The Communications Manager is responsible for shaping and delivering strategic communications that protect and enhance the reputation, profile and public understanding of ZSL’s Zoos.
Acting as a trusted communications adviser to Zoo leadership teams, operational colleagues and subject matter experts, the role provides expert guidance on messaging, audience engagement, reputational risk and communications opportunities. The postholder will ensure that communications activity is planned, coordinated and aligned to organisational priorities, helping colleagues communicate clearly and confidently with external audiences. They will proactively monitor the external landscape to identify emerging reputational risks, contentious issues and opportunities, providing strategic counsel to ensure communications and media plans are developed with appropriate foresight, sensitivity and risk mitigation.
The role leads the development of compelling earned media and storytelling activity for London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo, while also working across owned, shared and partner channels to maximise reach and impact. It translates animal, visitor experience and commercial priorities into clear, audience-focused communications that build support for ZSL’s mission and strengthen the Zoos’ role as trusted, relevant and inspiring visitor attractions and conservation organisation.
This role is based in our Regent's Park office and is expected to be onsite for three to four days per week due to the nature of the role.
- Act as a trusted communications adviser to Zoo leadership teams, operational colleagues and subject matter experts, providing guidance on messaging, audience impact, media engagement and reputational risk.
- Lead proactive earned media activity for the Zoos, developing compelling stories, press releases, media pitches and features that build profile, understanding and brand support.
- Embed communications planning early in key Zoo projects, campaigns, animal moments, operational changes and public-facing initiatives.
- Identify communications opportunities and risks, advising colleagues on the most appropriate approach, timing, channels and narrative.
- Translate animal care, visitor experience and commercial priorities into clear, engaging and audience-focused communications.
- Experience of developing and delivering communications plans that support organisational priorities, reputation and audience engagement.
- Proven experience of delivering proactive earned media activity, including identifying stories, writing press materials, pitching to journalists and securing quality coverage.
- Confidence in delivering breadth and depth of a full range of content production, from press promotion to developing content, reels and social media content for a range of channels and audiences
- Ability to act as a credible communications adviser, providing clear guidance on messaging, audience impact, reputational risk and channel approach.
- Strong storytelling skills, with the ability to identify compelling narratives from animal, conservation, science, visitor experience and commercial activity.
This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.
We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.
What do we offer?
At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:
- 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 bank holidays
- Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day
- Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops
- Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle
- Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work
- Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages
We may close this role early or extend the closing date due to the number of applications we receive, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
We anonymise applications until interview stage to ensure a fair hiring process. It’s important to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application.
If you have any questions about this role, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with our recruitment team at – [email protected]
