Certificate in Conservation Communications

Learn how to plan and deliver effective communications activities, and become more employable and impactful with this foundation-level training.

Introducing the Certificate in Conservation Communications

This is an online course brought to you by the team at Conservation Careers. The structure of the course follows a detailed analysis of what employers are looking for when hiring early-career conservationists, and is taught by communications guru Lloyd Gofton.

This course aims to:

  • Equip conservation professionals and aspiring communicators with the practical skills needed to design and implement impactful communications campaigns.
  • Build confidence in creating engaging written content tailored to both press and non-press audiences.
  • Provide clear methods for securing press coverage and expanding visibility through social media.
  • Teach how to align content formats with campaign goals and audience needs.
  • Introduce simple and effective tools for measuring communications impact and reporting results.

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

  • Understand and apply a step-by-step framework for planning effective conservation communications.
  • Write engaging and persuasive content for various formats including press releases, social media, blogs, and email.
  • Develop and pitch stories to the media, including building relationships with journalists and navigating exclusives and embargoes.
  • Design a social media strategy that balances content creation, community engagement, and monitoring.
  • Create a range of content formats (e.g. visual, written, interactive) to meet audience needs and campaign objectives.
  • Measure communication success using key metrics (e.g. reach, engagement, conversions) and frameworks like REA.
  • Confidently report results and insights to internal stakeholders and external partners using appropriate formats.

After completing the training you’ll confidently be able to plan and deliver effective communications activities, during your career as a wildlife conservationist.

Why Is Communications Important In Your Career?

Within conservation there is a growing realisation that we need to do much more to share our messages and encourage more support and action. As a result, conservation employers are rapidly looking for people with communications skills.

They want staff who can plan communications activities, write effectively, get press and media attention, engage audiences on social media, deliver campaigns, write blogs, produce podcasts and more.

We analysed 29,767 conservation jobs, from over 100 countries, and 41% explicitly wanted people with communications skills or experience. Of these, 2,726 were communications specialist roles like Communications Officers. Marketing Managers or Social Media Officers.

If you want to succeed as a professional conservationist you need communications skills.

... Conservation Jobs Analyzed
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... Required Communications Skills​
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.. Were Communications Specific​
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Inside the training

Six Step-by-Step Modules to attack at your own pace. You’ll learn how to plan and deliver effective communications, as part of your duties as a conservation professional.

Support from the experts. You’ll have support from us in our private CC Pro community. We’ll be with you every step of the way.

Go at your own pace. With our self-paced flexibility, you’ll have access to the course for a full year. You can work entirely at your own pace and around your busy life and work commitments. You don’t need to stick to a schedule. 

CC Pro community. You’ll be welcomed into our new private online community for 12 months. Get answers to burning questions, enjoy regular live events, participate in growth challenges, share your coursework, celebrate your successes and more.

Certificate. Everyone who completes the course and passes our final quiz receives a certificate.

Rock-solid guarantee. Try it for 14 days. Not happy for whatever reason? We will refund 100% of your money.

Meet Your Instructors

Lloyd Gofton

Lloyd is your key trainer on the course. He has over 25 years of communications experience in the agency and conservation sector, working in public relations, social media, content marketing, digital marketing and strategy disciplines. 

During his career, he has worked with various organisations, including O2, WWF, Greenpeace, RSPCA, Médecins Sans Frontières, Samsung, Honda and Pizza Express, as well as a wide range of challenger brands.

He started in PR in 1998 and launched his first communications agency, Liberate Media, in 2006. The agency was one of the first in the UK to combine PR, social media, and content marketing services, running campaigns in the UK and across Europe, The Middle East, Africa, North America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

In 2019, Lloyd decided to focus his career on conservation and animal welfare. He has since worked with organisations such as World Animal Protection, Cheetah Conservation Fund, and Wildlife Heritage Areas. He is also a Director at two marine conservation not-for-profits: Sussex Dolphin Project and Blue Planet Society. Lloyd joined Conservation Careers as our Communications Coach in 2020 and later went on to become our Head of Marketing. 

Dr Nick Askew

Nick is the Founder and Director of Conservation Careers and holds a PhD in the behavioural ecology of Barn Owls. He is a member of the International Coaching Federation.

