All known life depends on plants and fungi, and therefore furthering our knowledge of plants and fungi is vital to secure a sustainable, healthy, and prosperous future. As a world leader in a network of over 1,700 botanic gardens in 148 countries, with education programmes that reach learners in 55 countries and collaborative research programmes in 34 countries, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is one of Scotland’s highest profile and most admired national and international institutions, and top visitor attractions.
Volunteers support the work of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in many ways and play a vital role in the welcome and experience of our visitors. Volunteers are involved within various areas of the Garden including Horticulture, Science Communication, Phenology, Events, Exhibitions, Herbarium and Library.
The Communications Volunteer will work in collaboration with the Press & Marketing Manager, with support from the wider team. Initially, the project will be short term (estimate 6-8 months). However, as the work of the team is evolving, there could be opportunity for it to be extended.
Main duties
· Support research into establishing new contacts in media outlets, significantly outwith the Scottish media and looking towards the rest of the UK and beyond, and their preferred content.
· To aid the tracking, logging and sharing of news and feature related media coverage, across print, broadcast and digital platforms.
· You may also have opportunity to research and write media copy, process incoming media requests and assist with photocalls and filming.
Commitment
The day can be negotiable: Wednesday 10am-4pm
Experience
The volunteer for this role has an interest in print and broadcast media and is attracted to supporting the small media team exploring fresh opportunities aligned to raising awareness of the core work and key messages of the four Gardens of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, in the United Kingdom and around the world.
Support
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is committed to ensuring that all volunteers are treated equally irrespective of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, and pregnancy or maternity. We encourage applications from volunteers from diverse backgrounds, and value the positive impact that this has on our team.
To apply, please complete an application form (linked here) and return to voluteering@rbge.org.uk
Closing date: 12pm (BST) Monday 31 March 2025
We will be contacting interested applicants for an informal interview after the closing date.
If you have any access requirements or questions relating to this volunteering opportunity, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
