Do you see yourself as a member of an ambitious team working on making an impact in nature protection? We are looking for a motivated person to join our team at the position of Communications Officer.
TERMS OF REFERENCE – COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Position: Communications Officer
Reporting to: Rewilding Velebit Foundation Team leader
Location: Home office/Project area Velebit Mountains
Type of Contract: Employment Contract (1.0 FTE) – 6-month trial period, with possible extension
Salary: Competitive
Rewilding Velebit Foundation (RVF) is a conservation NGO with the mission to make Croatia a wilder place and conserve the wilderness of the Velebit Mountains. The Velebit Mountains are one of the finest and largest wilderness areas remaining in Europe and home to an exciting variety of wildlife, including Balkan chamois, red deer, brown bear, wolf, and lynx. Rewilding Velebit Foundation believes that the integration of business and nature conservation, and thus the creation of a nature-based economy, is central to achieving conservation success.
RVF is a local partner of Rewilding Europe, founded in 2011 in the Netherlands, and we manage one of the eleven key rewilding areas in Europe, on Velebit.
At the heart of our work lies the power of storytelling, not just to inform, but to move people. We believe the way we communicate should reflect the wildness, beauty, and hope that rewilding offers. That’s why we’re intentional with every image, word, and film we share, often working with some of the most talented visual storytellers to help capture what’s often hard to describe.
We’re looking for someone who gets the feeling of this work and knows how to translate it into stories that matter. If you’re a curious, creative communicator with a deep love for nature and a sharp sense of how to reach people, we’d love to hear from you.
Position summary
The Communication Officer will contribute to the mission of the organization by engaging with strategic stakeholders and the public to understand, promote and support rewilding on local, national, and international levels.
The Communication Officer’s work will focus on building engagement to foster an enabling policy and economic environment for rewilding. This includes showcasing the rewilding efforts and impact on the ground to a local, national, and international audience (content creation, social media, press).
The Communication Officer will work closely with all members of Rewilding Velebit.
The Communication Officer will also ensure synergies with the Communication team of the Rewilding Europe Central Office and communication colleagues in other rewilding landscapes through regular meetings.
The position is very operational and results-oriented and requires the ability to create inspirational, positive, and engaging media content around all relevant rewilding topics.
Main role and responsibilities
- Supporting the delivery of the Communication Strategy for the rewilding landscape, including contributing to stakeholder analysis and helping implement defined goals, objectives, and deliverables.
- Ensuring the delivery of the Communication Strategy through a Communication Action Plan, by carrying out the daily communication activities and tools in close coordination with the team leader and team members.
- Very active in the engagement and relationship building & management with local partners and stakeholders in the rewilding landscape, who are critical for the success of the initiative, and according to the Communication Strategy.
- Ensuring synergies with Rewilding Europe’s Central Team and with the communications colleagues in the other rewilding landscapes of Rewilding Europe’s network.
- Planning and organizing communication/promotion/media events at local (and national levels.
- Work on specific communication tasks and deliverables within projects. That can be layout and composing texts for brochures, folders, maps, and other printed and online media, but also leading projects specifically aimed at communication.
- Promotion of the rewilding landscape as one of the top rewilding landscapes and tourist destinations, in collaboration with strategic partners.
- Assist the Team Leader in fundraising activities.
Operational tasks
Provide guidance and support to the local team in their interactions with authorities, institutions, partners, and media to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
Develop and manage high-quality content (text & visual) for websites and social media to showcase our rewilding efforts and impact in the landscape, aligned with Rewilding Europe’s content and branding strategy.
Collaborate with Rewilding Europe’s Central Team in creating content to showcase the landscape and rewilding efforts on an international level. This includes supporting media visits, film productions, photo missions, and co-creating potential stories monthly.
Write and plan press releases and establish and nurture relationships with journalists.
Collaborate with Rewilding Europe’s central team to facilitate contact with international media, ensuring a global reach for our efforts.
Write, edit, and translate various communications materials such as articles, interviews, news, presentations, and publications (reports, studies, etc.).
Collaborate closely with service providers such as designers and content creators to ensure impactful materials.
Plan and organize stakeholder engagement, external promotion, and media events at local and national levels.
Support and participate in various other events such as team meetings, stakeholder meetings, workshops, trainings, seminars, field trips, street events, etc.
Monitor media regularly, keeping the local team and Rewilding Europe informed about current issues and developments in relevant fields. Collaborate on preparing timely and effective responses when necessary.
Seek and create synergies with other initiatives, fields of activity and organizations to capitalize on opportunities to increase efficiency, reach and impact.
Skills and competences
University Degree in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or other related fields (or equivalent working experience). We also welcome applications from exceptional candidates with strong transferable skills and a proven ability to learn fast and adapt.
Croatian language native (excellent writing skills will be mandatory); fluent in English, oral and written.
Basic knowledge about nature conservation is wanted but not mandatory.
Computer literacy and experience with website management (preferably WordPress).
Excellent knowledge of social media platforms, familiarity with the latest digital technologies, and social media trends.
Experience working with Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, Meta Business Suite is highly welcomed.
Experience
At least 5 years’ experience in communication or equivalent – both strategic and operational – ideally with a journalism/PR agency background, extensive communication and PR experience in projects related to conservation.
Demonstrable writing and editing experience, with an ability to adapt tone and format for both traditional media (e.g. print, press) and modern platforms (e.g. social media, websites).
Knowledge and experience in development/translating communication products, such as brochures, leaflets, multimedia products, and presentations.
Experience working in international marketing and communications teams, working in cross-cultural settings, and understanding local issues and contexts.
Additional skills and abilities
Energy and drive, with a strong sense of purpose and commitment to making a difference.
A team player with a naturally warm and collaborative approach, committed to sharing success and building something bigger than themselves.
A creative and proactive mindset, able to spot opportunities, shape ideas, and bring them to life with clarity and flair.
A deep personal connection to nature, a genuine interest in rewilding, and a strong feel for how to communicate its meaning and impact.
Good knowledge of communication and media, with the ability to work across both traditional and digital platforms.
Excellent writing skills in both Croatian and English, with a sharp eye for storytelling and an ability to adapt to different audiences.
Strong social and presentation skills, confident communication at various levels, from local communities to national partners.
Highly organized, methodical, and able to work independently toward shared goals.
Comfortable travelling regularly in the landscape (a valid driving license is required).
We offer
The opportunity to make a difference.
Challenging and fulfilling work in one of Europe’s most exciting rewilding landscapes.
Friendly and highly professional working atmosphere in an international context.
Varying tasks and an independent work style.
Possibility of learning and applying global practices.
A pleasant working atmosphere and a great learning environment.
How to apply?
If you see yourself in the description above and see yourself as a member of an ambitious team working on making an impact in nature protection, please apply for the position via the link below:
