Work pattern: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with occasional weekends and overnight stays
Salary: Up to £44,289.75 per year
Contract: Permanent
We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.
Will you join us and make life better for cats?
Responsibilities of our Behaviour Engagement Officer:
Responsible for providing feline behavioural expertise to help Cats Protection deliver high-quality, cat welfare-focused messaging across its external-facing work
Support media, marketing, fundraising, partnerships, social media, education and advocacy activity, acting as a trusted source of behavioural expertise and a visible voice for cat welfare
Contribute to the development and review of behavioural resources and guidance for the general public and the wider sector
Support the organisation and delivery of the annual Cats Protection Behaviour Conference
About the Cat behaviour Engagement team:
The Cat Behaviour Engagement Team, within the Cat Welfare Engagement Team, works with a wide range of external stakeholders including veterinary professionals, students, shelters, corporate partners and the public to share knowledge, deliver training and promote best practice in cat behaviour and welfare. They also support Cats Protection’s external communications by ensuring strong, consistent welfare messaging and acting as media spokespeople on behaviour and welfare issues.
The Cat Welfare Engagement (CWE) Team brings together specialist expertise to ensure cats are always put first. Acting as a public‑facing voice for Cats Protection, the team works collaboratively across sectors, professions and nations to champion positive, evidence‑based cat welfare. The team also collaborates closely with internal stakeholders to ensure all external facing communications contain accurate and consistent welfare messaging.
What we’re looking for in our Behaviour Engagement Officer:
Undergraduate degree in Animal Behaviour
Qualified Clinical Animal Behaviourist and full member of relevant professional body, eg ABTC, APBC or working towards certification
Experience of working as an animal behaviourist or welfare specialist in a shelter setting
Experience working with volunteers
Experience of public speaking and/or as a media spokesperson
Comfortable with regular travel
What we can offer you in a role where your work helps improve cats’ lives
Health and wellbeing support to help you stay well while working remotely
Flexible working options to support a healthy work–life balance
Ongoing learning and development to help you build your skills and grow your career
26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
A competitive contributory pension scheme and life assurance for peace of mind
Financial wellbeing support, including access to Salary Finance
Additional support such as eye care vouchers and confidential employee advice services
Access to discounted pet insurance to help care for your pet’s health
Please note, we do not accept applications or speculative CVs from agencies.
Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.
If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.
If successful, your recruitment journey will include:
anonymised application form
virtual interview with presentation and media video task
Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.
Please email recruitment@cats.org.uk if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey.
We operate a bias-free application process in our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. To assess your application quickly, fairly and objectively, please fully complete the qualifications and work history sections of our online application form.
Redacted CVs may be accepted by exception.
We believe being an inclusive, diverse organisation - where we welcome diversity of thought, value individuals' experience and can reach and partner all areas of society - is crucial if we're to help more cats. Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts all candidates and signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity.
There’s a place for everyone at Cats Protection and we encourage applications from talented people across all communities.
Cats Protection is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk and protecting anyone that comes into contact with us from harm. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. You may be subject to a criminal record check if required for the role.
