British Trust for Ornithology

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IMPORTANT Unbiased Recruitment and Making an Application

As part of our commitment to reduce bias in our hiring process and improve equity of opportunity, diversity and inclusion in BTO, we use a recruitment system that enables Unbiased Recruitment. This involves using a standard application form and a system that removes details that may reveal a person's gender identity, race, religion, or socioeconomic background. We do not accept CVs or cover letters for this reason. If the application system is a barrier to applying, please email recruitment@bto.org to discuss alternatives with the People Team.

Please provide as much detail as possible in response to the questions in this application form to give evidence of how your skills, experience and knowledge meet the requirements of the role description.

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Equality and Diversity

We recognise that candidates from minority ethnic groups are under-represented in our organisation, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups when applying for roles in the charity sector and beyond. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team, and if you meet the essential criteria for a role and are from a minority ethnic group, you'll be guaranteed a first stage interview.

Does this apply to you? By selecting 'yes' you give consent for us to disclose that you are applying under our policy of guaranteeing an Interview with the recruiting manager. If you do not opt-in your application will be considered alongside other candidates and you will not be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria. If you do opt-in and are not shortlisted you will be able to request feedback *

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the vacancy.

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Please provide details below, or contact peopleteam@bto.org to discuss with our HR team.

The selection decision at interview will be based on the most suitable candidate, regardless of any protected characteristic. In cases where we receive a very high volume of applications, we may need to limit the number of Guaranteed Interview Scheme candidates progressing to interview.

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Equality Act

We are committed to the fair treatment of our employees and potential employees, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependants, age, physical/mental disability or offending background.

The information you give on this form will help us comply with our policy of ensuring equality in our services to you. We recognise that some people may regard some of this information as personal and we have, therefore, included an option in most questions for ‘prefer not to say’.

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Declaration

The information on this form will be used for recruitment and selection purposes only and if your application is successful it will form part of your employment record. All unsuccessful applications will be destroyed six months after the closing date for positions advertised in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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Job Details

Job Title: Science Communications Manager
Job Reference: KS1678563TheSCM
Location: Thetford
Salary: £38710.00 to £38710.00

Science Communications Manager
Thetford, Norfolk
Full time, Permanent
£38,710.00 per annum + 11% employer pension contribution

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in demonstrating the impact of BTO science, both to the organisation’s members and our broader audiences. The role combines strategic thinking with hands-on editorial and creative work. You will shape a forward-looking programme of scientific communications, identify compelling stories from across BTO’s portfolio of science, and translate complex scientific findings into clear, accurate and engaging content for our communication channels. With responsibility for BTO News (our member magazine), the Science e-news, and a range of cross-channel campaigns and content, this is an opportunity for an accomplished communicator and editor to demonstrate the impact of BTO’s work, and inspire positive action for birds and people. You will have a degree in a relevant scientific subject and proven editorial and science communication skills.

This position is based at our HQ in Thetford, Norfolk, although you will be able to work from home part of the time on a hybrid working regime (minimum of three days in the office, each week) and flexible start and finish times can also be accommodated to ensure a good work-life balance.

You can read the full role description by clicking on the role description under 'supporting documents' in the job details on our careers page. Please contact us if you are not sure if you meet all the criteria for the role and would like to discuss the role in more detail.

Please note that, if you are the successful candidate, you will be required to provide documentary evidence of your right to live and work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

WHAT DOES BTO DO?
The heart of BTO encompasses three key areas: birds, science, people. We work to secure a better future for birds and nature, using our science, monitoring and data to inform good environmental decisions, inspiring others with the wonder of birds and empowering them to work with us. Our priority is to make a positive impact for birds, using our strong and objective science in partnership with other organisations, members and volunteers. We strive to work sustainably and to welcome everyone.

Our values
We are evidence-led, inclusive, collaborative and empowering.

Birds Science People; it is a powerful combination – will you be part of it?

WHAT WE OFFER

£38,710.00 per annum
Annual Leave: 25 days per year (plus bank holidays), increasing with service to 26 days after 5 years, 28 days after 10 years, and 30 days after 15 years (pro rata for part-time staff).
Paid 'journey days' (up to 2 days) to staff who travel on holiday by land or sea instead of flying.
Annual team away days
Life assurance (four times salary)
11% employer pension contribution
Employee Assistance Programme offering help and advice to staff and their families on matters related to bereavement, wellbeing, finances, relationships, family and more. This includes a number of free counselling sessions.
Enhanced sick pay
Enhanced Family leave- Maternity, Adoption, and Shared Parental Leave, 12 weeks at full pay. Paternity and Partner leave, 4 weeks at full pay.
Health cash plan which enables staff to claim back some healthcare expenses, such as prescriptions, dental treatment and specialist diagnostic tests. It also offers: Discounts on gym memberships and various retailers, a virtual GP and prescription service, on-demand wellness content (fitness, yoga,meditation, sleep, mindfulness) and access to Health Lens, Eargym, and digital physiotherapy via Phio.
Retail discounts through MyLifestyle.
Cycling friendly employer- gold accredited
Cycle to work scheme- spread the cost of purchasing a new bike and save money
Discounts on: BTO books, Bird care from Vine House Farm (10% discount on orders placed on the website) and Opticron (15% off)
Free access to BTO training courses
Flexible working- A combination of home and office working and flexible start and finish times (where this meets business needs)
Free eye tests and a contribution of £49 towards prescription glasses for VDU use only.
Free car parking
Effective job evaluation policy that recognises where staff increase their level of responsibility over time
Coaching and mentoring scheme
Staff groups and forums- First Aiders and mental health first aiders, Coaching and mentoring, Diversity working, Sustainability and Natural Working, Becoming Inclusive, Neurodiversity group, LGBTQ+ group and our staff group creating a positive and welcoming culture to work in.
Commitment to creating an inclusive environment
Commitment to sustainability

Closing date for receipt of applications is 23:59, Wednesday 30 September 2026 and Interviews will be held in Thetford, on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@bto.org

If you have a disability or long-term illness that otherwise prevents you from meeting any of the essential criteria, please contact us to discuss whether a reasonable adjustment could be made.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the vacancy.

We recognise that candidates from minority ethnic groups are under-represented in our organisation, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups when applying for roles in the charity sector and beyond. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team, and if you meet the essential criteria for a role and are from a minority ethnic background, you'll be guaranteed a first stage interview.

In cases where we receive a very high volume of applications, we may need to limit the number of Guaranteed Interview Scheme candidates progressing to interview.
Charity No. 216652 (E&W); SC039193 (Scotland)