This is a key strategic and hands-on role, leading the strategy for the marketing and communications activity of the Charity, with responsibility for its operational implementation. This will involve driving the OCT brand and core programmes across a range of stakeholders, tailoring messaging and working with the relevant department heads to develop campaigns and activities, as well as the delivery of key strategic objectives in the 5 Year Plan.
BACKGROUND
The Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT) is an Ocean conservation charity focussed on creating a healthier Ocean, through 3 core programmes:
OCT’s Habitats programme, Blue Meadows, is centred on Seagrass, protecting existing seagrass and restoring what has been lost. The aim is to develop a cost-effective way of protecting and restoring Seagrass meadows at scale.
OCT’s Advocacy programme, Think Ocean, is centred around people, creating a more Ocean literate world, understanding the importance of the Ocean and taking action to improve Ocean health.
OCT’s Experiences programme is centred around the National Marine Aquarium (NMA), the UK’s largest Aquarium, which it owns and operates on the shores of Plymouth Sound, the home of the UK’s first National Marine Park. The NMA hosts over 280k visitors a year, including 30k young learners and community groups. Ocean conservation is all about people, creating emotional experiences and understanding, leading to pro- Ocean behaviour change.
The OCT employs a staff of c80 FTE and has a turnover of c£5m pa.
THE ROLE
This is an exciting opportunity for a committed and motivated professional to develop and implement OCT’s marketing and communications strategy.
The role has a strong commercial focus, devising and implementing revenue generating initiatives to fund the core programmes. In addition, the role will be responsible for driving recruitment across both OCT and NMA platforms, particularly in respect of ocean related behaviour change and membership programmes.
The role will be key to developing OCT’s brand proposition, maximising the commercial value of both the OCT and the NMA, providing direction and marketing services across the organisation.
The post holder will work and liaise with a range of other staff to ensure integration with activities such as communication, research, membership, publications and data and information services and fundraising among others.
Applicants for the post will have a strong marketing and communications pedigree, with a minimum of five years of relevant experience, ideally in the charity sector. Experience of working in a marine or science related organisation would be beneficial but not essential.
The post is based at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, UK but requests for flexible working arrangements including some homeworking will be considered.
Overall, this role will be pivotal in developing the Ocean Conservation Trust as the leading Ocean conservation charity in the UK, generating significant new revenue streams to drive the Charity’s ambition
SALARY AND BENEFITS
· Salary up to £40k, depending on experience and funding delivered
· Company pension scheme with a matched employer’s contribution of up to 5%
· 28 days paid holiday per annum (including bank holidays)
· Up to 5 days additional holiday dependent on length of employment
· A day off on your Birthday
· Working for an Ocean Conservation Charity of repute
· Potential for some flexible working / home working
· Life Assurance scheme
· Length of service awards
· Employee Assistance Programme
· Discounted on-site parking
· Staff discounts up to 50%
· Complimentary family ticket each month on successful completion of probationary period
Key Responsibilities include: Please follow this link for the full Head Of Marketing & Communications Job Description.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS
• Significant experience of marketing and communications including leadership roles.
• Demonstrated track record of successful brand development.
• Experience of providing cross functional marketing support and services.
• Campaign development, implementation and recruitment.
• Strong communications, press and PR network.
• Comprehensive digital and social media expertise.
• Strong research and data management skills.
• Experience with campaign-driven projects with specific targets.
• Ability to lead / manage team(s) to provide operational and strategic direction.
• Ability to manage an area of responsibility including working with budgets and creating and contributing to the construction of a business plan.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to confidently interact with individuals at all levels, internally and externally with stakeholders and customers.
• Passion and an inquisitive and inventive mind.
Desirable skills/qualifications
• Experience of the charity and non-profit sector.
• Understanding of conservation.
• Membership scheme development.
• Contract management.
• Understanding of relevant GDPR protection and Gift Aid legislation.
For further information, please contact Heather Hine Heather.Hine@oceanconservationtrust.org.
To Apply: please send a covering letter and CV with details of 2 referees to: Heather.Hine@oceanconservationtrust.org (Reference: Head of Marketing & Communications application).
The covering letter should:
· outline your previous and most relevant experience
· explain why you are right for the role
· confirm you are available during interview week
Closing date: 18th November 2022. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.
Interviews will take place during the week of 28th November 2022.
In line with current legislation all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process you will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility.
The OCT operates an Equality and Diversity Policy and is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. All applications will be judged solely on merit.