Job opportunities

Communications Officer

The role

To produce content for the website, social media, newsletters, blogs, internal communications and media releases and act as the point of contact for media enquiries to promote Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) as world class visitor attractions and RZSS as an international leader in conservation and science, growing brand awareness, income and support, safeguarding our brand reputation.

Some of the things you’ll do:

• Support and develop the full range of internal and external communications activities for Edinburgh Zoo, Highland Wildlife Park and RZSS conservation, education, membership and fundraising projects
• Manage the complaints process for Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park
• Provide day-to-day communications support for RZSS teams, including conservation, education, membership and
• fundraising
• Day to day management of the RZSS, Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park social media channels and websites
• Leading the development and creation of content and assets for distribution to the media and across RZSS channels, including social media, the website, newsletters, blogs and intranet
• Reach agreed engagement targets, including media, social media, newsletters and internal communications
• Support RZSS in achieving visitor and income targets
• Support the Head of Communications and Public Affairs with the development of RZSS’ political profile and public affairs work
• Provide a 24 hour on-call service (outside of normal office hours) on a rota basis , including working weekends, and ad hoc cover as required. Required to make decisions as only point of contact while on call and weekend working.
• Work is required outside of normal office hours, e.g. to cover press visits, events and animal arrivals

What we’re looking for: 

• Education to degree level in relevant subject or equivalent experience
• A good understanding of the Scottish and UK media industries
• Working knowledge of the Scottish and UK political landscapes and how it relates to RZSS
• Excellent standard of written and spoken English
• Assertive communicator, confident in dealing with a wide range of stakeholders
• Creative copywriting and proofreading, with the ability to tailor often complex messages to a wide range of audiences, including the media, with an understanding of search engine optimisation 
• Good understanding of social media platforms and the ability to tailor content and utilise trends for each 
• Long and short-form video and photography creation

What you’ll get in return: 

• Starting salary between £27,487 - £28,174 (offer based on experience) with future salary progression up to £30,637 per annum 
• 37.5hr working week
• 34 days annual leave (pro rata) 
• Discount in both retail/catering 
• Access to a healthcare plan 
• Employer contributory pension scheme 
• You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other Zoo’s across the UK. 

For further information on what the role involves and essential/desirable criteria – please see the ‘related documents’ section under the site location map.

 

Expected interview date - Friday 10 January 2025