Head of Communications

Help us speak up for Scotland’s seas

Open Seas is a small, ambitious, and fast-growing environmental charity on a mission to protect and restore marine life around Scotland. We expose harmful practices, challenge bad policy, and work alongside fishers, communities and scientists to bring our seas back to life.

We’re looking for a dynamic Head of Communications to lead our external communications, shape compelling campaigns, and help us punch far above our weight.

Why join us?

We are a team of eight and we spend a lot of time out on the water and along the coast investigating damage, gathering evidence, filming, photographing, and engaging people face-to-face. We own a boat and do our own fieldwork. We take pride in turning complex science and policy into clear, motivating messages that cut through to media, decision-makers and the public.

You will work closely with our Director and Operations Lead as part of the senior management team bringing creative leadership and strategic direction to our comms team. This is your chance to help shape an organisation with growing public influence, strong legal wins, and a track record of impact in one of the most important environmental issues in Scotland, and the rest of the UK.

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for a natural storyteller and strategic thinker. You know how to land a headline, write a great campaign plan, and build lasting relationships with a range of people (journalists, supporters and other stakeholders). You will be comfortable translating science into tweets and research into narrative. You care deeply about nature, especially life under the waves.

You might have worked in campaigns, public affairs, journalism or the charity sector. You may have led a team, or be ready to step into a leadership role. Most of all, you want to make a difference.

What is THE ROLE?

• Lead all external communications across the organisation
• Develop and deliver bold, values-led campaign comms
• Manage and grow communications staff and freelancers
• Shape our digital presence, media strategy and brand
• Collaborate closely with our campaign, legal and research teams
• Help us grow our reach, profile and impact

What we offer

• A flexible, friendly and passionate team
• Opportunity to shape a growing organisation
• Meaningful work with real-world impact
• Time outdoors from field investigations to coastal storytelling
• Remote and flexible working, with travel across Scotland
• Supportive, collaborative environment with space to lead

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Purpose 

To lead external communications for the organisations, and develop and manage the organisation’s communication campaign activity. You will manage staff where appropriate and work in a small Senior Management Team with Director and Operations Lead to ensure collaborative delivery of other core activities including media planning, media outputs, social media, stakeholder engagement, outreach. 

Job duties 

• Lead external communications across the organisation, ensuring impact, consistency and alignment with strategic goals.
• Develop and deliver communications strategies for campaigns, research reports, legal action, fundraising and political engagement.
• Manage digital and communications staff and, where necessary contractors, supporting professional development and high-quality outputs.
• Plan and deliver media engagement, including writing press releases, cultivating journalist relationships, pitching stories and responding to media opportunities.
• Oversee digital communications, including social media strategy, website content, newsletters and supporter communications.
• Work with campaign and research staff to translate complex policy or scientific material into accessible, engaging content.
• Protect and strengthen brand identity, tone of voice and visual consistency across all materials and channels.
• Track and evaluate communications impact, using analytics, media coverage and stakeholder feedback to improve performance.
• Represent the organisation externally, including in coalition spaces and stakeholder forums.
• Contribute to organisational planning and strategy as part of the Senior Management Team

Essential criteria 

• Significant experience in strategic communications, media relations or public affairs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including persuasive copywriting.
• Proven ability to develop and lead communications strategies.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to translate complex information into compelling public messages.
• Experience of managing staff and external suppliers.
• Experience in digital content creation, website and social media platform management.
• Commitment to environmental and social justice values.
• Experience in crisis communications or reactive media work.

Desirable criteria 

• Experience working in a campaigning, charity or advocacy organisation.
• Knowledge of marine or environmental issues.
• Graphic design or video editing skills.
• Experience in website development
• Gaelic or Scots language skills

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities. If you’d like to chat informally before applying, please get in touch at [email protected]