Senior Press Officer (Maternity Cover)

We are the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth. We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all, and managed sustainably. Our work draws on leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, a global network of partners, and our inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, supported by 260 years of history.

Wakehurst is seeking an experienced Senior Press Officer to join their dynamic Marketing & Strategic Communications team. This role is responsible for delivering creative and impactful PR campaigns that will drive engagement, visits, and brand awareness. The successful candidate will primarily lead communications for Wakehurst’s vibrant events programme and contribute to broader brand campaigns to establish Wakehurst’s reputation as Kew’s living laboratory and a garden with purpose. Additionally, the role involves supporting the efficient running of the Wakehurst press office.

We are looking for a confident and enthusiastic individual with proven experience in delivering national PR campaigns and securing high-impact coverage across broadcast, print, and digital platforms. Experience working within a cultural organization or visitor attraction is preferred. The candidate should have outstanding copywriting and verbal communication skills, a keen eye for strong stories, and a successful track record of pitching to regional and national outlets. Collaboration with the central Kew Communications team is essential.

This is a fixed-term maternity cover role based at Wakehurst with hybrid working arrangements. A minimum of two days per week in the office is required, with occasional short-notice presence on site for reactive media. Some work may be required during evenings and weekends, including press events, film/photography shoots, on-call media duties during peak times, and communications during adverse weather.

The role offers a salary of £38,519 per year, with interviews scheduled for September 9, 2025. Our benefits include opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working options, an Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing support such as cycle to work schemes and discounted gym memberships, a competitive pension, employee discounts, and free entry to national museums, galleries, and our gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their application via our online portal. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community, including disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. No agencies please.