Responsibilities

• The production of a monthly OU Research newsletter on LinkedIn.
• Production of up to four new research grants stories for OU channels and working on making more of them in discussion with the Senior Manager, Research Communications.
• Leading on an OU research video or podcast series.
• Working with the Senior Manager, Research Communications, faculties and the OU YouTube team to produce a regular stream of videos about OU research.
• You will create content that can be adapted for use by teams working in media relations, external comms and government and external affairs as well as nations and faculty.
• You will draft copy and keep the OU Research website up to date with research news.
• Your role will work across multiple channels including event support for key research moments such as the Research Excellence Awards/key OU research showcases.
• Your ultimate aim is to further the understanding of the impact of the OU’s research both internally and externally.

Requirements

• Experience of external communications. Generating stories, creating content and campaigns that work across multiple channels.
• Experience of contributing to the delivery of integrated campaigns across paid, earned, shared, and owned communications channels.
• Can demonstrate a track record of actioning different and varied communications quickly across a range of channels.
• Evidence of strong spoken and written interpersonal and communications skills and the ability to work quickly and accurately to tight deadlines producing material which requires minimal input from senior colleagues.
• Can navigate a complex organisation, prioritise and deliver with multiple stakeholders that have different objectives.
• An understanding of the role research can play in promoting the OU to key audiences.
• Experience of supporting academics in helping them explain complex research projects to a wide audience.
• Evidence of an ability to utilise research outputs and creatively communicate it both internally and externally.
• Experience of regular reporting to demonstrate the effectiveness of research communications towards the greater reach plan.

Benefits

• Flexible working
• Hybrid working
• Working location: hybrid pattern; Milton Keynes campus at least 1 day per week