Social scientist jobs in govan, glasgow city

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?

• Lead all external communications across the organisation

• Develop and deliver bold, values-led campaign comms

• Manage and grow communications staff and freelancers

• Shape our digital presence, media strategy and brand

• Collaborate closely with our campaign, legal and research teams

• Help us grow our reach, profile and impact
   

What we offer

• A flexible, friendly and passionate team

• Opportunity to shape a growing organisation

• Meaningful work with real-world impact

• Time outdoors from field investigations to coastal storytelling

• Remote and flexible working, with travel across Scotland

• 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.