As a professional conservationist over the past 20 years he has worked across the Academic, Private, Public, Charity and Enterprise sectors.

During his career, he has raised over £2,500,000 for conservation projects across 120 countries, and has ten years’ experience in professional communications and marketing within the conservation sector. 

Nick’s work involved promoting the work of BirdLife International – the largest conservation partnership in the world – to a global audience using press releases , social media, content marketing and digital marketing.

He can’t wait to help you take your communications activities to the next level to be a better conservationist, and become more employable.

Course Outline

Module 1 | How to produce a communications plan for conservation​ projects?

This module will cover:

  • Research | Where are you today?
  • Objectives | Where do you want to be?
  • Audiences | Who are you talking to?
  • Messaging and tactics | What are you saying and how are you going to say it?
  • Activity | Who is doing what?
  • Measurement | How to identify outcomes, and evolve the campaign accordingly?

Module outcome | A clear understanding of how to pull the elements of your campaign together into a cohesive programme that delivers success.

Module 2 | How to write engaging copy about conservation projects?

This module will cover:
  • Writing for press | Understanding writing styles and grabbing attention.
  • Quote development | Getting your message across in a clear, concise and engaging manner.
  • Articles and features | The key to developing opinion pieces and how to assist journalists with their features.
  • Writing for non-press audiences | The differing styles of public, corporate and public sector audiences.
  • Developing written content | Writing email marketing, blogs, social media and deeper content pieces.
Module outcome | The confidence to write for a range of audiences without the hype.

Module 3 | How to get press and media coverage for conservation projects?

This module will cover:

  • The number one rule of achieving press coverage | No spoilers here! Find out more in the course.
  • Getting your pitch right | The art of storytelling to press audiences.
  • Identifying your press targets | Who will be interested in your story? 
  • Managing your story to completion | Tips to take you from interesting angles to published articles
  • Article publication | Your job isn’t done when the article is published. What happens next?

Module outcome | Ready to approach journalists and deliver media coverage that will make a difference to your campaign.

Module 4 | How to build and engage audiences on social media for conservation projects?

This module will cover:

  • Exposing social media myths | From fake news to fake users. What is the truth about social communications?
  • Which social networks are right for your campaign? | Does age define which social networks your community uses, or is it more complicated than that?
  • The profile of a social community member | Who do they trust? How do they behave? Why will they listen to you?
  • How to build a social media community | Why is a social community the goal but social followers are often the reality?
  • Developing a social strategy | What are you going to do with your social community?

Module outcome | The insight to build an engaged social community.

Module 5 | How to create content to support conservation projects?

This module will focus on:

  • Building a content strategy | All you need is time, tools and talent.
  • Which types of content should you use in your campaign? | Matching your communities’ interests to your organisation’s goals.
  • Creativity is great, but relevance is more important | Don’t make pretty things, make useful things.
  • Is it worth bringing in external support? | Why allocating resource to develop great content is usually a good investment.
  • Understanding the impact of your content | Making sure your content isn’t ‘fire and forget’.

Module outcome | The knowledge to develop content that will supercharge your campaign.

Module 6 | How to measure the success of your communications activities?

This module will focus on:

  • The foundations of communications measurement | A great place to start when measuring campaign performance.
  • The principles of international PR measurement | The guidelines that many PR organisations adhere to worldwide.
  • Social Media measurement and metrics | When everything can be measured in a social environment, where do you begin?
  • Measuring the impact of content and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) | Looking beyond launch metrics to understand content engagement.
  • Establishing a scoring system | If you can’t communicate your campaign outcomes, you’ve failed to communicate.

Module outcome | An insiders understanding of campaign measurement, metrics and techniques.

Bonus | Top Tips for putting it all into practice

This bonus module Nick and Lloyd discuss and share their top tips for implementing the course, and getting evidence of your communications skills for your CVs and Resumes.

This includes:

  • Starting your own blog
  • Getting feedback on your writing
  • Entering competitions
  • Volunteering
  • Becoming an influencer
  • Starting your own campaign
  • And much more…

We’ve helped some of the biggest names in conservation

We work with hundreds of conservation employers from across the globe to find new staff. We are also teaching career-planning and employability skills at over 40 universities and higher-education institutions. 

