Communications Manager

• Develop, gain agreement and deliver communication strategies for research stories and campaigns (and any other University initiatives as requested by the Head of Strategic Communications), taking into account University priorities, key audiences, channels, timescales and resources.

• Plan and deliver effective and timely communications activity in line with the strategies, communicating University research and innovation work through a range of methods and channels (news releases, publications, digital content, social media, informal or formal briefings, interviews with key academic staff, tailored visits to Oxford, etc).

• Sourcing, producing and curating varied creative content – such as news releases, blog posts, video content, podcasts and events – to support the promotion of key research themes, as well as promoting other research and innovation-related stories that are likely to enhance the University’s reputation.

• Work proactively to identify, plan and coordinate press work for research, including negotiating and liaising with senior academic staff, managing relationships with external partners, drafting and disseminating releases, and handling media enquiries and requests. Develop and implement policies and criteria on what research is presented to the media.

• Build strong professional relationships with key communications stakeholders across the collegiate University, as well as relevant external contacts. Includes developing a network of media contacts and enhancing good relations with local, national, international and online media.

• Provide expert advice, coaching, training and presentations on communications to subject-matter expert groups in the academic Divisions and departments

• Responsible for evaluating and reporting on research communications activities and strategies, including analysing results

Selection Criteria:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent

• Extensive first-hand experience of proactive storytelling on a range of channels

• In-depth knowledge of print, broadcast and online media, with outstanding news judgement

• Proven expertise in producing statements, story pitches, news releases and/or articles to deadline for a range of audiences and publications

• Experience of strategic planning for proactive and reactive news

• Experience of managing communications projects

• Experience providing expert advice and guidance to senior colleagues

• Demonstrable experience of assimilating complex information, ideas and data quickly, identifying the pertinent points and making them accessible for a wider audience

• Demonstrable track record of interest in and aptitude for university research output

• Ability to show initiative and work independently, as well as part of a team

• Ability to work with complex figures and statistics, including using them to make clear points to a wide audience

  
  

Please be aware that all candidates need to be able to start work immediately and must be able to work on site if required to do so.

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