Communication editor jobs in Bristol

The essentials …

• Permanent, full-time (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
• £27,000 per year
• Hybrid working with 2 days a week in our Bath office

The Geological Society Publishing House has an exciting opportunity within our publishing team to provide wide-ranging administrative support for editorial development team activities and project work. Utilise Editorial Manager and online content platform systems to support provision of guidelines for contributors and setting up of new titles and collections.

Who are we?

Founded in 1807, we are the oldest geological society in the world. Today, we are a world-leading communicator of Earth science – through publishing, library and information services, cutting-edge scientific conferences, education activities and outreach to the general public. We also provide impartial scientific information and evidence to support policy-making and public debate about the challenges facing humanity.

We have a membership (Fellowship) of c. 12,000, more than 2,000 of whom are based outside the UK. Approximately 3,000 are Chartered Geologists or Chartered Scientists - professionals who have demonstrated a high level of technical competence in their field and a commitment to professional ethics.

We have been a major publisher within the community since 1811. An independent and international publisher, we are dedicated to providing a high-quality service to geoscientists globally and any surplus is invested to support our discipline. We publish a diverse range of books and journals on the Lyell Collection, with over 10,000 pages of new peer-reviewed geoscience literature being made available every year.

Overall responsibilities / requirements … 

Editorial development:

Wide-ranging support for staff and activities, to include:

• Support for commissioning processes, to include:
  • Research and data collection
  • Profiling online sources such as conference schedules, departmental websites …
  • Identifying and collecting contact details for potential leads
  • Use of bibliographic databases such as Dimensions (for data collection)
  • Reporting (data collection and compilation): annual reports, reports for partners, read and publish usage, Top Reviewers, and others
• Support for meetings of Editorial Boards and Publication and Information Committee: coordinating meeting dates, compiling meeting papers and resources, recording meeting minutes
• Gathering feedback from external collaborators, including administration of editor surveys
• Proposal review process for new books and thematic collections: researching and inviting reviewers and collating comments from reviewers and editors

Editorial projects and resources:

• Coordinating the process for contracting new book volumes, in collaboration with Books Commissioning Editor
• Setting up new book volumes and journal thematic collections via Editorial Manager system and Lyell Collection online platform
• Support the provision of editor training on use of EM, in collaboration with Publishing Coordinators and Journal Development Editor / Commissioning Editor
• Support maintenance of online guidelines for editorial contributors via Publishing Support Hub, in collaboration with Pub Hub Advisory Group
• Ad hoc support for copyright permissions process, including liaising with authors towards clearing figure and personal communications, as required
• Market research and data collection for editorial projects. Examples may include AI for publishing, research integrity, tenders and proposals, new partnerships (books)

General:

• Support for Editor and Authors newsletters – coordinating schedule and content, liaising with editorial and marketing colleagues
• Any other tasks that can be reasonably requested

What we’re looking for …

• Educated to A-level or degree level
• Good IT proficiency (particularly spreadsheets) and full familiarity with the normal range of office software
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent administrative, organisational and time management skills
• Some general knowledge of, and interest in, the publishing process would be helpful

The duties and responsibilities highlighted in this Job Description are indicative and may vary over time. As required, post holders are expected to undertake other duties and responsibilities relevant to the nature, level and scope of the post.

A bit about us …

The Geological Society is a registered charity and employs just under 60 staff at its offices in London and Bath. The Society Publishing House is based in Bath, from where we provide a full publishing service to an international geoscience community across a portfolio of books, journals, and associated products.

As an employee conscious company, we invest in our staff by emphasising training, growth and progression in every role. We firmly believe in creating a positive workplace wellbeing culture and offer a range of benefits to our staff including:

• 25 days basic holiday entitlement, increasing up to 30 days with continued service (pro-rated for part-time staff)
• Option to purchase up to 2 days extra holiday days per year
• Contributary pension scheme with 10% employer contribution
• Access to 24/7 online GP with mental health & wellbeing counselling
• Free premium Headspace account for you and 2 members of friends/family
• Discounts and recognitions scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Season Ticket Loan scheme
• Life Assurance and Income Protection schemes
• Free access to Royal Academy exhibitions
• Free Geological Society Fellow membership for qualified staff

The Society is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a harmonious inclusive environment in which the rights and dignity of all its members visitors and staff are respected. We are an equal opportunities employer and the post-holder will be expected to adhere to and support the Society’s commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.

How to apply …

To apply for this position, please click the 'Apply' button to be re-directed to our website. Please ensure that your cover letter highlights your experience in no more than 500 words.

