Location
Taunton, Somerset. Opportunity for hybrid working.

Hours
Full time

Salary
Banding Level 5 £45,000 - £50,000

About the Role
The Head of Communications is a fundamental role within Somerset Wildlife Trust, responsible for leading the development and coordinated delivery of the Trust’s communications in line with the Wilder Somerset 2030 strategy. This includes identifying key audiences, crafting core messages, and selecting effective communication channels to raise awareness and understanding of the Trust’s work. The postholder will support staff across the organisation in achieving the strategy’s aims while managing a team of specialists and responding to emerging issues professionally and astutely.

Working across teams, the Head of Communications will develop and deliver an annual communications plan that meets the organisation's priorities. Key responsibilities include strategic leadership, cross-team collaboration, brand marketing, and ensuring effective communications contribute to all strategic goals of the Trust. The role also involves managing budgets, setting KPIs, overseeing PR and media relations, crisis management, and coordinating design and print products such as the Annual Report and members’ magazine.

Additionally, the Head of Communications will lead campaigns for change by working with policy, advocacy, and engagement specialists to design multi-channel marketing campaigns that influence behaviour, policy, and supporter retention. This includes applying social marketing techniques and behavioural frameworks to create measurable behaviour change and optimising supporter journeys across channels.

Somerset Wildlife Trust offers a supportive environment with a strong focus on wellbeing, diversity, and professional development, providing the opportunity to make a real and positive difference to nature, communities, and the climate.

Experience
Proven experience in leading communications strategies and managing teams within a complex organisation. Experience in brand development, campaign planning, public affairs, media relations, and crisis management is essential. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams and with senior leadership to deliver integrated communications plans.

About you
Strategic thinker with excellent leadership and interpersonal skills. Able to inspire and mentor a team while building strong relationships across departments. Skilled in managing budgets, setting KPIs, and driving continuous improvement. Passionate about nature and conservation, with the ability to translate complex messages into compelling communications. Adaptable and proactive in responding to emerging issues and opportunities.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field are desirable but not mandatory. Commitment to ongoing professional development and alignment with the Trust’s values of equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Benefits
- 7% employer pension contribution
- Life assurance
- Flexible and agile working
- Wellbeing support including Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing champions
- Diversity networks through RSWT/TWT
- Paid volunteer days
- Continuous Professional Development opportunities
- 33 days of holiday (25 + bank holidays) plus Christmas shutdown
- Staff social calendar and events