What are students saying?

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“I joined Communications for Conservation Projects in December 2021, and it’s been nothing short of life-changing. That may seem exaggerated, but in fact, it’s entirely true. I joined the course as a follow-on from the Conservation Career Kick-Starter programme, where I firmly cemented that my ‘career compass’ was pointing in the direction of working in the Conservation Communications sector. I used the course to ‘fill the gaps’ in my knowledge and career experience, thanks to the opportunity to study real-world, worked examples of effective communications strategies; and gain access to a professional PR and Communications expert with significant experience. This access to information and knowledge is second to none, and teamed with challenging and engaging tasks where tailored feedback is offered, plus access to a growing community of fellow learners and peers; it made this a much more valuable and bespoke experience than I was expecting.

“Thanks to this course, I have just secured a dream job as Head of Communications for a UK based conservation charity, and I have been able to perform confidently both at work and at interview stage, drawing directly upon my learning from this course!” Kate Stephenson (Kate On Conservation), UK.

“I’m writing to let you know that, after two and a half years of volunteering and taking courses, I’m about to start my first job with a conservation charity! Thanks to my participation in the Communications for Conservation Projects course I’ve just started as Communications Manager at the World Cetacean Alliance. I’m thrilled to be starting my career in wildlife conservation and feel very grateful for your expert advice and support along the way. Thank you!” Miki Tillett, UK, Cohort 1.

“Just wanted to reach out and say thank you so much to you and Lloyd for creating the conservation communications course. I recently secured a job for the Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust as a Marine Stories Ranger … a large part of why they were impressed was because of my participation in the course and the skills it has equipped me with. I know you like to hear feedback, so just wanted to let you know. Thanks again!” Charlie Gill, UK, Cohort 1.

Whether you want to raise awareness on a conservation issue, fundraise for a conservation project, or attract new supporters, the Communications for Conservation Projects course takes you step by step through the media campaign process. Real-life examples and guidance from experts give you a solid launch pad and clear direction for your own campaigns. Enroll and get ready for take-off! Tracy Brighten, Cohort 1.

The course provides you with the tools needed to create a communications project and help it reach a wide audience. Susan Dugan, USA, Cohort 1.

Excellent preparation if you are considering a role in communications, but also very helpful if your role is not directly in communication (e.g. conservation scientist) as it will improve your understanding of the communication processes. Sonja Ludwig, UK, Cohort 1.

A really good course to help you understand the lifecycle of a communications or media project. The modules take you from start to finish of the process making it easy to understand! Emily Fox, UK, Cohort 1.

Great course, really well taught, easy to follow and great that you can complete at your own pace. Lloyd’s emails were always open and he was a great support. Would definitely recommend- especially to Zoology graduates like myself, who learnt virtually nothing about communications in their degree, but need to know heaps about it for future jobs- I learnt a lot of really valuable information in this course! Jodie Velarde, UK, Cohort 1.

That the course is very useful and not only for conservation careers, but communication and PR are a fundamental part of many different jobs. Eleonora Rovegno, Italy, Cohort 1.

There is much more to communications than you would think, this course breaks it down and makes things make sense! Cary Googind, Colorado, USA, Cohort 1.

The structure allows you to learn at your own pace and Nick & Lloyd are so supportive, don’t hesitate because you’ve not done anything like it before. Rebecca Salt, UK, Cohort 1.

Choose how you want to learn

You can enrol in this certificated course on its own, or access it as part of CC Pass.

CC Pass includes this course plus all our other training and career courses, so you are supported beyond a single qualification and can continue developing skills as your conservation career evolves.

Career courses are available on demand, while certificated courses run with scheduled start dates, as shown in the pricing table below.

Start with one course – or choose all-access support with CC Pass.

