Overview
As Internal Communications Manager you will join the central communications team in the Marketing, Admissions, Recruitment and Communications department. You will care deeply about internal communication and employee engagement, use your experience to build an informed, connected, and purposeful workplace. You will report to the Head of Internal Communications and manage an Internal Communications Officer, owning your areas of responsibility with a shared purpose.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* Support the Head of Internal Communications to develop and deliver internal communication strategy, translating strategic priorities into clear operational plans and campaigns to help people feel informed, connected and purposeful at work.
* Support the Head of Internal Communications to build a high performing team with an inclusive and collaborative culture.
* Line manage and develop an Internal Communications Officer, providing guidance, coaching and performance management to ensure high-quality delivery and professional development.
* Manage the development and delivery of internal communication and engagement campaigns, projects, leadership briefings and events, ensuring they support institutional priorities.
* Lead and contribute to communications for institutional change programmes, reputational issues, and complex projects affecting staff, including crisis and incident communications.
* Lead and deliver communications for key equality, diversity, inclusion (EDI) and wellbeing campaigns and initiatives, helping to create a supportive and collaborative culture.
* Oversee the day‑to‑day planning, coordination and delivery of internal communications across multiple channels, ensuring activity is well‑planned, aligned, and delivered to a consistently high standard.
* Produce and develop content for a wide range of stakeholders and channels, making sure planning and outputs are inclusive and accessible, and maintaining high standards of tone, clarity and consistency.
* Provide expert advice and practical support to colleagues across the University on effective internal communication and engagement, ensuring alignment with communications strategy.
* Use insight, analytics and staff feedback to inform communications planning, evaluate impact, and continuously improve engagement.
* Stay informed about developments in the higher education sector, internal communication and employee engagement trends and best practice to help evolve and strengthen our work.
* Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected.
Essential Criteria
* Significant experience of planning, managing and delivering a broad range of complex organisation‑wide internal communications and employee engagement cascades, initiatives, projects, campaigns and events for diverse staff audiences from senior leadership to all‑staff.
* In‑depth understanding of internal communication and staff engagement theory, approaches, trends and best practice.
* Excellent judgement and ability to identify potential controversial or reputational issues; able to exercise tact and diplomacy in sensitive situations and deal with confidential information.
* Able to engage internal audiences with quality writing across a range of channels; excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills.
* Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to create impact and influence at all levels, including with senior leaders.
* Able to meet tight deadlines and prioritise a demanding workload, including supporting and coaching team members.
* A strong team player. Committed to collective success and making things happen, with a strong attention to detail and the ability to hold the bigger picture in mind.
* Experience of developing accessible and inclusive communications, and an in‑depth understanding of workplace EDI and wellbeing.
* Experience of managing or contributing to crisis and incident communications.
* Excellent knowledge of higher education and the challenges and opportunities in the sector.
Further Information
* Grade: 7
* Salary: £38,784.00 – £51,753.00
* Work arrangement: Full‑time
* Line manager: Head of Internal Communications
* Direct reports: Internal Communications Officer
Benefits
* 41 days annual leave (including bank holidays) with the ability to purchase more.
* Flexible working opportunities.
* Generous pension scheme.
* Discounts on shopping, eating out and travel.
* Staff networks and recognition awards.
* Family‑friendly policies: paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies; menopause support; fertility treatment support.
* Disability Confident Leader.
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