Communications Lead – Biodiversity Hotspots

Background

The Hempel Foundation, together with partners, has created an initiative to update the global Biodiversity Hotspots – one of the most widely-used frameworks for identification of regions containing the world’s threatened biodiversity. Biodiversity Hotspots identify the biologically richest and most endangered terrestrial ecoregions on Earth. It has supported conservation efforts since publication in 2000. It now needs to be updated, then applied and promoted to guide and focus conservation activities and funding.

This Hotspots initiative comprises two objectives.

• The first is to engage scientific and academic partners globally to identify the most important areas in the world for biodiversity conservation.

• The second is to maximise the application of Hotspots information over time through professional communications. This includes the creation of a website as the central global platform for data and knowledge about biodiversity hotspots, as well as social media, events and other activities.

The ambition is that within three years this Hotspots website will become the primary global reference point for biodiversity hotspot knowledge and used to guide more funding and conservation effort to the places where science shows it is needed the most.

Role

The Hempel Foundation is looking for a Communications Lead to play a leading role creating and delivering the long-term global Biodiversity Hotspots communications strategy, content, materials, brand, and digital presence.

The person in this role will lead Hempel’s work with key stakeholders to build the Biodiversity Hotspots brand, based on strong scientific credibility and target audience needs. The person will also lead the Hempel Foundation’s work to conceptualise and promote the global website platform. The role combines strategic communication, brand development, global awareness, digital platform development, and international coordination.

The position reports to the Head of Communications at the Hempel Foundation and works closely with the Foundation’s International Biodiversity team to ensure the communications align with global conservation priorities and Hempel’s own biodiversity strategy.

The Hempel Foundation is based in Copenhagen, Denmark, where the role will be based, with some flexibility around time in the office. It will require some international travel.

Key responsibilities:

• Brand Development: Play a central role promoting the Biodiversity Hotspots brand. Lead engagements with stakeholders to develop the strategy, narrative, messaging, and communication approaches needed to position the Biodiversity Hotspots as a scientifically robust global tool. Ensure a consistent and compelling brand identity across platforms and communication channels.

• Digital Platform Stewardship: Lead engagements with stakeholders to conceptualise and manage the Biodiversity Hotspots website as a global knowledge platform. Lead engagements with developers, designers and researchers to define the structure, functionality, and user experience of the platform. Ensure the platform presents complex scientific knowledge and data so it is accessible, understandable, engaging and relevant to a global audience. Ensure the platform is designed so it will remain relevant to an evolving digital landscape, including the use of AI-enabled search, content discovery, and knowledge navigation. Manage the website, including updating it with annual re-assessments of key Hotspots data.

• Content Development & Shared Learnings: Work with stakeholders and knowledge partners to translate scientific data and results into accessible communications content. Develop editorial concepts and digital storytelling that combine data and learnings. Link to high-profile global biodiversity communications platforms and partners e.g., Mongabay and other external media to coordinate content for greater global reach. Ensure communications outputs maintain credibility with scientific audiences, while being accessible to broader stakeholders.

• International Collaboration: Lead engagements with key stakeholders, including international academia, NGOs and donors. Coordinate Hotspot communication activities with Hotspots partners and relevant research institutions. Facilitate collaboration between researchers, communicators, and digital specialists. Work in close partnership with the Hempel Foundation’s international biodiversity team to ensure alignment with Hempel’s scientific priorities and strategic plans.

• Channel Development: Establish and develop appropriate communications channels for the initiative, including LinkedIn and Instagram. Use those channels to build awareness of the Hotspots update. Develop and post materials ahead of publication of the updated Hotspots (envisioned for early 2027).

• Awareness: Ensure the Hotspots website is well-known in media and other relevant channels for conservation. Promote and raise awareness about the global Hotspots, the annual updates, and important learnings so they can be used by local NGO partners, donors, and to raise awareness about the status of global biodiversity.

Skills and Experience:

We are looking for a senior communications professional who is comfortable working at the intersection of science, digital communication and international collaboration, and who can lead the creation of insights and stories.

Key qualifications include:

• Masters in communication or journalism.

• At least 10 years of experience.

• Demonstrated experience contributing to the development of digital platforms and websites.

• Experience building or developing brands and communication platforms.

• Strong ability to translate complex information into accessible communication.

• Ability to create and maintain effective and professional relationships with international partners and stakeholders, and to understand and balance their dynamics and needs.

• Very strong written and spoken communication skills in English.

Important qualities:

• The role will work with a wide range of international biodiversity partners, so a strong global perspective and a good understanding of biodiversity issues is highly valued.

• A good listener, presenter and strategic thinker who is also hands-on and able to act on information to develop ways for our work to become even more effective.

Application

If you have any questions in regard to the role, please feel free to reach out to Head of Communications, Cecilie Weinholt-Ludvigsen on cew@hempel.com. 

Curious to know more about the Hempel Foundation, please read more here: Hempel Foundation | Accelerating Change Together| Hempel Foundation

Application due

Seniority Level

Job Functions

Industry

Chemicals

About Hempel Foundation

The Hempel Foundation is the majority owner of the Hempel A/S Group, a global coatings company. The Foundation was established in 1948 by our founder Mr. Jørgen Christian Hempel.

According to the Foundation Charter our primary purpose is to ensure a strong and stable financial foundation for Hempel A/S, securing its longterm development and value creation. Our secondary purpose is philanthropic.

Guided by the principles outlined in the Foundation Charter, we strive to make a lasting and sustainable impact on some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Our philanthropic strategy focuses on ensuring quality education for all children, and on sustaining critical ecosystems and restoring biodiversity.

We take a strategic approach to philanthropy, aiming to drive meaningful change and accelerate impact by helping organisations scale their impact through both our financial and non-financial resources.