Purpose of Role
The purpose of this role is to implement and drive the Communications Team strategy and deliver the outputs of the operational plan and day-to-day functions. To develop and implement external communications campaigns to support the University’s media and communication objectives. The main purpose of this role is to support and promote University research, education and partnerships to media outlets and external stakeholders locally, nationally and internationally. The role holder will be the port of call for journalist queries and for staff seeking advice on communications issues and utilise best practice in communications to maximise the University’s reputation across all channels.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
1. Manage relationships with the media and stakeholders effectively to proactively promote the University and safeguard its reputation
2. Develop content to maximise the reach, influence and levels of engagement with strategically important stories
3. Work with the Corporate Communications Manager and the wider Communication Team to strategically plan and promote the University research, education and business activities to external stakeholders
4. Work proactively with press and communication colleagues, academics, and professional services staff to identify and promote stories on the University’s strategic priorities
5. Place University stories in the regional, trade, national and international media as well as supporting social media content and campaigns
6. Produce regular media, social media and external communication reports to develop and enhance the overall communications strategy
7. Develop strong relationships with key journalists, social media contacts and external stakeholders relating to the University’s external communications strategy
8. Respond to incoming media calls about University activities and arranging media interviews for academics and university staff
9. Manage and log incoming media enquiries across a diverse range of subjects
10. Work in collaboration with communications and marketing colleagues in our Dubai and Malaysia campuses
11. Contribute to other University public relation activities as required e.g. events, speeches, presentations, publications, internal communications, website and social media content, logistics for video shoots, budget monitoring, administrative tasks such as planning and writing reports, institutional submissions to national and international awards
12. Perform other reasonable duties as required by the University
Essential & Desirable Criteria
Essential
13. University Degree or equivalent relevant experience
14. Prior experience of working in a press office, public affairs team or similar environment
15. Evidence of creating media strategies and communications campaign plans
16. Experience and passion for creating a range of written content
17. Experience of working with content management systems
18. Experience of working in a team and leading on own initiative
19. Knowledge of industry best practices
20. Ability to translate key messages into a compelling narrative
21. Ability to think creatively and to communicate creative ideas to others
22. A ‘can do’ attitude and a great problem solver
23. Ability to influence colleagues both upwards and laterally
24. Experience of using digital platforms (web, social media) to amplify coverage
25. The ability to use edit web pages using a content management system
26. Ability to use MS Office applications
Desirable
27. Professional qualifications in media, public relations or public affairs
28. Knowledge of Higher Education
29. Experience of writing stories for national and particularly international media
30. Experience of creating digital and social media content including video