At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communications for major projects, engaging diverse stakeholders and crafting compelling narratives.
- Company: Join ZSL, a passionate team dedicated to science-led conservation and wildlife protection.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension scheme, flexible working options, and 25 days of annual leave.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for career growth and collaboration with passionate colleagues.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in conservation while developing your communication skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in corporate communications and stakeholder engagement, especially in urban redevelopment projects.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 70000 £ per year.
Purpose of the role The Communications Manager for our strategic projects and programmes will lead the development and delivery of strategic communications and stakeholder engagement planning for ZSL’s major organisation-wide programmes and capital projects, ensuring complex and high-profile initiatives are translated into clear, compelling and accessible narratives for diverse audiences.
The role will shape and implement integrated communications and engagement plans that build understanding, trust and advocacy among key stakeholders, including local communities, partners, funders and colleagues.
The role is hybrid, with expectations to be working onsite for two days per week in our Regent's Park office and occasional travel to Whipsnade Zoo, as required.
Key responsibilities Lead the development of integrated, insight-led communications strategies for major organisational programmes and capital projects, ensuring alignment with ZSL’s corporate objectives, conservation mission, and brand narrative.
Design and deliver comprehensive stakeholder engagement plans for major capital projects, including mapping, prioritisation and tailored approaches for communities, partners, public bodies and other key audiences.
Develop high-quality communications materials and content, such as briefings, Q&A, presentations, digital content and engagement collateral, that effectively communicate project aims, progress and impact.
Provide expert strategic advice and guidance to senior leaders, project teams and partners on communications approach, messaging, timing and delivery to support successful outcomes.
Anticipate, identify and manage potential reputational risks, ensuring proactive planning, consistent messaging and alignment with wider organisational priorities and external context.
Qualifications Specific experience with major urban redevelopment schemes involving complex stakeholder groups including neighbours and planning officials and extensive professional teams.
Significant experience in corporate communications, stakeholder engagement, or public affairs roles, with a clear track record of leading high-quality, strategically aligned communications activity within complex organisational environments.
Proven experience of developing and delivering communications strategies for large-scale, high-profile projects or programmes, ideally involving multiple workstreams, competing priorities and diverse stakeholder groups.
Highly developed stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the confidence and credibility to influence, challenge constructively and build trust with senior stakeholders and external partners.
Detailed technical knowledge gained from intense involvement in multi-year, high profile, regeneration and property development projects across a range of occupier categories.
Benefits Our vision and purpose – you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct.
Pension scheme – we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension.
Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you.
Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK
Communications Manager (Strategic Projects) in London employer: Zoological Society of London
ZSL is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of conservation while supporting vital systems that enhance visitor experiences. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and a collaborative culture, ZSL fosters professional growth and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a difference in wildlife conservation.
Contact Details:
Zoological Society of London Recruitment Team
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