Job Description

Director - Communications Vacancy #: 6562
Unit: TRAFFIC International
Organisation: TRAFFIC International (TRAFFIC)
Location: TRAFFIC International, Cambridge, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Reporting to: Executive Director
Work percentage: 100%
Grade: M1
Expected start date: 01 October 2023
Type of contract: Indefinite
Closing date: 06 September 2023

BACKGROUND

TRAFFIC is the leading non-governmental organization working globally on trade in wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

TRAFFIC International is a charity and limited company registered in the UK. TRAFFIC\'s head office, based in Cambridge UK, provides worldwide leadership, coordination, cross-regional and corporate functions. TRAFFIC\'s local engagement is managed through programme offices operating under the auspices of the UK charity, with staff based in a hub office and at other strategic locations where necessary. Programme offices operate within a geographic area of responsibility focused on one or multiple countries where TRAFFIC aims to help deliver priority programme outcomes.

The Director of Communications is responsible for managing all communications activities, advising the leadership team on brand management, and supporting the positioning of the organisation to key stakeholders relevant to achieving the 2030 Strategy, including funders and the media.

The salary on offer for this position is GBP 59,000 - 65,000p.a. dependent on skills and experience.

For more information, please see the candidate pack available on the TRAFFIC website.

JOB DESCRIPTION

SPECIFIC DUTIES

STRATEGY AND LEADERSHIP

• Provide leadership for development and implementation of a medium-term communications strategy to broaden TRAFFIC\'s programmatic reach and deepen impact, in line with the goals and priorities of the new 2030 Strategy.
• Develop and implement an annual communications plan to showcase and broaden awareness of TRAFFIC work, advance brand identity, and increase visibility and influence of

programmes across key stakeholder audiences.

• Mentor and lead the communications team based in the global office in UK, and build communications capacity in TRAFFIC\'s programme offices and convene an organisationwide

network of staff involved in communications work.

• Contribute to the Senior Leadership Team and serve as lead advisor on strategic communications issues to the leaders of the organisation.

COMMUNICATIONS OPERATIONS

• Oversee Communications Team advice to programme staff on communication strategies and influence plans for major products, including choice of communications tools and

approaches to maximize profile and influence.

• Ensure consistency of messaging in communications products with TRAFFIC\'s policy stances and overall strategic directions, with due attention to reputational risk management,

and ensure published outputs comply with agreed style standards and quality assurance guidelines.

• Oversee Communications Team clearance, production, distribution, and maintenance of print and electronic communication materials, including technical reports, relevant donor project reports, annual Charity Commission statutory report, official media statements, and other high profile knowledge products as needed.
• Oversee Communication Team development and implementation of a strong digital and social media strategy, including updating and maintenance of website and strengthening

social media engagement.

• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the Communications Team, including annual budgeting, work planning, and staff development.
• Ensure rigorous monitoring and evaluation of the reach and effectiveness of TRAFFIC\'s communications outputs.

MARKETING AND PARTNERSHIPS

• Contribute to the production of TRAFFIC marketing and public relations materials that will allow leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, highlevel external audiences, including the media and key influencers, in collaboration with the programme, policy, and fundraising teams.
• Contribute to the development of TRAFFIC promotional materials and funding proposals for funders, in collaboration with the programme, policy, and fundraising teams.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of brand management guidelines for the organisation.
• Coordinate communication planning and delivery with founding partners WWF and IUCN, and other implementation partners as appropriate.
• Identify and nurture new strategic partnerships with relevant global communication initiatives and organisations, in collaboration with the programme, policy, and fundraising teams.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor\'s degree in journalism, communications, or related field is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Significant professional experience related to international communications, including managing a comprehensive communications strategy, international media relations, and marketing program to advance an organisation\'s mission
• Strong experience in building, leading and mentoring a team of communications specialists, and engaging direct and indirect reports and peers.
• Inclusive and collaborative leadership style that promotes a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a focus on empowering and working through others.
• Excellent writing/editing, verbal communication, and presentational skills in English; preferably the ability to work in French, Spanish, or another language relevant to TRAFFIC\'s work.
• Creative and thoughtful on how new media technologies can be utilized, and strong experience with and understanding of traditional media outlets.
• Demonstrated track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently, with the flexibility and finesse to juggle competing demands, and lead from behind.
• High energy and professional maturity, with the ability to position communications discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels.
• A general understanding of conservation and sustainable development issues is desirable.
• A willingness to travel worldwide on an occasional basis.

APPLICATIONS

Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.

Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.

Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website:

About IUCN

IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.

Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world\'s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and some 15,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.

IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.

Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people\'s well-being.

International Union for Conservation of Nature