Climate Change Jobs

Head of communications

Organization

World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)

Department

WORLD ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS WAZA

Organization URL

Not Specified

Job Location Type

HYBRID

Job Location

Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain    

Applicant Location Requirements

Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain    

Application Deadline

February 7, 2025

Scope:

  • Lead the strategic development of the communications function, including media, social media, and communications
  • In support of the WAZA Partnership and Advocacy Strategy, develop WAZA’s political profile and promote WAZA policies
  • Develop content and assets for distribution to the media and across WAZA’s channels, including social media, the website, newsletters, blogs and others.
  • Use media knowledge to maximize strategic opportunities and manage reputational risk
  • Develop and oversee WAZA’s communications preparedness in the event of a major incident
  • Manage a budget of approximately 53.000 euros per annum
  • Direct line management of the Communications Assistant
  • Reach agreed engagement targets, including media, social media, and newsletters.
  • Head of Communications Responsibilities:
  • Strategic Leadership
  • Spearhead the strategic evolution of the communications function, devising innovative strategies.
  • Manage resource allocation for present and future needs, establishing and monitoring targets and budgets across media, social media, communications, and members engagement.

Content and Engagement Management

o Oversee the creation and dissemination of content across all communication channels, including media, social media, websites, newsletters, blogs, and others.

o Drive audience engagement by ensuring consistent, high-quality communication.

Advisory and Media Representation

  • Provide expert communications guidance to the WAZA strategy, including the CEO and executive team.
  • Act as a primary media contact and spokesperson, conducting interviews as necessary.
  • Uphold the highest standards of factual accuracy while adhering to legal and ethical media requirements.
  • Networking and Relationship Building
  • Identify and pursue high-value networking opportunities with media representatives.
  • Maintain and enhance relationships with key parties in the zoo and aquariums sectors, media,, and other key sectors to share best practices and bolster the organization’s reputation.

Brand and Reputation Management

  • Safeguard and enhance the organisation’s public image, advising senior management and the CEO on brand-related matters.
  • Oversee the organisation’s readiness to respond to major incidents.

Communications and Marketing

  • Develop and execute WAZA’s communications and marketing strategies, including detailed workplans.
  • Manage the production of key publications such as the quarterly members’ magazine and the Annual Report.
  • Ensure regular updates and management of the WAZA website, social media channels, and online resources.
  • Design graphics for digital and print communication needs.
  • Lead the development of WAZA’s trend reports and communications campaigns
  • Support collaboration initiatives like Reverse the Red through communication efforts.
  • Edit and proofread communications to ensure consistency and quality.

Media and Public Relations

  • Publish press releases, articles, weekly electronic newsletters, and member announcements.
  • Develop relationships with key media outlets to secure mainstream coverage.
  • Monitor media-related developments among WAZA member zoos and aquariums and prepare timely responses.
  • Data Analytics and Reporting
  • Oversee monthly social media analytics and measurements to inform strategy.

Collaboration and Outreach

  • Serve as the WAZA liaison for the Communications Committee, fostering partnerships with regional and national zoo and aquarium associations.
  • Represent WAZA in public outreach activities and at international forums.
  • Develop talking points for staff and allies on relevant events and programming.
  • Event and Initiative Support
  • Assist in planning and executing WAZA Annual Conferences and associated events, ensuring brand visibility.
  • Provide communications support for initiatives related to animal welfare, conservation, and sustainability.

General and compliance

In conjunction with the WAZA Finance and Officer manager develop an annual budget and ensure compliance, and support the manager to maintain accurate records

  • Manage, motivate, develop direct reports, following good management practice and working with HR policy guidelines, so their performance meets agreed standards
  • Ensure compliance with WAZA policies, procedures, and guidelines, including all regulatory and statutory requirements
  • Demonstrate commitment to continuous personal development to ensure knowledge and skills are up to date and best practice is followed
  • Engage with the organisation’s appraisal system, and demonstrate commitment to our values, behaviours and your continuous development
  • Work may be required outside of normal office hours
  • Perform other reasonable duties and/or projects as directed by your supervisor
Special Requirements
Desired Education and Experience: o Either an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in journalism, communications, marketing or a related area, and a minimum of five years’ experience in the field. A first-level university degree in combination with 10 years’ qualifying experience and/or studies may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. o Expertise in both internal and external communications, including crisis management Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: o Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing communication strategies, preferably in the field of environment, wildlife conservation, animal welfare and/or sustainability o Excellent writing, grammatical and editing skills across a range of media o Experience in producing printed publications o Understanding of GDPR guidelines o Assertive communicator, confident in dealing with a wide range of stakeholders o Skills in planning, prioritising, coordinating, multi-tasking and completing work assignments within established deadlines o Advanced knowledge of WordPress, Mailchimp, social media scheduling tools o Interest in the zoo and aquarium community, and issues related to environment, wildlife conservation, animal welfare and sustainability o Excellent inter-personal skills o Self-motivated, fast learner, able to work independently and to show initiative o Adept at problem solving o Creative and enthusiastic o Working in a busy communications environment, delivering to deadlines Language: o The primary language of WAZA is English, and the WAZA Head of Communications must be proficient in spoken and written English. Other languages will be advantageous. Find out more details about the role on our website: https://www.waza.org/careers/ Application Process: Interested applicants should send a CV and cover letter to recruitment@waza.org before 7 February 2025 with the tentative start date in March 2025.

Apply online or via email

recruitment@waza.org