As part of our inclusive recruitment initiative, we have introduced the concept of anonymous recruiting in order to evaluate applicants solely on their skills and experience. With this in mind, we encourage you to:

• Anonymise your application by stating only your initials in your CV (including your file name) and cover letter
• State your initials only and job title you are applying for in the subject line when sending your application
• Ensure that you have included your contact email and number, as well as dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the indicative timetable

Please let us know if you will require any special provisions to be made should you be called for an interview. We regret that unsuccessful candidates will not be contacted.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

The essentials …

• Permanent, full-time (part-time considered)
• £28,000 per year
• Hybrid working with 2 days a week in our Bath office

The Geological Society Publishing House has an exciting opportunity within the publishing operations team for a ‘Publishing Coordinator - Journals’ to maintain the smooth running of the submission and peer review process for the Society’s journal publishing programme.

Who are we?

Founded in 1807, we are the oldest geological society in the world. Today, we are a world-leading communicator of Earth science – through publishing, library and information services, cutting-edge scientific conferences, education activities and outreach to the general public. We also provide impartial scientific information and evidence to support policy-making and public debate about the challenges facing humanity.

We have a membership (Fellowship) of c. 12,000, more than 2,000 of whom are based outside the UK. Approximately 3,000 are Chartered Geologists or Chartered Scientists - professionals who have demonstrated a high level of technical competence in their field and a commitment to professional ethics.

We have been a major publisher within the community since 1811. An independent and international publisher, we are dedicated to providing a high-quality service to geoscientists globally and any surplus is invested to support our discipline. We publish a diverse range of books and journals on the Lyell Collection, with over 10,000 pages of new peer-reviewed geoscience literature being made available every year.

Overall responsibilities / requirements … 

To oversee the article submission and peer review process for the Society’s journal publishing programme. Alongside the Publishing Coordinator for Books, implement agreed workflow and development updates across our submission, reviewing and licence management publishing operation systems and contribute to the operational side of the research integrity in house team. Reporting to the Head of Publishing Operations.

Peer-review

• Manage peer review on the Society’s journal portfolio
• Management of editorial freelance services
• Maintain peer review turnaround times and acceptance levels
• Liaison and support of key stakeholders
• Excellent communication skills, teamwork and collaboration across team
• Accountability to meet competing deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Ensure that manuscripts meet requirements and follow current policies and procedures
• Uphold excellent contributor experience for authors, editors, and reviewers
• Work with different teams to identify key articles for promotion and improve journal visibility

Operational systems

• Develop system configuration skills required to become an operational systems specialist for the Society’s manuscript submission and production system (currently Editorial Manager and Production Manager) and its third-party integrated systems (such as licence and open access management and research integrity tools)
• Work with colleagues to troubleshoot persistent manuscript, workflow or system issues, providing expertise and advice, and exercising judgement to resolve the issue
• Developing an understanding of XML tagging would be desirable

Research Integrity

• Work with colleagues to maintain guidance and use of tools to comply with industry research integrity standards
• Research integrity operational checks and assessments

The duties and responsibilities highlighted in this Job Description are indicative and may vary over time. As required, post holders are expected to undertake other duties and responsibilities relevant to the nature, level and scope of the post.

What we’re looking for …

Essential

• Experience with STM publishing workflows
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work well as part of a team
• Experience in communicating with internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent attention to detail and decision-making ability
• Excellent IT proficiency and full familiarity with the normal range of office/publishing software
• Organized, deadline-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities

Desirable

• Experience with STM submission and production systems
• Experience working with suppliers
• Working knowledge of XML and HTML
• Experience with research integrity issues and systems
• Good troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Experience collaborating across teams and an ability to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement
• Degree level education
• Experience of working for a learned or professional society (or other charitable organisation with trustees, committees and volunteers)

Person Specification

• Excellent interpersonal skills, and a commitment to collaborative working across the Society
• Self-motivated, proactive, with the confidence to act independently and with a flexible approach
• A commitment to personal development and learning
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines, prioritising work accordingly
• Positivity and enthusiasm

A bit about us …

The Geological Society is a registered charity and employs just under 60 staff at its offices in London and Bath. The Society Publishing House is based in Bath, from where we provide a full publishing service to an international geoscience community across a portfolio of books, journals, and associated products.

