Science Communications Manager

Malaysianwildlife; Tetford; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension 11%

Health cash plan

Flexible working

Annual leave 25 days

Free parking

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is seeking a Science Communications Manager to lead the editorial and communications strategy. You will shape a forward‑looking programme, highlight compelling scientific stories, and translate complex findings for our member magazine, e-news, and cross‑channel campaigns.

The role combines strategic thinking with hands‑on editing. The position is based at BTO HQ in Thetford with hybrid working (minimum three days in the office weekly) and flexible start/finish

Qualifications

• This role requires strong editorial and science communication capabilities.
• Degree in a relevant scientific subject is essential.
• Ability to translate complex findings for broad audiences.

Responsibilities

• Shape a forward‑looking programme of scientific communications.
• Identify compelling stories from across BTO’s science portfolio.
• Translate complex findings into clear, engaging content for channels; oversee BTO News and e-news.

Skills

Editorial skills

Science communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Relevant scientific degree

Job description

Science Communications Manager
Thetford, Norfolk
Full time, Permanent
£38,710.00 per annum + 11% employer pension contribution

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in demonstrating the impact of BTO science, both to the organisation’s members and our broader audiences. The role combines strategic thinking with hands‑on editorial and creative work. You will shape a forward‑looking programme of scientific communications, identify compelling stories from across BTO’s portfolio of science, and translate complex scientific findings into clear, accurate and engaging content for our communication channels. With responsibility for BTO News (our member magazine), the Science e-news, and a range of cross‑channel campaigns and content, this is an opportunity for an accomplished communicator and editor to demonstrate the impact of BTO’s work, and inspire positive action for birds and people. You will have a degree in a relevant scientific subject and proven editorial and science communication skills.

This position is based at our HQ in Thetford, Norfolk, although you will be able to work from home part of the time on a hybrid working regime (minimum of three days in the office, each week) and flexible start and finish times can also be accommodated to ensure a good work‑life balance.

Please note that, if you are the successful candidate, you will be required to provide documentary evidence of your right to live and work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

WHAT DOES BTO DO?

The heart of BTO encompasses three key areas: birds, science, people. We work to secure a better future for birds and nature, using our science, monitoring and data to inform good environmental decisions, inspiring others with the wonder of birds and empowering them to work with us. Our priority is to make a positive impact for birds, using our strong and objective science in partnership with other organisations, members and volunteers. We strive to work sustainably and to welcome everyone.

Our values

We are evidence-led, inclusive, collaborative and empowering.

Birds Science People; it is a powerful combination – will you be part of it?

WHAT WE OFFER

• £38,710.00 per annum
• Annual Leave: 25 days per year (plus bank holidays), increasing with service to 26 days after 5 years, 28 days after 10 years, and 30 days after 15 years (pro rata for part‑time staff).
• Paid ‘journey days’ (up to 2 days) to staff who travel on holiday by land or sea instead of flying.
• Annual team away days
• Life assurance (four times salary)
• 11% employer pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme offering help and advice to staff and their families on matters related to bereavement, wellbeing, finances, relationships, family and more. This includes a number of free counselling sessions.
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced Family leave- Maternity, Adoption, and Shared Parental Leave, 12 weeks at full pay. Paternity and Partner leave, 4 weeks at full pay.
• Health cash plan which enables staff to claim back some healthcare expenses, such as prescriptions, dental treatment and specialist diagnostic tests. It also offers: Discounts on gym memberships and various retailers, a virtual GP and prescription service, on-demand wellness content (fitness, yoga,meditation, sleep, mindfulness) and access to Health Lens, Eargym, and digital physiotherapy via Phio.
• Retail discounts through MyLifestyle.
• Cycling friendly employer- gold accredited
• Cycle to work scheme- spread the cost of purchasing a new bike and save money
• Discounts on: BTO books, Bird care from Vine House Farm (10% discount on orders placed on the website) and Opticron (15% off)
• Free access to BTO training courses
• Flexible working- A combination of home and office working and flexible start and finish times (where this meets business needs)
• Free eye tests and a contribution of £49 towards prescription glasses for VDU use only.
• Free car parking
• Effective job evaluation policy that recognises where staff increase their level of responsibility over time
• Coaching and mentoring scheme
• Staff groups and forums- First Aiders and mental health first aiders, Coaching and mentoring, Diversity working, Sustainability and Natural Working, Becoming Inclusive, Neurodiversity group, LGBTQ+ group and our staff group creating a positive and welcoming culture to work in.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive environment
• Commitment to sustainability

Closing date for receipt of applications is23:59, Wednesday 30 September 2026and Interviews will be held inThetford,onWednesday, 21 October 2026.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the vacancy.

We recognise that candidates from minority ethnic groups are under-represented in our organisation, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups when applying for roles in the charity sector and beyond. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team, and if you meet the essential criteria for a role and are from a minority ethnic background, you’ll be guaranteed a first stage interview.

In cases where we receive a very high volume of applications, we may need to limit the number of Guaranteed Interview Scheme candidates progressing to interview.
Charity No. 216652 (E&W); SC039193 (Scotland)