College Communications Officer (Strategic Projects, QT Hub)

Expires

22nd November 2017

Job Purpose

This postholder will manage the internal and external communications in the Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology, as part of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, particularly in relation to research and education. The postholder will use their communications expertise to raise the profile of the Hub amongst their current internal and external audiences, whilst proactively seeking new stakeholders to engage with. In addition to the communications requirements of the Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology, the postholder will be responsible for implementing elements of the College Communications Strategy and will report to the Deputy Communications Manager.

Main duties:

1. Working with the College Communications team and leads in the Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology to develop and implement a marketing and communications strategy in relation to innovation, research and educational activities. This will include:

  • Developing and implementing a plan for communication of news, events and research impact. This will involve multiple online and physical channels, and present a joined-up approach, tying in with overall College Communications;
  • Developing and implementing a recruitment plan around the postgraduate educational products, including CPD provision;
  • Developing high quality marketing and communication materials, and building on the existing on-line presence for both educational offering and research impact;
  • Leading communications and marketing campaigns.
  • Piloting new, complex communication strategies;
  • Responding to central communication initiatives and ensuring any central changes are reflected on Institute pages as relevant and appropriate;
  • Respond to ad-hoc requests for strategically important communications activities, and advise and implement their delivery.

2. In collaboration with colleagues in the Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology, take responsibility for developing content for communications for a range of audiences and via different channels. This will include:

  • Work closely with the hub team and researchers to develop an understanding of the hub research and innovation activities and pick up news and initiatives in a self-sufficient way
  • Attending meetings in all areas to ensure key messages and areas of work are fully understood
  • Undertaking and/or commissioning copywriting
  • Proactively commissioning and co-producing videos, in collaboration with other colleagues in the College Marketing and Communications team
  • Proactively sourcing and providing content for all communications channels, and, if appropriate, establishing bespoke channels
  • Editing websites, blogs and other relevant digital platforms and producing bespoke e-news bulletins using appropriate software
  • Ensuring activity ties in with overall College and University Communications, and is present in regular communications channels
  • Working with colleagues in College Marketing and Communications team to ensure consistency and best practice is shared across all channels
  • Putting forward suggestions as to how the overall communications practices may be improved

3. Taking responsibility for developing, leading, running and managing logistics for research-related events in the Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology. This may include:

  • Events for students, staff, industrial bodies and overseas delegations. These may be on or off campus
  • Producing invitation communications and developing registration processes
  • Producing bespoke literature and marketing collateral for use at events, including powerpoint presentations and writing speeches for senior management
  • Managing logistics around room booking, catering, audio-visual requirements etc
  • Obtaining feedback and producing reports and post-event communications
  • Proactively seeking ways of improving event management

4. Taking responsibility for the appearance, content and relevance of the Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology’s website, as well as other new initiatives in which we play a part. This will include:

  • Proactively managing the Hub’s website, in collaboration with the Web Marketing and Communication Officers, and informing the College Marketing and Communications team of relevant updates;
  • Ensuring the Hub’s home-page and sub-pages are visually attractive, relevant and up-to-date with clear links to relevant sections of the website;
  • Proactively seeking out research-related news across the Hub, producing content and getting sign-off from relevant academic colleagues. This may involve establishing new processes and relationships with key staff across a number of different universities to ensure there are routes through which content can be accessed and generated;
  • Working in partnership with the Director of the Hub and key academics to ensure the news section of websites is kept relevant and visually attractive;
  • Ensuring that rich media content is uploaded regularly to the Hub’s website by working alongside academics across the relevant universities;
  • Undertaking regular checks to ensure basic information and time-sensitive content is kept updated and accurate;
  • Advising colleagues in the Hub on technical aspects of website management and recommending improvements where appropriate;
  • Keeping colleagues update-to-date on the latest trends and developments in relation to the website and communicating these to the Director verbally and through written reports.

5. Maintaining a database of stakeholders to the Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology’s initiatives in the College, and integrating these contacts into the marketing and communications plans.

6. Monitoring the effect of dedicated Quantum Technology-related marketing and communications activities, and making recommendations to improve such activities. This will include:

  • Setting and maintaining benchmark metrics in relation to communications – interaction, frequency and the impact they have;
  • Use analysis to produce suggestions for improvements and adaptation of strategy and activities;
  • Analyse specific online campaigns relating to research, events or reputational activities, and determine success and return on investment.
  • Developing processes whereby activity is reviewed and improved upon;
  • Producing reports for the academic colleagues, the Deputy Communications Manager and the College Communications team.

7. Playing an active role as part of the wider College Marketing and Communications team. This will include:

  • Support the College Marketing and Communications Manager’s and College Deputy Communications Manager’s broader projects, publications and events
  • Supporting the team in other ways to the mutual benefit of both the College and the specific areas of Quantum Technology-related research.

 

Person Specification

Essential

  • Degree-level education or equivalent
  • At least two years’ experience of working in a communications environment
  • Proven copywriting ability
  • Experience of leading campaigns and managing events
  • A proven, high standard of written and oral communication, and confidence of leading projects at all levels
  • Well-developed administrative and organisational skills with a proven ability to pay attention to detail
  • A creative and innovative approach to problem solving
  • Computer literate, confident and competent in the use of database systems and electronic communication
  • Confidence in using social media
  • Strong understanding of communication and marketing in industry as well as understanding of the wider higher education context, student recruitment trends and research landscape
  • Proficient use of a number of web authoring tools and related software packages (such as Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop).
  • Ability to present complex issues in report style and via presentations to an audience
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and a ‘can-do’ attitude
  • Energetic and enthusiastic approach with an ability to bring people together to work on a common cause.
  • Ability to work with initiative, and being able to lead on and prioritise work in a pressured environment.
  • Good organisational skills with attention to detail
  • A team player but someone who can work independently
  • Prepared to undertake occasional work in the evenings and weekends with some nights spent away from home

Preferred

  • Experience of working in communications and/or events in a Higher Education Institution
  • Experience of working with Content Management Systems (CMS)
  • Experience of internal communications

Planning and organising:

  • Experience of leading and managing events and leading marketing initiatives
  • A proven, high standard of written and oral communication, and confidence of leading projects at all levels
  • Well-developed administrative and organisational skills with a proven ability to pay attention to detail
  • A creative and innovative approach to problem solving
  • Ability to work with initiative, and being able to lead on and prioritise work in a pressured environment.
  • Good organisational skills with attention to detail
  • A team player but someone who can work independently
  • Prepared to undertake occasional work in the evenings and weekends with some nights spent away from home

 

For further information, and to apply, click here