Communications Officer (Maternity Cover)

We are the Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT), a global Ocean conservation charity working towards a vision of a healthy Ocean for all. From our base at the National Marine Aquarium (NMA) in Plymouth, UK, we deliver conservation at scale through three interconnected pillars: Ocean Habitats, Ocean Advocacy, and Ocean Experiences. We believe that connecting people with the Ocean is key to driving behaviour change and catalysing systemic action for marine recovery.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and purpose-driven Communications Officer to join our passionate and committed team. Reporting to the Marketing & Communications Manager, you will develop and deliver the communication plans and activities across the breadth of OCT’s work. 

You’ll support the Marcoms Manager and Head of Advocacy and Engagement, bringing ideas across our OCT programmes that build our profile, generate income, support fundraising, promote the role of our visitor attraction, and amplify the impact of our Ocean conservation work. This role focuses on story-telling, adapting our key messages to our diverse audiences, driving media engagement and communicating across multiple channels.

As your role will work collaboratively with many departments and stakeholders within the OCT, you will be familiar with tailoring messaging and flexing your ways of working with the relevant department heads and team members to develop and deliver campaigns and activities in a timely manner.

You’ll be able to demonstrate experience within PR or Communications roles. Having experience within conservation or charities would be essential. You’ll be passionate about our cause, with a positive, can-do attitude and capacity for learning.

You’ll work Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm based at the National Marine Aquarium, in Plymouth. There may be times you’re needed outside of this to meet business needs, such as weekends and bank holidays where you will be eligible for TOIL. There may be opportunity for flexibility to work from home on occasion, fitting around work priorities and other team members.

We offer a competitive salary, continuous training, company pension scheme, life assurance, staff discounts and an excellent working environment.

Maternity cover FTC c.12 months

For further information about the role please select the 'Find out more & apply' button below which will take you to our website.

The closing date for applications is 9am Monday 3rd November 2025.  

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, however we particularly welcome applications from groups currently under represented in the workforce. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found. 

Only candidates invited for interview will be contacted.