Communications & Media Officer in London

About the Trust
We’re one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We’re looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country’s third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

Our opportunity
Our Communications & Media Officer helps with the delivery of communications and campaigning strategies and materials in support of the Boat Safety Scheme’s (BSS) purpose to help keep people and property safe from harm caused by risks related to the installation, ongoing condition and use of systems, equipment and appliances utilised aboard boats. This will include:

• Producing communications strategies, co-ordinating the procurement of materials and assisting in the development of content to support the engagement with all stakeholders and media contacts.
• Ensuring that spend on events, campaigns, photographers, design and print etc. is delivered on time and on budget.
• Enhancing, promoting and protecting the Boat Safety Scheme’s reputation to meet its strategic objectives.

The position will be offered on a remote working basis, with a requirement to attend our main hub spaces and or other navigation & harbour authority offices throughout the UK as and when required for team working and collaborative meetings. Travel throughout the network of inland waterways is expected in order to conduct site visits.

Key accountabilities
Play an important role in the success of the BSS by delivering communications, marketing plans and projects. Act as first point of contact for media enquiries. Provide communications support to colleagues, stakeholders; specifically BSS Examiners, navigation and harbour authorities, marine trade, the boating community and specialist teams including but not restricted to, our fire & carbon monoxide safety partners, accident & investigation media etc – to help achieve objectives in BSS profile raising and safety awareness campaigns. Responsible for developing strong relationships with opinion‑makers, and for developing relevant training materials for navigation authority staff, BSS Examiners, and volunteers. Producing news releases, articles, poster content, leaflet content, blogs, website and social media content, and other communication methods aimed at local, national, and international mainly specialist audiences. Delivering agreed campaigns (integrating media relations, digital, and traditional marketing) to meet the Scheme’s strategic goals around influence e.g. to attract and retain further navigation & harbour authorities to adopt the BSS. Lead campaigns to raise awareness of project partners, as well as encouraging deeper engagement and involvement through participatory activities. Protecting the Scheme’s reputation in response to crises and providing professional guidance for BSS spokespeople. A collaborative approach is also very important, as you will be working in partnership with all kinds of people and will often have to balance the needs of different stakeholders throughout your work. Always display the Scheme’s values and behaviours.

About you
Qualifications:
Educated to degree level, or equivalent, in public relations, communications or media production disciplines.

Technical:
Understanding of the UK print, broadcast, and social media – leisure, specialist, and trade – and experience working with journalists. Experience of contributing to the creative development of new ideas, strategies, and stories as part of the wider communications team. Ability to identify, compile and use evidence in effective communication strategies. Evidence of delivering integrated campaigns and steering the production of marketing materials for various target audiences. Expertise in the conceptualisation of content, including proven technical and campaign copywriting and proofreading skills. Experience in communications measurement including the success of campaigns and strategies, as well as social media monitoring (e.g. using tools such as Meta Business suite, Hootsuite, Google analytics, sentiment trackers, etc). Experience of commissioning new data insight to identify improved customer experience.

General:
Report writing and data analysis capabilities. Self‑motivation – ability to work independently with minimal supervision, to meet tight deadlines, prioritise effectively & work under pressure in a small team environment. Collaborative team player with good influencing skills. Excellent understanding of GDPR and other relevant data protection legislation.

Beneficial:
Experience of training and liaising with staff and volunteers with varying levels of understanding and competency in social and digital. Experience of working in a not-for-profit environment and safety campaigning.

What we offer
In addition to your salary of £30,000 - £33,000 (depending on experience), you will benefit from a competitive contributory DC Pension scheme arrangement, great holiday entitlement and numerous other employee benefits.

Our values
We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes. All of our jobs can be considered on a part time, flexible or job share basis.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day‑to‑day activities.

At Canal & River Trust, we are committed to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices. As part of our hiring process, we may use AI to analyse applications and support us work more efficiently. However, all hiring decisions – without exception – are made by our hiring managers.