Other duties:

• Where required, support with writing content for FFI’s website and social media channels
• Represent FFI at donor events