Senior External Relations Officer (Research)
Department Communications | Location Birmingham, West Midlands | Salary £38,050 to £44,131 per annum | Permanent | Post Type Full Time | Release Date 23 April 2026 | Closing Date 23.59 hours BST on Sunday 24 May 2026 | Reference M126015
Role Summary
We are seeking a Senior External Relations Officer (Research) to join our Marketing, Recruitment and Communications Department, supporting the delivery of high-quality communications that enhance the University’s research profile and reputation. You will play a key part in developing and delivering the University’s Research Communications Strategy, bringing research to life for a wide range of audiences and strengthening engagement with stakeholders. You will produce compelling, high-quality content and identify opportunities to showcase research impact, working closely with academic colleagues, senior leaders, and external partners to ensure communications are strategic, joined‑up, and aligned to institutional priorities.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the development and delivery of the University’s Research Communications Strategy, working with the Pro Vice‑Chancellor of Research, Enterprise, Engagement and STEAM, Director Research and Innovation, Dean of Research, Associate Director of Communications, and External Relations Manager to raise the University’s research profile among key external audiences.
* Understand and articulate the University’s narrative and mission, with a particular focus on the Research Strategy, ensuring research communications consistently reflect the University’s strategic priorities.
* Identify, develop and deliver compelling research stories by building strong relationships with the Dean of Research, School research leads, academic staff and postgraduate researchers, particularly in areas of strategic research significance.
* Produce high quality content to communicate the University’s research to external audiences, including case studies, news stories, web content, social media and other materials for media and influential stakeholders.
* Translate complex research into accessible and engaging content, working closely with researchers to ensure accuracy while making research findings understandable and relevant to wider audiences.
* Work collaboratively across the Marketing, Recruitment and Communications Department to ensure a joined‑up approach to research communications, including digitally rich content, marketing collateral, campaigns, events and day‑to‑day communications activity.
* Identify opportunities across the research lifecycle to communicate impact and outcomes, demonstrating how research contributes to societal, economic and policy developments.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including research funders and partner institutions, to support collaborative opportunities and amplify the reach of research communications.
* Support the development and delivery of the Influential Researcher training programme, helping academics and postgraduate researchers raise the profile of their work through effective multi‑channel communication.
* Develop and maintain strong relationships with national, regional and international media, proactively generating opportunities to promote the University’s research and supporting the External Relations team in securing media coverage.
* Provide expert media support, including preparing briefings for academics and senior leaders ahead of media interviews and appearances.
* Contribute to events and activities that promote the University’s research, including public affairs engagement, press conferences and other external communications initiatives.
* Develop and maintain effective internal networks, representing the department as appropriate on University and School committees and forums.
* Develop a strong understanding of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and support communications activity aligned to the University’s preparation for REF submissions.
* Keep abreast of developments in media relations, higher education and the wider policy landscape, identifying opportunities to strengthen the University’s research profile.
* Monitor and evaluate communications activity to ensure effectiveness and inform future planning.
* Significant experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs, including developing and delivering content across multiple channels such as media, web and social media.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including an ability to identify compelling angles, produce sharp headlines and transform complex information into engaging news stories and accessible content for a wide range of audiences.
* Demonstrable ability to produce targeted content across a range of formats and platforms, including press releases, editorial, blogs, internal communications, social media and website content.
* Proven ability to work effectively under pressure, both independently and collaboratively, including responding to time‑sensitive issues and supporting crisis or reactive communications.
* Experience of working within a research, higher education, or knowledge‑based environment, with an understanding of how academic research is communicated to external audiences.
* Knowledge of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) or research impact communications, and the role communications plays in raising institutional research profile.
Further Information
If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of Research at Birmingham City University, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Phil Gordos, External Relations Manager at phil.gordos@bcu.ac.uk.
The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company, BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to re‑enter the scheme may do so and will be employed directly by the University.
Why work for us
* Work‑life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).
* Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
* Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
* Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.
Disability Confident Employer
Birmingham City University is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview.
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