Westonbirt Arboretum - Forestry England
Communications Manager
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Communications Manager
Communications Manager – Covid-19 Commemorative Features Programme
About Forestry England
We are Forestry England. We live and breathe forests.
Our passion is to care for the nation’s forests for people, nature and the economy. Through powerful storytelling and clear, engaging communications, we showcase the special places we create and cherish—spaces where everyone feels welcome: to explore, to connect, participate in your professional community, to reflect, and to belong.
We connect people with nature by telling compelling stories that inspire visits, build understanding, and highlight the health and wellbeing benefits of time spent in forests. Our work shapes places that matter—in the present and for future generations.
The Role
Job Title
Communications Manager
Location
Based in a local Forestry England office with hybrid work flexibility (one day per fortnight in Bristol). Roles require travel across England, including occasional overnight stays.
Contract Details
- Salary: £40,388 – £43,482 per annum
- Hours: 37 hours per week
- Type: Fixed-term appointment until the 31st March 2028
- Vacancy closes: 12th July, 23:58 (UK time)
About the Role
This strategic communications role leads public engagement for a high-profile national initiative—installing Covid-19 commemorative features in the nation’s forests. These features will provide spaces for reflection, remembrance, and recognition of lives lost, pandemic impacts, and collective sacrifice.
Key Responsibilities
Your work will cover all aspects of communications for this programme, including:
- Stakeholder and Community Engagement
- Manage sensitive communications, ensuring compassionate, inclusive, and dignified engagement with people affected by loss or grief.
- Work closely with the ** Programme Director**, a multidisciplinary team, and communications colleagues nationwide.
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Media Relations
- Initiate and maintain relationships with national and local media to maximise reach and impact.
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Content Creation & Delivery
- Develop clear, engaging messages to showcase the programme’s purpose and progress.
- Create accessible, impactful content that resonates with diverse audiences.
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Project Stewardship
- Collaborate with six Forestry England districts and the national team to align communications efforts.
- Ensure legacy, accessibility, and community-led input are integrated into all communications.
Requirements
- Ability to ensure compassionate communications on matters of loss and trauma.
- Demonstrated expertise in community/stakeholder engagement for sensitivity.
- Strong commercial, project communications, and news production experience.
- Yearning to increaseardemocratise access to nature and make forest spaces more welcoming and significant.
- Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic (BAME) and Equality Release Culturally Diverse (ECDC) applicants are encouraged to apply.
Benefits
Financial & Pension
- 28.97% employer pension contribution (part of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Scheme).
- 25 days’ holiday (increasing to 30 days by the 10th year of service).
Wellbeing & Support
- STaR benefits scheme: Discounts on grocery shopping, travel, household essentials, medical/health insurance, holidays, and more.
- Free parking at Forestry England sites.
- Free entry to National Arboretums (Westonbirt and Bedgebury).
Career Development
- Lifelong learning and support through individual learning plans, professional body memberships, and diverse training opportunities.
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Additional Perks
- Bonded camping/accommodation rights at Forestry England land.
- Tax-free healthcare, dental, and employee assistance programmes.
Application Process
Questions to Answer
Before the interview, you will need to:
- Describe your experience in planning, delivering, and evaluating community and stakeholder engagement for a sensitive project (150 words max).
- Write a 200-word statement on your relevant career history and 500-word personal motivation.
- Prepare a short presentation to deliver during the interview.
Interview Topics
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Making Effective Decisions
Key Dates
- Interviews: 21st and 22nd July 2024
- Location: Bristol office
Equal Opportunity & Adjustments
- Reasonable adjustments for accessibility? Email:
fcrecruitmentteam@forestryengland.uk. - AI tools requested for application support? Review our guidelines.
Recruitment Process
- Criminal record checks and UK government baseline personnel security required.
- Civil Service principles applicable; complaints addressed via
englandhr.services@forestryengland.uk.
Working for Forestry England
Forestry England is part of the UK Civil Service. We follow the Disability Confident Scheme, guaranteeing interviews for applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum requirements.
Eligibility
- Must have spoken English to converse with accuracy (Immigration Act 2016, Part 7).
Additional Initiatives
- Great Place to Work for Veterans and Prison Leavers participants.
This programme is critical to ensuring our forests and people are connected by commemorating history with respect and inspiring breaking. Join us.
Forestry England: We care for your Country’s Green.
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