Science & Policy Communications Lead

Overall line-manager: Charlotte Browne, Head of Science & Policy
Salary: From £35k, depending on experience 
Contracted Hours: 4 days per week, flexible working hours in line with company policy
Contract Duration: Permanent
Start date: As soon as possible, following interviews 
Location: Bristol / hybrid. Possibility of remote working for the right candidate, with the expectation of regular time in our Bristol office.
Deadline for applications: 5pm Thursday 11th September
Interviews anticipated: week commencing 29th September 

About Mindfully Wired 

Founded in 2013 with a simple, environmentally-focused mission: to blend science and creativity to tell a new, more human, story of sustainability, Mindfully Wired is a cause-and-effect comms agency. We create connections and deliver communications that drive positive impact and change behaviours, informed by expert understanding and the communities we work with. Our team brings together scientists and creatives in equal measure – united by our deep knowledge of, and commitment to, the causes we work with. We champion thoughtfulness, insight and perseverance, but we’re also sideways-minded thinkers and warm-hearted doers. 

Candidate profile

You might currently be:

• A manager or senior consultant in an environmental NGO or think tank, wanting to apply your science/policy skills in a more creative, communications-focused context.
• A senior communications and / or policy officer in government, academia, or a trade body, seeking to broaden your remit into strategy, campaign development and leadership, and client-facing project delivery.
• A senior account manager or account director in a communications/PR agency with strong environmental, sustainability and / or science communication credentials, looking for more meaningful, mission-driven work.

Whatever your background, you’ll combine:

• The ability to translate technical detail into compelling and accessible communications.
• A track record of managing complex projects and people.
• An instinct for collaboration, across teams, with clients, and with external partners.

The role and post-holder

This role represents an exciting new, senior opportunity within our Science & Policy team - a key component of MW’s offering. Our SciPol team is a core way in which we are distinguished from traditional communications agencies, housing diverse technical expertise and conservation experience, mixed with creative communications flair and an ability to bring clarity while delivering impact. By understanding the subject matter we work on inside-out, the SciPol team works as a bolt-on to the teams of our clients, tackling complex projects with nuance and sensitivity. 

The successful candidate will provide key delivery and strategic support to the Head of Science & Policy - leading on a portfolio of their own projects, providing guidance and line-management to other staff within this busy and driven team, and bolstering client-handling and business development capacity. This is a rare opportunity to bring scientific rigour, creative communications, and policy insight together to help Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), government Arm’s-Length Bodies (ALBs), research initiatives and businesses tackle some of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time. From fisheries policy in Europe to food systems transformation globally, you’ll be at the heart of projects that influence how people and organisations think, act, and drive change.

Communications knowledge and experience is essential, as is the ability to grasp complex environmental subject matter and hit the ground running with idea generation and project leadership. Although the majority of MW’s client base is ‘blue’ focused - reflecting our sector-leading specialty in ocean conservation, sustainable seafood and fisheries - we welcome applicants with diverse environmental comms experience, including in green or terrestrial areas. Outside of the marine environment, MW’s current areas of strategic business focus are: 

• Greener world: From treescapes, to climate change, to food and rewilding - we relish the challenge of communications for our terrestrial world. 
• Better food: Food choices are environmental choices. We champion sustainable foods with a story to tell.
• Stronger futures: Our work has always been built by, and for, communities. We work to build safer, more sustainable, cleaner futures for the projects we support.

Experience in any of these areas would be highly relevant to this role. 

Current project work in the SciPol team covers areas as diverse as mitigating bycatch of protected species, sharing knowledge and research on blue carbon, enhancing food supply chain sustainability, and understanding how to manage our marine spaces in the face of a changing climate. 

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities for this role include, but are not limited to:

Communications strategy and delivery 

• Development of effective communications strategies for clients, including through liaison with our Campaigns & Advocacy team and Creative Services team.
• Communications delivery activities, including: copy-editing and writing; overseeing social media delivery; authoring press releases; supporting website development projects with insight and oversight; overseeing distinct graphic design tasks; adding technical and subject insight into creative development processes across the team; and organising, attending and leading client calls. 

Project management

• Project management and leadership for environmental communications projects at a variety of scales - you may be organising the development of a one-off infographic on a technical subject one day, and the next day coordinating workstreams across a multi-year, multi-stakeholder, international research project.

Business development

• Supporting the Head of SciPol in developing bids for new work, through quoting, tendering and grant applications. 
• Building and nurturing a network of contacts across relevant sectors, proactively horizon-scanning for business opportunities and raising the profile of MW in new areas. 
• Networking and representing MW at events, including through delivering presentations of our work at relevant fora. 

Team development 

• Line management and professional development of more junior staff - helping to shape consultants and drive quality and timeliness of outputs across the board.
• Supporting the Head of SciPol in duties such as chairing internal team meetings, when relevant, and enabling the overall smooth-functioning and wellbeing of the team through engaged and positive internal communication, team- and company-wide. 

Person Specification:

The ideal candidate will be friendly, flexible, highly professional and an adept multi-tasker with the following skills:

Essential:

• Impeccable organisational skills and the ability to juggle multiple projects at once, rapidly responding to evolving priorities
• Excellent written and oral communication skills - particularly the ability to translate complex concepts into concise, engaging and accessible language 
• Exceptional attention to detail, and a drive to ensure and promote quality outputs across work in all formats
• A creative and solutions-driven approach to planning and delivery, with the confidence to find innovative ways to overcome challenges and fulfil client briefs.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with a range of stakeholders / clients - ideally including academics, policymakers, industry, and the environmental sector
• A strong team player, able to provide and receive constructive feedback and flexibly support projects and colleagues as needed - as well as proactively seeking support and guidance in delivery of your own work
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant experience
• Demonstrable interest in the environment and sustainability 

Desirable: 

• A keen eye for design detail, and experience of using Adobe Suite and/or Canva is desirable but not essential
• Experience developing and/or monitoring project budgets to ensure efficiency and value for money
• A track record of writing successful bids and responses to calls for tenders.
• Experience supporting a team of highly professional and passionate people, at a range of levels

Benefits

• Flexible working: core hours 10am-4pm with 2 days per week expected in the office
• 25 days holiday (plus your birthday off and an additional day for volunteering/supporting a cause close to your heart)
• Twice yearly training sessions and time allocated each month for CPD
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program

Office perks such as good coffee, breakfast and snack options.

Think this sounds like the right role for you? Get in touch!

Applications are open until Thursday 11th September at 5 pm. Please upload an engaging cover letter and a CV of no more than two sides via the form on our website. Interviews will take place the week commencing 29th September. We encourage applications even if you don’t meet every listed requirement, we believe in growing and upskilling our team, so having the right attitude and personality is just as important!

If you have any questions about your application or the role please contact [email protected].

~ To be mindful means to be conscious or aware of something ~

Being mindful is woven through our very roots; it’s who we are and it’s how we’re wired. We’re aware that currently, we all look the same. Every application – no matter age, gender, or background – is welcome at Mindfully Wired. Our communications and ideas will be stronger with a more diverse team and we actively encourage male applicants as well as those from minority ethnic groups.