Communications Officer (Media)

Role Summary

Do you want to use your skills and experience in public relations to help us find and communicate solutions to the major issues the world is facing?

The University of Birmingham is looking for someone with a strong eye for a story and an understanding of the strategic value of communications to join our team. You will be working with world-class researchers and educators to help shape inspiring stories and content, enhance the reputation of the University, and work with local, national and international journalists.

Working under the direction of the Communications Manager, the successful candidate will work proactively to source and develop high-quality news stories, promoting the university’s research, teaching and important announcements and achievements to local, national and international journalists. 

The post holder will produce a high volume of excellent written copy, often to tight deadlines, turning often complex material into press releases, opinion pieces and feature articles. They will identify opportunities for placing stories and pitching ideas to raise the profile and reputation of the University, and strengthen working relations with key stakeholders and media figures.

They will advise internal stakeholders on maximising media opportunities and act as a liaison for the team with academics and other professional service teams. They will be part of a team fielding dozens of queries a week from journalists looking for expert reaction from academics and reactive comment from the University. 

They will also undertake general communications duties, responding to incoming enquiries, managing film crews and journalists on campus, monitoring media coverage and other analytics, compiling weekly and monthly reports, contributing to the emergency communications work of the University, and participating in the on-call duty rota.

About you

We are looking for someone with experience working in a communications, press office or newsroom environment and proven copywriting ability for a range of audiences and communications channels.

Within this role you will work with a variety of individuals, and you will be required to be a self-motivated team player used to working under pressure and delivering excellent service.

To succeed in this role, you will be required to have a strong interest in higher education, current affairs and the daily news agenda, presenting creative thinking and outstanding writing skills and you will be educated to degree level or equivalent experience.

Person Specification

• Degree-level education or equivalent work experience (working in a communications, press office or media environment)
• Relevant experience of translating complex information into accessible communications for a range of audiences
• Understanding of the complexities and competing factors related to research environment and higher education 
• Proven copywriting ability for a range of audiences and communications channels
• Experience of advising and/or influencing people in senior positions
• A proven, high standard of communication and confidence of managing projects at all levels

Informal enquiries can be made to Tim Mayo t.mayo@bham.ac.uk  

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button, above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

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