Communications & Engagement Officer – Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels

The Scottish Wildlife Trust seeks a Communications & Engagement Officer for the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project in Edinburgh. This role involves managing communications, engaging volunteers, coordinating citizen science surveys, and promoting public involvement in red squirrel conservation. Ideal candidates are skilled communicators passionate about wildlife conservation. The position is full-time and does not require a degree.
Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and skilled in communication and community engagement? We’re looking for an enthusiastic Communications & Engagement Officer to play a key role in protecting Scotland’s iconic red squirrels. Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) is a project delivering the essential protection measures required to secure the long-term future of red squirrels in Scotland. Through collaborative partnerships it ensures systems are put in place to continue the delivery of these measures over the long term.

The Communications & Engagement Officer leads on Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels regional and national communications. As part of a major conservation project, you will be instrumental in raising the project profile, through activities including supporting a network of active volunteers, delivering an annual citizen science survey through the Great Scottish Squirrel Survey, an overseeing all project publicity and engagement materials to promote public understanding of red squirrel conservation and grey squirrel control. Your work will inspire and empower communities to take an active role in protecting red squirrels.

Key Responsibilities and Duties include:
• Media & Public Relations: Oversee all project publicity, press, media, and engagement materials, promoting public understanding of red squirrel conservation and responsible grey squirrel control.
• Volunteer & Stakeholder Engagement: Strengthen and support a network of active volunteers and stakeholders, fostering collaboration and best practices for red squirrel conservation.
• Citizen Science Survey Coordination: Lead the annual Great Scottish Squirrel Survey, coordinating efforts to collect vital data on red and grey squirrel distribution.
• Community Hub Development: Maintain and enhance the Community Hub, ensuring it remains a functional, engaging, and supportive space for volunteers and community networks.
• Encouraging Public Involvement: Drive awareness and participation in conservation efforts by encouraging members of the public to record and report squirrel sightings.

The successful candidate will be:
• A skilled communicator, both written and verbal, with experience in media, PR, or community engagement.
• Passionate about wildlife conservation and understands the importance of engaging communities in conservation work.
• Highly organised, responsible and able to manage small projects and campaigns effectively.
• Confident engaging volunteers, stakeholders and the wider public in conservation issues.
• Experienced in proactively generating and managing print, broadcast and online media coverage to engage and mobilise communities.

The Trust is a passionate employer, proactive about creating a culture of diversity and inclusive workplace that promotes and values equal opportunities for all. We welcome individuals from all networks of life, backgrounds, and experiences.

If you would like more information, please email recruitment@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk