Development Officer

About Us

The Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM) is a professional, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing sustainable fisheries management. Since 1969, we have brought together experts and practitioners from across the sector—regulators, researchers, water companies, angling and fisheries organisations, aquaculture and academia.

We play a vital role in shaping fisheries policy and practice, delivering high-quality training, education programmes, and events ranging from local site visits to international conferences.

The Role

We are looking for a proactive and motivated Development Officer to join our small but dynamic team. This is a varied role that combines event and training coordination, membership engagement, communications and partnership support.

You’ll work closely with colleagues, members and partners to strengthen our activities, including supporting early-career professionals and helping deliver IFM’s training and accreditation programmes.

Key Responsibilities:

Events and Training

• Assist with the organisation of conferences, symposiums, workshops and regional events.
• Support the development and delivery of training courses and supporting materials.
• Oversee the IFM Fisheries Monitoring Accreditation Scheme and the IFM Traineeship Programme.
• Assist in the production of event and training materials.

Communications and Marketing

• Help manage the IFM website, social media platforms and electronic communications.
• Contribute to the production of IFM’s magazineFISH and other outreach resources, working closely with the marketing team.

Membership and Engagement

• Work with the membership team to enhance services and engagement with members.
• Support the Early Career Professionals Group in its activities and development.
• Liaise with and support IFM’s regional branches.

Partnerships and Accreditation

• Manage the Institute’s relationship with the Society for the Environment for the awarding of Chartership.
• Monitor and respond to enquiries via the IFM’s training and information email accounts.

Person Specification 

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a combination of technical knowledge, communication skills and organisational ability. The role requires a proactive and self-motivated individual, capable of managing a range of responsibilities within a small but dynamic team.

Essential Criteria

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to network effectively across sectors.
• Strong organisational skills, with experience managing multiple projects, deadlines and priorities.
• An appropriate qualification and relevant work experience in fisheries, aquatic science or environmental management.
• Knowledge or experience in education, training or professional development
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Willingness to frequently travel and work away from home as required, including weekends.

Desirable Criteria

• A technical background in fisheries, aquatic ecology or a closely related field.
• Good written and IT skills, including the ability to present information clearly in various formats (e.g. reports, presentations, digital media).
• Experience working with websites, social media or digital communication tools.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

What we offer 

We offer a supportive, flexible, and collaborative working environment, with opportunities to grow your skills and professional networks

• Indicative starting salary of £27,000–£30,000 per annum, plus overtime.
• Full-time role (37 hours per week)
• Flexible working
• 28 days annual holiday entitlement, plus bank holidays.
• A contributory pension scheme.
• Support with professional development.
• Home-based working with frequent travel throughout the UK.
• Travel and subsistence expenses paid in line with the Institute’s sustainable travel policy.