External affair director jobs in belfast
Help us speak up for Scotland’s seas
Open Seas is a small, ambitious, and fast-growing environmental charity on a mission to protect and restore marine life around Scotland. We expose harmful practices, challenge bad policy, and work alongside fishers, communities and scientists to bring our seas back to life.
We’re looking for a dynamic Head of Communications to lead our external communications, shape compelling campaigns, and help us punch far above our weight.
Why join us?
We are a team of eight and we spend a lot of time out on the water and along the coast investigating damage, gathering evidence, filming, photographing, and engaging people face-to-face. We own a boat and do our own fieldwork. We take pride in turning complex science and policy into clear, motivating messages that cut through to media, decision-makers and the public.
You will work closely with our Director and Operations Lead as part of the senior management team bringing creative leadership and strategic direction to our comms team. This is your chance to help shape an organisation with growing public influence, strong legal wins, and a track record of impact in one of the most important environmental issues in Scotland, and the rest of the UK.
Who we’re looking for
We are looking for a natural storyteller and strategic thinker. You know how to land a headline, write a great campaign plan, and build lasting relationships with a range of people (journalists, supporters and other stakeholders). You will be comfortable translating science into tweets and research into narrative. You care deeply about nature, especially life under the waves.
You might have worked in campaigns, public affairs, journalism or the charity sector. You may have led a team, or be ready to step into a leadership role. Most of all, you want to make a difference.
What is the role?
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Lead all external communications across the organisation
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Develop and deliver bold, values-led campaign comms
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Manage and grow communications staff and freelancers
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Shape our digital presence, media strategy and brand
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Collaborate closely with our campaign, legal and research teams
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Help us grow our reach, profile and impact
What we offer
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A flexible, friendly and passionate team
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Opportunity to shape a growing organisation
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Meaningful work with real-world impact
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Time outdoors from field investigations to coastal storytelling
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Remote and flexible working, with travel across Scotland
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Supportive, collaborative environment with space to lead
To apply, please submit your CV and a short covering letter explaining why you’re the right fit for this role by 25/07/25
Please note we are unable to consider application without a covering letter
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities. If you’d like to chat informally before applying, please get in touch.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
We investigate threats to our seas, conduct research, and campaign for sustainable fisheries.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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Are you passionate about the wellbeing of people and the planet?
Can you engage people through effective communications and events?
If so, we’d love to hear to hear from you.
We believe in people and the planet thriving together. We want to see a world where thriving is possible - because society is structured to support people's wellbeing rather than to undermine it. We're building a network of wellbeing changemakers who share our vision.
We're now recruiting for a Network Development Manager to oversee our relationships with our followers, including by rolling out a new Ambassador programme. Working from home, somewhere in the UK, flexibly for three days a week, the successful candidate will play a major role at the heart of a growing movement to embed wellbeing in our economy and our society.
They will be a good team player with experience of engaging networks of passionate people. They will have excellent spoken and written communications skills and a track record in organising exciting online and in-person events. Some fundraising experience would be an advantage, but above all, they will have a passion for wellbeing - of people and of the planet.
Note
- We are looking to ensure the diversity of the staff group reflects the diversity of people in the UK and would welcome applications from people in all social groups.
- We offer 28 days paid leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays and membership of our pension scheme.
- All appointments to the Network of Wellbeing are subject to a six-month probation period.
Registered Charity
1 - 5
To connect people, support projects and inspire action for the wellbeing of people and the planet.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.