Communications Director

Kate on Conservation; Mount Shasta (CA); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Freshwater Habitats Trust seeks a Communications Director to lead and develop our communications function and ensure communications align with strategic goals.

You will be part of the Senior Management Team, shaping strategy, overseeing media, stakeholder engagement, digital channels and brand management while building a strong team and supporting fundraising efforts.

Qualifications

• Senior communications professional with demonstrated ability to develop organisation-wide strategies.
• Proven track record of gaining positive media coverage and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Experience leading teams and coordinating across departments to deliver integrated campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Lead communications strategy and organisational leadership.
• Oversee media and public relations efforts.
• Drive stakeholder communications and engagement initiatives.
• Manage digital communications and brand management.
• Lead and develop the communications team and capacity-building.
• Support fundraising and organisational development.
• Oversee internal communications across the charity.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Digital communications

Brand management

Team leadership

Fundraising support

Internal communications

Job description

Permanent Full time Oxford office, hybrid and/or homeworking Salary £52,500 per annum

Could you lead our communications and strengthen the voice of freshwater conservation?

Freshwater Habitats Trust is the UK's leading charity for all freshwaters. We are an evidence-based conservation organisation working to protect UK and European freshwater wildlife through practical conservation projects, innovative applied research and policy development.

As Freshwater Habitats Trust continues to grow its influence and impact, we are seeking a Communications Director to lead and develop our communications function and ensure communications play a central role in delivering our strategic goals.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, the post-holder will help lead the organisation and work across the following areas:

• Communications strategy and organisational leadership
• Media and public relations
• Stakeholder communications and engagement
• Digital communications and brand management
• Team leadership and communications capacity-building
• Fundraising and organisational support
• Internal communications

We are looking for an accomplished senior communications professional with significant experience in communications, media, public affairs or external affairs, a strong track record of developing organisation-wide strategies and generating positive media coverage, and significant leadership and line management experience.

You will be a strategic thinker, credible communicator and collaborative leader, able to communicate complex information clearly, advise senior colleagues and build productive relationships with government, legislators, policy makers, funders, media and partners.

Experience in the environmental, conservation, charitable or public sectors is desirable, alongside a commitment to the aims and values of Freshwater Habitats Trust.

Freshwater Habitats Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

No agencies, please.

Closing date: 17:00 on Friday, 20 November 2026

First interviews on Microsoft Teams: week commencing 30 November 2026

Second interviews in person in Oxford: week commencing 7 December 2026

Please send your completed Application form, CV and Covering letter to [e-mail].