Communications Assistant - Media & Events

The Rivers Trust is a leading environmental charity and the umbrella body of The Rivers Trust movement, comprising over 60 independent local charities. Our vision is for wild, healthy, natural rivers, valued by all. We are at a critical point in our history as we expand to deliver projects to protect and replenish this critical part of the natural environment, and our research and expertise is now needed more urgently than ever as water supply and quality move up the public agenda.

We are looking for a Communications Assistant. We see this as an early-career role, with potential for further development over time.

This is a full-time, home-based position. You can be based anywhere in mainland UK, with some travel to meetings and events across the UK and Ireland. We offer flexibility around working hours, including the option of a 9-day fortnight - time off in lieu is also available. We offer 25 days holiday pro rata (rising to 28 days) plus statutory public holidays. We are happy to make adjustments for people with disabilities and/or caring responsibilities, and we welcome applications from all communities.

The role is a grade 2, permanent position with a starting salary of circa £26,500, (plus benefits including 9% employer pension contribution).

The main duties and responsibilities are:

• Support day-to-day media engagement including arranging interviews and distributing press statements.
• Maintain our media contact list.
• Monitor key news and sectoral trends.
• Identify media engagement opportunities for the Rivers Trust Movement.
• Monitor media coverage and produce regular and bespoke reports. Establish strong relationships with external partners and stakeholders including journalists, eNGOs, and policymakers.
• Assist with the planning, delivery and evaluation of virtual, in-person and hybrid events for internal, sector-wide and public audiences.
• Maintain The Rivers Trust events calendar.
• Manage event registration and mailing lists.
• Prepare and produce event collateral including invitations, agendas and feedback surveys.
• Assist with creating, editing, and proofreading communications and promotional materials.
• Help maintain and regularly use CRM system.
• Support individual donor fundraising activities.
• Support occasional social media and email marketing activities.
• Work with key partners and stakeholders to meet deliverables and deadlines.
• Support the general functioning of the Communications & Advocacy team with additional responsibilities as required.

Knowledge, skills, experience, and personal qualities:

Essential

• Good general standard of secondary education including GCSEs or above AND part or full qualification in PR, events or related area, or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills.
• Strong sense of teamwork with ability to manage workload, prioritise tasks, and thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Proven written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Proven event delivery experience.
• Professional phone manner and interpersonal skills.
• Full competency in Microsoft applications including SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Forms.
• General proficiency in using basic digital tools or ability to learn quickly.
• An interest in rivers and the environment.
• Driven and highly organised, positive, can-do attitude, highly creative.
• Great initiative and ability to be self-motivated, comfortable with remote working.

Desirable

• Level 6 e.g. Honours degree, degree apprenticeship in a relevant subject or equivalent experience
• Experience of CRM systems.
• Experience of running online events.
• Experience of media monitoring and distribution software.
• Video editing ability.
• Experience of fundraising.
• Experience of planning and implementing digital content, including website management.
• Valid driving license and own car, personally insured for business use.

Everyone who works for us is expected to contribute to a respectful and inclusive working culture and follow our policies and procedures including Health & Safety, EDI, Cybersecurity and GDPR.

Please note we can only accept applications made through this site, and not sent by email or other methods.

If you have any questions not answered in the advert or on the Recruitment FAQ, please contact [email protected] - please don't use this email address to apply as we can only accept applications made through this system.

Closing date: 12pm, 7th January 2026

Interviews will take place at the end of January.