At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community engagement and develop a communications plan for wildlife conservation projects.
- Company: Norfolk's largest environmental charity, celebrating 100 years of protecting wildlife.
- Benefits: Part-time role with competitive salary and potential for extension.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to enhancing Norfolk’s natural heritage.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local wildlife and engage with diverse communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications, community consultation, and audience development.
This is an exciting time for our client as they celebrate their centenary year and continue to expand their vital work for Norfolk’s wildlife. The organisation is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Communications and Engagement Officer to support the development phase of a project to deliver an inspiring future vision for Hickling Broad and Marshes.
Contract: Fixed Term – until 31 March 2028 (With potential to extend and increase in hours dependent on securing funding for the project delivery stage).
Hours: Part-time – 4/5
Salary: £27,108 per annum pro rata
Location: Thorpe Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1
About The Employer
Our client is the county’s largest environmental charity, committed to the protection and enhancement of Norfolk’s wildlife and wild places. Our client is a registered charity and the oldest Wildlife organisation in the country. Established in 1926, they now manage over 60 nature reserves and other protected sites in Norfolk including ten kilometres of coastline, nine Norfolk broads, nine National Nature Reserves and five ancient woodlands.
About The Role
The largest of the Broads, Hickling is a year-round haven for wildlife situated at the heart of a thriving local community and attracting a wide range of visitors. Bringing together workstreams in ecological management, estate management, visitor experience and engagement, this project is based on a shared vision. It aims to deliver conservation and ecological outcomes for the nature reserve alongside social, economic and wellbeing outcomes for a range of audiences.
The successful candidate will develop and implement a communications plan for the project and act as a central point of contact between the employer and project stakeholders. Leading on engagement activity with local communities, the Communications and Engagement Officer will ensure that local ideas and concerns are fed into the project development.
The post offers an excellent opportunity for a communications professional with a proven track record of leading on building relationships with local stakeholders, interest groups and communities. Experience of community consultation and audience development are key to success in this role as is a good track record of delivering a range of communications including developing engaging content to fit a variety of media.
There is the potential for this role to be extended into the delivery phase of the project subject to the successful outcomes of the development phase. If you are an experienced communications and engagement professional, passionate about making a positive impact for Norfolk’s wildlife, the employer would love to hear from you.
This project is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players. The initial closing date for applications is 9.00am on Monday 01st June 2026. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; the vacancy will remain open until filled and interviews will be arranged as appropriate applications are received.
This employer values respect, integrity, trust and responsibility. They want their people to be as diverse as nature itself and so they particularly encourage applications from those currently under-represented within the sector, including people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. They welcome people of all backgrounds and levels of experience with nature, and continually strive to improve their culture and practices. They are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities. You will be able to let them know if you require any adjustment processes to make the recruitment process more accessible.
Communications and Engagement Officer – Wilder Hickling employer: CHM-1
Join a passionate team at Norfolk's largest environmental charity, where your role as a Communications and Engagement Officer will contribute to the protection of wildlife and the enhancement of natural spaces. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the organisation fosters a supportive work culture that values individual differences and offers opportunities for professional growth within a meaningful project aimed at benefiting both nature and local communities. Located in the beautiful setting of Norwich, this role not only allows you to make a positive impact but also provides a chance to engage with a vibrant community dedicated to conservation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications and Engagement Officer – Wilder Hickling
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the environmental sector, especially those connected to wildlife conservation. Attend local events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with interviewers, share your enthusiasm for Norfolk’s wildlife and how you can contribute to their mission. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your past experiences align with the role of Communications and Engagement Officer. Be ready to discuss specific examples of your community engagement successes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Communications and Engagement Officer – Wilder Hickling
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Specs Carefully:Before you start writing your application, make sure to read through the job specs thoroughly. We want to see how your experience aligns with what they're looking for, so highlight those relevant skills and experiences in your application.
Show Your Passion for Wildlife:This role is all about making a positive impact on Norfolk’s wildlife, so let your passion shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to conservation and community engagement.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We recommend tailoring your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Communications and Engagement Officer role. Use keywords from the job description to make it clear you’re the right fit.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy to find the application link, and you’ll get all the info you need to complete your application successfully!
How to prepare for a job interview at CHM-1
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the organisation's mission and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their work in Norfolk’s wildlife and how your role as a Communications and Engagement Officer can contribute to their vision for Hickling Broad and Marshes.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your skills in community consultation and audience development. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully engaged local stakeholders and created compelling content across various media.
✨Engagement is Key
Think about how you would approach engaging with local communities. Have a few ideas ready on how to gather their input and concerns for the project. This shows your proactive attitude and commitment to making a positive impact.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the future of the project, how they measure success, or what challenges they foresee. It demonstrates your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.