Senior Consultant (Science & Policy)

The headlines

Reporting to: Head of Science & Policy

Level: Senior Consultant 

Hours: Full-time

Location: Bristol. Hybrid working. Minimum two days per week in the office

Salary: £28,000 pa

About Mindfully Wired 

Mindfully Wired is a unique and vibrant change communications agency – and by that, we mean we’re completely purpose-led and dedicated to addressing and redressing environmental issues and causes through our deep knowledge and different thinking. Within the environmental sector, we specialise in ocean-themed topics, working across issues such as marine governance and species protection, seafood marketing, the blue economy, and coastal communities. And as a group, we’re hugely passionate about the causes we serve and work non-stop with our minds alive with ideas and our hearts on our sleeves.

The Role

On a trajectory of continuous growth, and the largest of MW’s teams, we are seeking a passionate science communicator to support the team across a varied portfolio of marine and sustainability-based clients. 

Our Science & Policy team works to bridge the gap between researchers, fishers, NGOs and policy makers. We work with a range of clients, from international and UK-wide research groups driving for sustainable fisheries management, to advocacy campaigns, and government-led initiatives to improve and protect life for marine mammals and secure a sustainable future for our oceans. 

A background in science or policy communication is essential for this role, which will involve you supporting the delivery of a range of projects, notably the communications outputs for a leading advocacy-based organisation campaigning for sustainable seafood. In your role as Consultant, you will be responsible for developing and delivering campaign content, including but not limited to social media (copy and graphics), press releases, blog posts, newsletters and reports as well as engagement with clients and key stakeholders. 

You will be fully supported by project leads and the Head of Science and Policy, but will also have the autonomy to lead on certain pieces of work. We’re looking for someone with the enthusiasm and confidence to act on initiative and proactively contribute to all aspects of campaign development and delivery, as well as client relationship management. 

It goes without saying that you will have excellent written and oral communication skills and you’ll have deep expertise in, and passion for social media. Ideally, you would also have experience in media relations too. 

The role will suit someone who is organised, has excellent attention to detail and a flair for writing as well as design capabilities. We’re looking for someone who can think creatively, adapt their written style and tone to suit diverse audiences, and work collaboratively, with clients, stakeholders and the wider MW team. An interest in sustainability and an appreciation for the marine environment are essential. You should be curious to explore new topics and ideas, able to create meaningful connections within and between projects, and produce content that has impact on a relatable, human level.

You will be responsible for:

• Producing a variety of high-quality written outputs, including but not limited to social media posts, press releases, blog posts, websites, reports, emails etc.
• In collaboration with the Head of Science & Policy, Project Leads and Creative Services team, devising campaign tactics across earned, owned and paid channels, producing and implementing bespoke communications and social media strategies.
• Drafting press releases and press statements, as well as building and managing media relationships – including conducting effective media pitching and identifying most advantageous opportunities for client coverage.
• Working with the Head of Science & Policy, and Project Leads across the team, reviewing, evaluating and presenting progress on campaigns and projects, identifying gaps and recommending improvements.
• Effectively communicating and keeping the team and client informed on progress, ensuring expectations are managed and any issues are escalated in a timely fashion.
• Building trusted relationships with clients and acting as the day-to-day go-to for certain deliverables.
• Understanding the importance of and interaction between client service and profitability and working within the boundaries of budgets.
• Taking ownership of regular meeting preparation, ensuring that agendas, meeting notes, monthly reports etc. are produced, and liaising with project managers and colleagues to support presentations and larger meetings.

Supporting skills requirements

Copy:

• You will have excellent written communications skills, with the ability to tailor copy to effectively engage a range of audiences.
• You will be adept at digesting and synthesising information on complex subjects.
• You will be detail-oriented and adept at proofreading.

Design:

• A basic working knowledge of Canva is desirable and a discerning visual eye is a must. You will work closely with our Designer to develop social media content and other marketing and communications assets for clients.

Software:

• We work with colleagues both remotely and in an office environment. Comfort with cloud-based filing systems and online meetings is essential.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly in developing templates for Word and PowerPoint files, would be advantageous but is not essential.
  

Social media:

• You will have a good understanding of the social media landscape, including how to tailor content for different channels and audiences.
• You will be able to offer insights and recommendations on adapting communications approaches to the evolving social media environment.
• You will be able to quickly develop content when needed in response to project updates or relevant news.

Media:

• Depending on your existing media skills, you will be supported to develop a full understanding of how the media works in the particular areas in which you operate – the opportunities available, building relationships with journalists etc.
• You will need to build media connections, gain a thorough understanding of clients’ business objectives and competitors, and demonstrate initiative and creativity to help develop and execute tailored campaigns and tactical plans for projects.
• You will be proactive in all media areas for clients, constantly looking for opportunities where additional media coverage could be achieved above and beyond the client’s brief.

Meetings:

• You will be adept at taking minutes and capturing important updates during meetings. 
• You will be able to actively participate in all meetings, and be at ease with providing updates to clients and colleagues in various settings.

You will be: 

• A passionate communications professional, ideally with a communications agency background, and a proven track record of working in science and / or policy communication ideally rooted in marine or environmental or sustainability issues.
• An exceptional writer, compelling storyteller and confident presenter with good interpersonal skills.
• You’ll have a keen visual eye and great attention to detail.
• Self-sufficient and capable of managing your workload. 
• Plugged into the news and policy agenda, cultural and social trends, and able to transfer these to the campaigns you work on.
• Adept at working in teams, sharing and receiving thoughts and feedback, and keeping your colleagues up to speed with the latest project-related updates 
• Flexible in your approach, enabling you to support multiple projects, clients and team members.
• Passionate about the environment and sustainability issues, with a love for our planet.

Applications

Think this sounds like the right role for you? Get in touch!

Applications are open until Friday 17 January midday. Please submit an engaging one-page cover letter and a CV of no more than two sides. Interviews will take place before the end of January.

If you have any questions about your application or the role please contact recruitment@mindfullywired.org.