PR Manager at Chester Zoo | Chester, Cheshire West and Chester, UK

Chester Zoo

PR Manager

Chester, Cheshire West and Chester, UK (Hybrid)

Salary Not AvailableMid Level3+ years expFull time

Posted 3 weeks ago

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Job Summary

Own the media relations function for a high-profile wildlife charity, turning conservation science into news coverage across multiple tiers while advising senior leaders on messaging and crisis response.

Own proactive and reactive campaigns, journalist relationships, and crisis communications to drive coverage and protect reputation.
Partner closely with production, spokespeople, and cross-channel teams to ensure consistent, timely external storytelling.

Job Description

Responsibilities

Lead proactive and reactive media campaigns from first idea through to delivery, generating international, national and regional coverage.
Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists across broadcast, print and digital media.
Work with other colleagues in the communications team to produce high-quality press releases, reactive statements and other media materials.
Act as a primary media contact, handling a high volume of media enquiries with speed, accuracy and sound judgement.
Support our work with television, radio and documentary production teams, managing relationships from initial conversations through to broadcast.
Brief and prepare spokespeople for media interviews, including at director level, helping build confidence and capability over time.
Build effective media pitches for targeted journalists and media outlets to maximise reach and coverage.
Play an active role in building and protecting Chester Zoo's reputation - monitoring the media landscape, identifying opportunities to strengthen our standing and spotting risks before they develop.
Support Chester Zoo's crisis communications when required, advising senior leaders and making decisive calls during fast-moving situations.
Coordinate communications to ensure consistent messaging across all channels.

Requirements

Significant (minimum three years) experience in a busy, high-volume press office or newsroom - ideally in conservation, leisure, tourism, or at another high-profile organisation.
A track record of securing outstanding media coverage that delivers organisational impact.
Excellent relationships with journalists and a sharp instinct for a strong story.
Experience handling both positive media opportunities and sensitive, high-profile issues with equal confidence.
Proven experience in reputation management, crisis communications and advising senior decision-makers
Confidence preparing and coaching spokespeople, including senior leaders.
Outstanding writing skills and the ability to produce high-quality work quickly under pressure.
A strong understanding of visual storytelling and how imagery and video strengthen earned and owned media campaigns.
Experience working with broadcast media and television production crews.
Strong organisational skills, sound judgement and the confidence to make decisions independently.

Benefits

33 days annual leave, increasing with length of service
Free zoo membership for yourself plus one other (and dependents where applicable) plus complimentary tickets for friends and family
Healthcare plan and Employee Assistance Programme including counselling and legal advice
Holiday buy-sell scheme - purchase or sell up to five extra days per year
Pension contributions of up to 9%
Cycle to work scheme - save at least 25% on a bike and accessories
Monthly gym membership discount
Heavily subsidised staff canteen
Free onsite parking
Free travel on the X1 bus service

Chester Zoo

3.4 Glassdoor

Chester Zoo is a major wildlife charity that’s working to prevent extinction all around the world. We are the most popular conservation zoo in the UK and home to more than 30,000 animals, from more than 550 different species.

Founded in 1931

Chester, England, GBR

774 employees (39 in marketing)

www.chesterzoo.org

58% recommend to a friend

100% CEO approval