Location
Kew Gardens, Richmond with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.

Hours
Full Time - 12 month fixed term contract starting provisionally 19 January 2026.

Salary
£46,556 per annum

About the Role
This is a challenging and exciting role for an experienced PR professional with a passion for environmental conservation, nature, and addressing the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. As part of the Communications team at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the PR Manager plays a key role in shaping Kew’s media profile, focusing on securing wide-ranging media coverage for Kew’s world-class scientific work. Reporting directly to the Head of PR and working closely with scientists, you will manage the media and external profile of Kew Science, identify media opportunities through proactive and reactive requests, support and advise colleagues across Kew, and handle sensitive issues.
The role is senior within the Communications team and includes line management of a Media Officer, guiding their work across science, visitor-facing, and institutional campaigns running simultaneously. You will attend events and travel to support core communications activity in the UK and overseas, and participate in a press on-call rota.
This is an exciting time to join as the Communications team prepares for the release of Kew’s flagship science report in 2026. You will lead the communications campaign from start to finish, playing a pivotal role in its success.
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth. We work to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and help create a world where nature is protected, valued, and managed sustainably through leading scientific research, unrivalled collections, global partnerships, inspirational gardens, and over 260 years of history.
Our benefits package includes continuous learning opportunities, generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to support work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership, a competitive pension, employee discount scheme, free entry to national museums and galleries, and access to our beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

Experience
Proven track record of delivering high impact PR campaigns from concept to completion, including pitching and negotiating with media, setting up interviews, and guiding filming with senior staff. Experience managing sensitive issues and leading crisis communications. Line management experience is desirable.

About you
Motivated self-starter, highly organised, and comfortable juggling multiple projects and deadlines. Strong presentation and interpersonal skills to represent the Communications team credibly, including delivering clear, engaging presentations to senior leadership. Outstanding writing skills with the ability to translate complex science into compelling stories for diverse audiences. Genuine appreciation for biodiversity and a sound understanding of environmental challenges, with insight into how Kew’s mission fits within the global response to climate and biodiversity crises.

Qualifications
Not explicitly stated but professional PR experience and relevant skills are essential.