Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward-thinking institution rooted in, and connected to, a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised University focused on providing high-quality teaching, delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research.”
Our people are at the heart of the University – our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.
In acknowledgement of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.
The role
The Senior Communications Officer – Students and Student Hub is a delivery-focused role combining responsibility for student communications with a significant contribution to project-based work, particularly supporting the development and implementation of the University’s new Student Hub.
Based at our Headington Campus (Buckley Building) with hybrid working, you will report to the Deputy Head of Communications – Students and Staff. Acting as a key liaison between the Communications team and a wide range of internal stakeholders, you will provide strategic communications leadership, content development and digital best-practice guidance to support high-quality, inclusive student communications and services.
About the team
You will join the Communications team within the Directorate of Marketing, Recruitment and Engagement. The team works closely with colleagues across the University to plan and deliver effective communications that enhance the student and staff experience and support the University’s strategic objectives.
This role works particularly closely with colleagues in the Directorate of Academic and Student Administration, as well as Strategic Marketing and Digital teams, project boards and service leads, ensuring accurate, timely and accessible information for students across multiple platforms.
What will I be doing?
* Lead communications activity for key student-facing projects, initially focusing on the development and implementation of the University’s Student Hub.
* Develop and deliver integrated communications strategies and campaigns that improve student experience and engagement with services.
* Produce high-quality, accessible content for a wide range of channels including web, email, social media, print, screens and student-facing platforms.
* Provide editorial oversight and quality assurance for student support and knowledge base content, ensuring consistency and alignment across platforms.
* Act as a communications partner to service leads and project teams, offering expert advice on messaging, content structure, accessibility and governance.
* Plan, schedule and evaluate communications activity, using insight and analytics to inform continuous improvement.
* Represent the Communications team on working groups, committees and project boards, contributing strategic input and expertise.
What skills do I need?
* A degree in a related subject or equivalent professional experience.
* Excellent written and spoken communication skills, with the ability to produce engaging content for diverse audiences.
* Experience of planning and delivering communications in a large, complex organisation.
* Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet challenging deadlines.
* Excellent IT skills including experience of creating and developing intranet content.
* Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including experience of working with senior colleagues.
* Sound communications judgement and the confidence to work independently.
* Understanding of internal communications best practice and digital communications.
About the location
This role is based at our Headington Campus, primarily located in the Buckley Building. The campus offers a vibrant working environment and is approximately one mile from Oxford city centre, with excellent public transport links.
Oxford Brookes supports hybrid working where the role allows. This position is hybrid, with an expectation of regular time on campus alongside home working.
Benefits
As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with service, plus 8 Bank Holidays and additional University concessionary days (approximately 5 per year).
We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and provide the necessary equipment to enable flexible working.
You will benefit from membership of the highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme, with a 19.2% employer contribution, along with access to financial education and a comprehensive employee assistance programme.
* Discounted rates for University sports and gym facilities
* On-site Brookes Nursery
* Discounted travel options
* TOTUM card discount scheme
* Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles)
* Training and development opportunities
* Connected community through a wide range of staff networks, fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles. We take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of background.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.
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