Single Course

CC PASS

Availability

Available as Single Course

Available in CC PASS (£2,500+ value)

THIS COURSE | CERTIFICATE IN CONSERVATION COMMUNICATIONS

Enrolment closes 27 August 2026

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Certificate in Conservation Standards Project Management and Design

Enrolment closes 28 March 2026

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Certificate in Rewilding

Enrolment closes 30 April 2026

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Certificate in Community-Based Conservation

Enrolment closes 20 May 2026

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Certificate in Conservation Fundraising

Enrolment closes 25 June 2026

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Certificate in Conservation Communications Strategy (Advanced)

Enrolment closes 27 August 2026

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Certificate in Marine Conservation

Coming soon

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Certificate in Conservation Education

Coming soon

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Certificate in Conservation Science

Coming soon

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Conservation Career Kick-Starter

Start anytime in CC Pass

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How to Apply for Any Conservation Job

Start anytime in CC Pass

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Conservation Career Accelerator

Start anytime in CC Pass

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Public Speaking for Conservationists

Start anytime in CC Pass

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NEW! How to Get Conservation Experience

Start anytime in CC Pass

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Conservation Scholarship Success Masterclass

Coming soon in CC Pass

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Best for Focused skill development Accelerated professional development
Duration 12 months Ongoing - Cancel anytime
Risk-free access 7 day money-back guarantee 7 day free trial
Select Currency $ £
Price £250 £147/ quarter
THIS COURSE ONLY ALL COURSES | JOIN CC PASS

Single Course

Availability

Available as Single Course

THIS COURSE | CERTIFICATE IN CONSERVATION COMMUNICATIONS

Enrolment closes 27 August 2026

Check icon
Certificate in Conservation Standards Project Management and Design

Enrolment closes 28 March 2026

Check icon
Certificate in Rewilding

Enrolment closes 30 April 2026

Check icon
Certificate in Community-Based Conservation

Enrolment closes 20 May 2026

Check icon
Certificate in Conservation Fundraising

Enrolment closes 25 June 2026

Check icon
Certificate in Conservation Communications Strategy (Advanced)

Enrolment closes 27 August 2026

Check icon
Certificate in Marine Conservation

Coming soon

Check icon
Certificate in Conservation Education

Coming soon

Check icon
Certificate in Conservation Science

Coming soon

Check icon
Conservation Career Kick-Starter

Start anytime in CC Pass

Check icon
How to Apply for Any Conservation Job

Start anytime in CC Pass

Check icon
Conservation Career Accelerator

Start anytime in CC Pass

Check icon
Public Speaking for Conservationists

Start anytime in CC Pass

Check icon
NEW! How to Get Conservation Experience

Start anytime in CC Pass

Check icon
Conservation Scholarship Success Masterclass

Coming soon in CC Pass

Check icon
Best for Focused skill development
Duration 12 months
Risk-free access 7 day money-back guarantee
Price £250
THIS COURSE ONLY

CC PASS

Availability

Available in CC PASS (£2,500+ value)

THIS COURSE | CERTIFICATE IN CONSERVATION COMMUNICATIONS

Enrolment closes 27 August 2026

Check icon
Certificate in Conservation Standards Project Management and Design

Enrolment closes 28 March 2026

Check icon
Certificate in Rewilding

Enrolment closes 30 April 2026

Check icon
Certificate in Community-Based Conservation

Enrolment closes 20 May 2026

Check icon
Certificate in Conservation Fundraising

Enrolment closes 25 June 2026

Check icon
Certificate in Conservation Communications Strategy (Advanced)

Enrolment closes 27 August 2026

Check icon
Certificate in Marine Conservation

Coming soon

Check icon
Certificate in Conservation Education

Coming soon

Check icon
Certificate in Conservation Science

Coming soon

Check icon
Conservation Career Kick-Starter

Start anytime in CC Pass

Check icon
How to Apply for Any Conservation Job

Start anytime in CC Pass

Check icon
Conservation Career Accelerator

Start anytime in CC Pass

Check icon
Public Speaking for Conservationists

Start anytime in CC Pass

Check icon
NEW! How to Get Conservation Experience

Start anytime in CC Pass

Check icon
Conservation Scholarship Success Masterclass

Coming soon in CC Pass

Check icon
Best for Accelerated professional development
Duration Ongoing - Cancel anytime
Risk-free access 7 day free trial
Price £147/ quarter
ALL COURSES | JOIN CC PASS

Got a question?

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch by mail@conservation-careers.com