The department
The Communications, Advancement and Stakeholder Engagement section is led by Liam Preston (Director of Communications, Advancement and Stakeholder Engagement).
The core focus of the section is to connect the University of Essex with the communities we serve locally, nationally, and globally. From building lasting relationships with alumni and donors, to championing access to education for underrepresented groups, to telling powerful stories about our research and people, we are the bridge between the University and the wider world. We promote Essex’s values and impact through strategic engagement with key stakeholders, innovative communications, and an inclusive approach to inspiring young people. Together, we work to amplify our voice, strengthen our reputation, and grow a connected community that supports and sustains the University’s mission.
Duties of the role
The role centres on supporting the development, organisation, and delivery of outreach projects and large-scale events for students in years 9–13, alongside their parents, carers, and teachers. The postholder will play a key part in engaging students from groups underrepresented in higher education, helping them make informed choices about their future pathways.
Key responsibilities include assisting with in-person and virtual activities, creating and delivering presentations on higher education and progression routes, and building strong working relationships with local schools, colleges, and partner institutions. The postholder will also contribute to collaborative projects across the Make Happen partnership, lead the planning of campus visits, and represent the programme at careers fairs and higher education events.
They will support the collection of evaluation data to evidence impact, ensure safeguarding and health and safety measures are embedded in all activities, and contribute to the marketing of Make Happen through social media, digital content, and communications to raise awareness and engagement.
Additional duties include providing flexible support across the programme, travelling within Essex to outreach activities, and carrying out other tasks as assigned by the Director of Communications, Advancement and Stakeholder Engagement, or their nominee.
A full list of duties and responsibilities can be found within the job pack.
Due to the nature of the work, applicants who are offered employment will be subject to an Enhanced DBS before the appointment is confirmed.
At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.
To support this commitment we have our, a staff-led network that promotes and celebrates the rich cultural diversity among Essex staff, and our Colchester campus based Faith Centre, which hosts regular services, meetings and events organised by our chaplains and faith representatives. For more information see: