The Rivers Trust is a leading environmental charity and the umbrella body of The Rivers Trust movement, comprising over 60 independent local charities. Our vision is for wild, healthy, natural rivers, valued by all. We are at a critical point in our history as we expand to deliver projects to protect and replenish this critical part of the natural environment, and our research and expertise is now needed more urgently than ever as water supply and quality move up the public agenda.

We are looking for a Deputy Director of Communications, T

This is a part-time (0.6 FTE), home-based, permanent position (subject to ongoing funding). You can be based anywhere in mainland UK, with travel around 2-3 times per month to meetings and conferences mainly in England and occasionally Wales, Scotland and Ireland. We offer flexibility around working hours, time off in lieu is also available. We are happy to consider adjustments for people with disabilities and/or caring responsibilities, and we welcome applications from all communities.

Our Benefits

• Salary c.£55,000 (£33,000 0.6FTE)
• 33 days holiday including Bank Holidays increasing with length of service (pro-rated for part time staff)
• Generous pension - company contribution 9%, employee contribution 6%
• Ability to buy additional annual leave
• Life assurance 
• Enhanced Sick Pay and Family Leave
• Flexible working policy
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Inclusive & supportive work atmosphere

Reporting to Director of Communications and Advocacy, the Deputy-Director of

Communications will be in charge of the organisation’s communications

department which covers internal and external, project and public relations

communications.

· Play a crucial role in shaping the public perception of the organisation,

supporting fundraising, handling sensitive information, and ensuring that all

communication efforts are cohesive and effective.

· Oversee, line manage and develop two managers and support them in managing

their teams and projects. Currently a total function size of c. 10 staff (and

additional links with The Rivers Trust All Ireland comms team).

· Control the quality of communications ensuring consistent messaging and

brand integrity is maintained across all channels and managing public

relations.

· Oversee development and delivery of the organisation’s internal and external

communication strategies that align with the company’s goals and values.

The main duties and responsibilities are:

• Establish and drive effective internal and external communications strategies, that align with the organisation’s goals and values.
• Provide leadership and direction to a team of communication, marketing, and design professionals, including setting goals, managing performance and supporting career development.
• Work with the Communications and Advocacy Director to develop the budget for the communications team, manage projects and ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures.
• Oversee communication budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Ensure all organisational materials are of high quality and content has consistent branding and positive messaging across all platforms.
• Oversight of media relations including developing and maintaining relationships and working with media outlets and other organisations.
• Coordinate and manage press interviews, events, and other public appearances for the organisation’s leadership with oversight of media inquiries and public statements.
• Attending speaking engagements, acting as spokesperson for the organisation and hosting special events where required.
• Lead crisis communication planning and respond to challenging situations quickly and professionally.
• Monitor and analyse communications metrics to assess the effectiveness of strategies and campaigns.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to ensure communication strategies support business objectives and provide quarterly reports and updates on progress.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices to improve communication efforts continuously.
  

Knowledge, skills, experience, and personal qualities:

Essential

• Proven experience in a similar senior-level role, working with executive leadership and external stakeholders.
  
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing a communications team.
  
• Ability to develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies and plans.
  
• Experience managing crisis communication and public relations issues.
  
• Proficiency in digital communication platforms and social media management.
  
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
  
• Familiarity with branding and reputation management.
  
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills
  
• A good understanding of environmental issues
  
• An understanding of and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and how it relates to the role.
  
• Enthusiasm, self-reliance and resilience

Desirable

• Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency with communications technologies
  
• Strong copywriting and copy-editing abilities.
  
• Understanding of copywriting, graphic design, layout, and publishing
  
• Working knowledge of content management systems, and familiarity with creative software
  
• Knowledge of social media platforms and social media marketing
  
• Experience with search engine marketing, Google Analytics, and Google AdWords
  
• Established media relations 

Qualifications/ Education

• Relevant level 5 qualification e.g.  degree in communications, PR, journalism, marketing or a related discipline or equivalent experience
• Significant experience of communications, marketing, public relations or related experience

Everyone who works for us is expected to contribute to a respectful and inclusive working culture and follow our policies and procedures including Health & Safety, EDI, Cybersecurity and GDPR.

Please note we can only accept applications made through this site, and not sent by email or other methods. No agencies please.

If you have any questions not answered in the advert or on the Recruitment FAQ, please contact tessa.wardley@theriverstrust.org or michelle.sharman@theriverstrust.org - please don't use this email address to apply as we can only accept applications made through this system.

Closing date: Midday Monday 6th October 2025 

Interviews: 16th and 17th October 2025