Senior Internal Communications and Engagement Manager
Contract:
4-month FTC
Location:
Hybrid - x1 day per week required on site at Milton Keynes
Hours:
37hrs per week (can be flexible but must work Monday to Friday)
Salary:
£46,735 to £57,422 per annum
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Academic Services at The Open University as it embarks on a new phase of its organisational structure. We are looking for a highly skilled Senior Manager with lots of experience in Internal Communications and Engagement, to lead the design and delivery of their internal communications and engagement strategy.
Working closely with the Academic Services Senior Team, you will advise, plan and deliver communications for ongoing strategic change initiatives, ensuring messages inform, motivate and engage colleagues at every level. You will also oversee the day-to-day running of internal communications within Academic Services, providing leadership to the Internal Communications and Engagement Manager.
The ideal candidate will play a critical role in shaping the way our client is perceived by key audiences. You will drive brand awareness by being involved in all stages of the communications process from concept to message development to result oriented evaluation.
What Success Looks Like:
* Colleagues feel informed, connected and engaged with our mission and priorities.
* Leaders are confident and effective in engaging their teams.
* Organisational change is supported by clear, timely, human-centred updates.
* Feedback loops are visible and acted upon.
* Our culture of openness, collaboration and trust is strengthened.
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop and deliver the Academic Services Internal Communication and Engagement Strategy, ensuring consistency of messaging across channels.
* Work with senior leaders to create and manage key messages for core audience groups.
* Provide expert advice and hands-on support for business-as-usual and change communications, including the design and implementation of communication plans.
* Oversee content across intranet, newsletters, digital screens and staff engagement events.
* Lead on proactive and reactive communications for all stakeholder audiences, managing risks and ensuring clear, timely updates.
* Monitor and evaluate communication initiatives, identifying and implementing improvements.
* Line manage and develop the Internal Communications and Engagement Manager to deliver a high-quality service to the unit.
Key Requirements:
* Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills.
* A proven track record of delivering internal/change communication projects with multiple stakeholders and senior leaders.
* Experience developing and implementing communications strategies and campaigns across a range of channels.
* Strong influencing, relationship building and advisory skills at senior level.
* The ability to lead, motivate and develop a team.
* A flexible, creative approach to problem-solving under time pressure.
* Experience of organising and facilitating workshops, events or conferences.
Desirable:
* Awareness of the higher education environment.
* Relevant qualification in communications.
This is a fantastic opportunity to shape internal communications for one of the UK's most respected universities at a time of transformation.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.
Apply now via Pertemps to join The Open University's Academic Services team and help deliver clear, engaging communications that make a difference.