Senior Consultant - Research & Innovation

at  Mindfully Wired

THE HEADLINES:

Reporting to: Fisheries Project LeadLevel: Senior Consultant Team: Research & InnovationHours: 3 days per week Contract duration: 6 months fixed term contract
About Mindfully Wired
Mindfully Wired (hereafter MW), is a cause-and-effect communications agency, unique in
our ability to provide purpose-powered comms that shape and change the world for the better, in
the UK and beyond. We have a deep specialism in working with NGOs, governments, research bodies
and public sector organisations within the ocean, marine and fisheries spheres. We also work
across other sustainability and environmental briefs. As a group, we’re hugely passionate about
the causes we serve and work non-stop with our minds alive with ideas and our hearts on our
sleeves.
As a consultancy, we offer everything from communications strategy development,
stakeholder engagement, events, web and graphic design to film and podcast production;
copy-editing, media management, and full campaign execution. We work across a range of
geographies, and with an exciting and broad range of clients. Despite this variety, at the
heart of all we do is the desire to communicate complex science issues creatively and
concisely, and tailor content of all forms to its intended audience.
Mindfully Wired consists of two companies, Mindfully Wired Consulting and Mindfully
Wired Communications. Mindfully Wired Communications (which is where this role sits), is not
only home to our Research & Innovation (R&I) team, but this is also the not-for-profit
arm of the business. The majority of our R&I projects are funded through European grant
programmes and seek to further evidence-based research, analysis and strategic thinking to
advance action towards making our oceans healthier and more sustainable.
Our Research & Innovation team leads the communications for diverse projects that
are working to secure a sustainable future for our oceans, and the communities that depend on
them. We use creative and strategic approaches to illuminate ongoing research in fields as
diverse as sustainable fisheries management, bycatch reduction, and the circular economy.
Multi-stakeholder dialogue is at the heart of our approach and we work with researchers,
fishers, NGOs and policy makers to ensure that the latest research can be used in
practice.
The role
We are seeking an experienced science and policy communicator to support the delivery
of a landmark research project.
The project, SEAwise, is a multinational research project centred on ecosystem-based
fisheries management. As communications lead on SEAwise, Mindfully Wired provides a suite of
outputs in support of amplifying the scientific outputs of the project, in close collaboration
with partners – from accessible research summaries and engaging press pieces to eye catching
infographics and expert stakeholder engagement. Now in its final year, SEAwise is entering an
exciting phase. To support this, we are looking for an enthusiastic, flexible and experienced
communicator to play a key role in delivery across a diverse range of communications outputs
for the project.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION:

A background in science or policy communication and knowledge of fisheries is essential
for this role. As Senior Consultant, you will be responsible for developing and delivering
accessible content for a host of audiences, including but not limited to press releases, policy
briefs, and management digests, with support from the Project Lead and Mindfully Wired’s
Associate Director, as appropriate. You will facilitate the delivery of several
stakeholder-focussed events, and will engage with our project partners and other key
stakeholders on a regular basis.
The role will suit someone who is organised, has excellent attention to detail, adept
at proof reading, and a flair for writing. We’re looking for someone who can think creatively,
adapt their written style and tone to suit diverse audiences, and work collaboratively – with
the team, clients and stakeholders to leverage high-quality, impactful communications. You will
have experience with policy, an interest in sustainable fisheries and the confidence to act on
your own initiative in delivering communications outputs. Design capabilities are a bonus, but
we do expect you to be able to know your way around Canva. The ability to digest and synthesise
information on complex topics is a must.
Knowledge of WordPress, Adobe, and video editing packages is desirable.
You will be responsible for: Copywriting: Producing a variety of high-quality
written outputs, including but not limited to policy briefs, conference reports, press
releases, accessible summaries of scientific documents etc.
Earned media relations: Drafting press releases and press statements, as well as
building and managing relationships with the journalists and client communications teams –
in support of effective project media coverage, across multiple geographies and
languages.
Materials production: Working with the project team to develop, refine and review a
wide range of communications materials (from visual to copy-led pieces of work).
Meetings & event support: You will be adept at leading and facilitating
meetings, and possess strong presentation skills. You will be able to actively participate
in meetings and be at ease with providing updates to clients and colleagues. In
collaboration with the Associate Director, Fisheries Project Lead and Creative Services
team, you will also be responsible for developing materials for, and delivering, workshops
and larger events with fisheries, science and policy stakeholders.
Horizon scanning to coordinate key opportunities for communications delivery across
multiple mediums.
Project management: Effectively communicating and keeping the team and client
informed on progress, ensuring expectations are managed and any issues are escalated in a
timely fashion. You will also provide more general project management and delivery support
to the Fisheries Project Lead including additional ad-hoc tasks, as required

Please refer the Job description for details