The PR & Engagement Manager will be responsible for protecting and enhancing the reputation of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust through proactive media relations, internal communications, stakeholder engagement and public relations activity.
Working closely with the Director of Communications and Fundraising, the post-holder will lead all media engagement, act as the primary press contact, develop strong relationships with Jersey and UK media, and ensure staff, volunteers and key stakeholders are informed, engaged and
aligned with organisational priorities.
The role will play a critical part in communicating Durrell's conservation impact and promoting the zoo, supporting fundraising campaigns, managing reputational issues and creating a culture of open, transparent and effective communication across the organisation.
A strong network of existing Jersey media contacts and a thorough understanding of the local media landscape are essential.
Key Responsibilities
Line Management
- Line manage the Content Producer, setting objectives, overseeing workload, supporting professional development, and ensuring the delivery of high- quality, audience focussed content across all media and channels.
Public Relations & Media Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors and broadcasters across Jersey and the UK.
- Secure positive media coverage that raises awareness of Durrell's conservation work, fundraising initiatives and strategic priorities.
- Draft press releases, media statements, opinion pieces and briefing materials.
- Identify proactive media opportunities and develop news stories from across the organisation.
- Organise press visits, media interviews and photo opportunities.
- Monitor media coverage and provide regular reporting and analysis.
Internal Communications & Staff Engagement
- Develop and deliver an internal communications strategy that informs, motivates and engages staff and volunteers.
- Produce regular staff newsletters, leadership updates and organisational briefings.
- Support senior leadership in communicating strategic priorities, organisational change and key announcements.
- Develop communication channels that improve collaboration across zoo, conservation, fundraising and operational teams.
- Ensure staff understand and can confidently communicate Durrell's mission, vision and achievements.
Reputation & Crisis Communications
- Support the development and implementation of crisis communication plans.
- Draft reactive statements and manage media responses during sensitive issues.
- Monitor public sentiment and media coverage to identify emerging risks.
- Ensure consistent and accurate messaging across all communications channels.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Support communications with members, supporters, donors, corporate partners and key stakeholders.
- Develop engagement opportunities that strengthen relationships and build advocacy for Durrell.
- Assist with high-profile visits, stakeholder events and public engagement activities.
- Work closely with fundraising and conservation teams to communicate impact and success stories.
Content & Storytelling
- Identify compelling stories from Jersey Zoo and Durrell's global conservation programmes.
- Work with colleagues to create engaging content for media, digital and internal channels.
- Develop a pipeline of positive stories that reinforce Durrell's position as a leading conservation organisation.
- Promote conservation successes, animal stories, scientific breakthroughs and community engagement initiatives.
Monitoring & Evaluation
- Monitor media coverage, stakeholder engagement and internal communication effectiveness.
- Produce monthly reports and insights.
- Measure the impact of PR activity against agreed objectives and key performance indicators.
