Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver a range of creative, multi-channel media engagement activities and campaigns that raise the profile and increase the impact of the University’s activities within specified audiences. Report on performance against agreed targets.
• Work closely with Colleges, the Communications and Reputation team, the wider ER division, other Professional Services, and external partners to build knowledge, relationships and develop a comprehensive and unified approach to increase impact of the University’s activities.
• Advise on and manage complex and often sensitive reputational risks, issues, and crises, including as a member of the university’s Emergency Communications team, helping to position the University appropriately to both internal and external audiences.
• Maintain understanding of specific areas of policy and university developments, and participate in horizon-scanning activities, to identify and mitigate potential reputational risks.
• Advise on the delivery of appropriate media training for academic and senior administrative staff, and to organise delivery where appropriate.
• Log activity within the work and editorial planning tool and participate in news gathering and assignment discussions.
• Work flexibly with focus that may shift across different academic areas and audiences, in response to strategic priorities.
• Conduct audience insight to shape communications planning by monitoring trends, understanding audience needs, and using analytics.
• Monitor and regularly evaluate performance against targets to inform communications planning and drive innovation.
• Generate new ideas for content and copywriting and lead the creation of high-quality content and copy across channels (social media, press releases, publications, etc.)

Requirements

• Educated to degree level (or holding equivalent vocational or professional qualifications)
• Significant practical relevant experience in a similar role if no qualification held
• Substantial experience in a Communications/Press/PR role working with the media
• Proven news judgement with the ability to weigh inputs about merits of a potential story
• Demonstrable experience in devising and delivering multi-channel strategic communications plans
• Excellent writing ability, communication and interpersonal skills, ability to translate complex information for diverse audiences
• Demonstrable track record of working with the media and proactive successes in selling stories
• Knowledge of higher education sector and issues faced by universities
• Experience with crisis communications
• Project management skills with experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders

Preferred

Benefits

• 40 days paid holiday a year
• one paid day a year for volunteering
• occupational sick pay
• pension scheme
• three high quality subsidised day nurseries
• flexible working arrangements (depending on role)