As an employee conscious company, we invest in our staff by emphasising training, growth and progression in every role. We firmly believe in creating a positive workplace wellbeing culture and offer a range of benefits to our staff including:

• 25 days basic holiday entitlement, increasing up to 30 days with continued service (pro-rated for part-time staff)
• Option to purchase up to 2 days extra holiday days per year
• Contributary pension scheme with 10% employer contribution
• Access to 24/7 online GP with mental health & wellbeing counselling
• Free premium Headspace account for you and 2 members of friends/family
• Discounts and recognitions scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Season Ticket Loan scheme
• Life Assurance and Income Protection schemes
• Free access to Royal Academy exhibitions
• Free Geological Society Fellow membership for qualified staff

The Society is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a harmonious inclusive environment in which the rights and dignity of all its members visitors and staff are respected. We are an equal opportunities employer and the post-holder will be expected to adhere to and support the Society’s commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.

How to apply …

To apply for this position, please click the 'Apply' button to be re-directed to our website. Please ensure that your cover letter highlights your experience in no more than 500 words.

As part of our inclusive recruitment initiative, we have introduced the concept of anonymous recruiting in order to evaluate applicants solely on their skills and experience. With this in mind, we encourage you to:

• Anonymise your application by stating only your initials in your CV (including your file name) and cover letter
• State your initials only and job title you are applying for in the subject line when sending your application
• Ensure that you have included your contact email and number, as well as dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the indicative timetable

Please let us know if you will require any special provisions to be made should you be called for an interview. We regret that unsuccessful candidates will not be contacted.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

This is a rare opportunity to lead the development and delivery of our digital learning and natural history publishing at our national environmental education charity.

You will oversee a talented team and collaborate with authors, designers, and creators in the natural history community to deliver innovative training and resources that set the standard for environmental learning.

• Permanent full-time contract
• Starting salary circa £36,973 per annum + excellent benefits
• Flexible base location with remote / home working welcomed
• Make a visible, lasting contribution to environmental education across the UK

Love where you work!

At the Field Studies Council, our mission is to create outstanding opportunities that inspire everyone to engage with and care for the environment.

Your team will be responsible for creating high-quality training courses, publications, and resources that inspire learners of all ages. You’ll work together to extend our charity’s impact across the UK.

We value the contribution each team member makes and provide excellent benefits to reward and support you in your role.

What you’ll be doing

In this key leadership role, you will guide the Digital Learning & Publishing unit, ensuring our courses and publications are impactful, financially sustainable and aligned with our charitable mission. Your work will include:

• Overseeing the production and management of biodiversity training courses and natural history publications
• Leading a team to deliver both in person and digital learning experiences
• Managing budgets, business planning, and the operational performance of the unit
• Working with Marketing to grow ecommerce revenue and promote the portfolio
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with partners, authors, tutors, designers, and the wider natural history community
• Identifying new opportunities, markets, and partnerships to expand our reach
• Leading editorial workflows, rights management, licensing, and version control
• Commissioning new titles and resources that support environmental understanding
• Ensuring compliance with GDPR, safeguarding, and copyright requirements

Where you’ll be based

The base location for this position is negotiable, with remote working / home working welcomed. If you prefer working in an office environment, you can work from one of our Field Studies Centres across the UK. Hybrid working options can also be considered.

This role includes travel to Field Studies Council locations and other venues throughout the UK and will involve some overnight stays.

You’ll thrive in this role if you are:

• An experienced senior manager with a strategic mindset
• Skilled at leading teams, freelancers, and creative contributors
• Confident working with authors, artists, designers, and content creators
• Experienced in delivering training materials at regional or national scale
• Commercially aware, with strong budget management experience
• A clear and engaging communicator with excellent written and verbal skills
• Highly organised, detail focused, and able to deliver at pace
• Comfortable using digital tools, databases, and online learning platforms
• Motivated by our mission and values

If you are looking for a role where your leadership can make a genuine difference to environmental learning, we would be delighted to receive your application.

* Your benefits whilst working with us will include:

• 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
• 2 extra loyalty days dependent on length of service
• Life assurance 5 x your annual basic salary 
• Health and Wellbeing Support App for you and eligible family members to access remote GP appointments, mental health consultations, physiotherapy sessions and financial & legal support
• 24-hour Counselling Helpline Service
• Cycle to work and EV schemes
• Discounts and cashback opportunities 
• Flexible working options where roles permit
• Quality learning and development opportunities

The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 27th April 2026.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Interviews are scheduled to take place at Field Studies Council online in the week commencing 11th May 2026.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all team members to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will only be confirmed following the successful completion of rigorous pre-employment checks, including appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks / PVG Scheme check with Disclosure Scotland.