Communications Officer

Please note we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications, so early submission is encouraged.

We are seeking a Communications Officer to support our external communications and to develop and manage our volunteer programme.

The Forest of Avon is both the name of our tree-loving charity and the beautiful, sprawling landscape that encompasses Bristol City, Bath and North-East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.

Since 1992, we have been one of England’s 15 Community Forests, supporting local wildlife and people in a countrywide network. We work with our partners, landowners, local people and community groups to plant and nurture trees, ensuring they thrive into the future.

We also help people enjoy and benefit from our local trees and woodlands by running specialist Nature and Health sessions for people living with dementia and their carers, people who have experienced a cardiac event, and people with learning disabilities and mental health challenges.

For further information on the Forest of Avon please visit Home - Forest of Avon

Purpose of the Role

The Communications Officer is responsible for developing and delivering a wide range of communications resources aimed at promoting the Forest of Avon’s work and activities, the Forest of Avon Plan, and the work of our key partners. The role involves engaging diverse communities across the region with the charity’s work, particularly around trees, woodland creation, education promotion, inclusivity, and positive environmental action.

Job Responsibilities

1. Develop Communications Resources

• Create and manage a variety of communications materials to promote the work of the Forest of Avon and the Forest of Avon Plan.
• Communicate the varied work of the Forest of Avon across its three principal delivery strands: woodland creation, woodland management and health and wellbeing.
• Tailor messaging for different audiences, including landowners, local communities, partners, and the general public.
• Oversee the development of videography and photography projects, including managing outsourced content creation and associated budgets.

2. Community and Landowner Engagement

• Connect people from all communities across the West of England to the Forest of Avon’s trees and woodlands, fostering a sense of shared ownership, enjoyment, contribution and responsibility.
• Inspire action for trees and woodland beyond creation and protection, including promoting digital and remote-volunteering opportunities.
• Present the stories of the Forest of Avon, looking back to its inception and forward to the future. Stories and messaging could include topics such as people and communities, accessibility, enjoyment, recreation, health and wellbeing, climate change, water/air quality, flood management, landscape and soil conservation.

3. Collaboration with Forest of Avon partners

• Support and promote the activities of our key partners, including the Unitary Authorities, WECA, WENP, Western Forest, DEFRA, Natural England, Wildlife Trusts, Woodland Trust, Forestry Commission and others, contributing to their work and engagement within the region.

4. Website and Digital Communication

• Support the management of a data-driven and innovative website that focusses on the goals of the Forest of Avon Plan, including tree and woodland creation, preservation, and community engagement.
• Craft compelling stories that highlight the Forest of Avon’s past, present, and future, focusing on themes such as community, health and wellbeing, climate change, and environmental impact.

5. Reporting and Analysis

• Regularly evaluate communication strategies, working with the team to ensure they are effective and meet the goals of the Forest of Avon Plan, reporting on outcomes and engagement metrics.
• Collate figures for quarterly Board reporting and Annual Impact Report.

6. Develop and Manage Volunteer Programme

• Develop and design materials to connect volunteers to Forest of Avon events throughout the year, with a focus on increasing accessibility and volunteer education.
• Manage the Forest of Avon Eventbrite pages and develop the existing Volunteer Programme booking system.
• Support development of the Forest of Avon corporate package, materials and sponsorship opportunities, in collaboration with the Fundraising Manager and other Community Forests.
• Work closely with the Forest of Avon Tree Team, supporting and facilitating public volunteer and corporate planting and maintenance days outdoors throughout the year, on site as required.
• Attend local events and talks throughout the West of England region promoting the Forest of Avon volunteer programme and corporate packages.

Personal Specification

1. Experience and Knowledge

• Proven experience in communications, marketing and public relations, ideally within the environmental or non-profit sector.
• Well-versed in a variety of digital communication tools, including website management, social media platforms, and digital content creation.
• Experience in developing communication strategies that engage diverse audiences and promote positive environmental action.

2. Skills

• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to tailor messages for different audiences.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple initiatives concurrently and work across teams.
• Proficiency in visual content creation, including photography and videography.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with external partners, stakeholders and the general public, both remotely and in person.
• Strong understanding of digital communication tools and their use in analytics, and reporting.

3. Personal Attributes

• Motivated to help combat the climate and ecological crises and aligned with the values and vision of the Forest of Avon.
• Creative, proactive and able to work independently.
• Able to collaborate effectively as part of a team and with partners, both remotely and in person.
• Keen to make a positive impact in the workspace, and drive engagement through innovative communication.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high standards of work.

4. Other

• A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle is desirable.

Salary band: Officer £31,427 – £35,516

4 days per week (30 hours), flexible across the working week. Home working options available, with some regular time spent in our office in central Bristol, as well as at various charity events.

For queries about the post please email [email protected]

Closing Date: Friday 2ⁿᵈ January. Please note we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications, so early submission is encouraged.

Interviews will be held the week beginning 12ᵗʰ January.

Due to limited resources, we are unable to provide individual feedback to candidates who do not reach the interview stage.

We are pleased to be an equal opportunity employer, and applications will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, veteran status or age. The Forest of Avon is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people and expects all members of staff to share this commitment.