Overview
Be part of the world-renowned WorldPop Research Programme at the University of Southampton (UoS), a global top 100 university (QS World Rankings 2021). WorldPop is a global, award‑winning, multi‑sectoral team of researchers, technicians and project specialists working on producing data on population distributions and characteristics at high spatial resolution. Our mission is to improve the spatial evidence base on where people live, how populations change and how these patterns affect health, development and humanitarian outcomes. Combining census, survey, satellite and mobile data with advanced geospatial and statistical modelling, WorldPop supports governments, UN agencies and NGOs with accurate, timely data for policy and planning. Our work underpins efforts in public health, disaster response, migration and sustainable development by delivering detailed insights into human populations at local to global scales.
Role: Engagement and Communications Manager
The role will support the implementation of WorldPop’s engagement strategy through its relationships with the media, users of the WorldPop data and the general public. The successful candidate will bring considerable experience in communication related roles and be able to demonstrate a dynamic and independent approach to developing a communications approach that aligns with wider WorldPop strategies.
Key Responsibilities
* Serve as the first point of contact between the WorldPop Research Group and its key stakeholders.
* Identify and nurture relationships with potential partners to facilitate collaborations and funding that help our data and methods reach the widest possible number of users.
* Monitor and report engagement with WorldPop communications and support the coordination of in‑person events to develop a stronger community of practice around its data.
* Draft content that communicates WorldPop’s impact to UN agencies, governments, researchers and the public.
* Maintain important internal relationships such as the WorldPop leadership team, project leads and University media and communications contacts to take a holistic view of the WorldPop offer and identify narratives and mechanisms to enhance the reputation of the research group.
Qualifications
Applicants should have considerable experience in communication related roles and demonstrate an outgoing, dynamic, and independent approach to developing communication strategies that align with wider organisational objectives.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The School of Geography and Environmental Science is committed to fostering a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates, particularly those belonging to groups under‑represented within academic posts at the University, including but not limited to people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, people who identify as LGBTQ+, people with disabilities and from poorer and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Benefits
The University of Southampton offers flexible working, a generous holiday allowance of 30 days plus 6 additional university closure days and public holidays. We support your long‑term future with a generous pension scheme under the Universities Superannuation Scheme, subsidised health and fitness facilities and a range of employee discounts.
Application
A full list of the role tasks and responsibilities is available in the attached Job Description & Person Specification. Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.
#J-18808-Ljbffr