Communications Officer

University of Stirling
February 09, 2025
Contact:N/A
Offerd Salary:£37,999 - £45,163
Location:N/A
Working address:N/A
Contract Type:Open-ended
Working Time:Full time
Working type:N/A
Ref info:N/A
Communications Officer Apply The Post

The post sits within the Communications, Marketing and Recruitment Directorate, which provides a wide range of services to internal and external stakeholders and works closely with the University's senior management team. We were recently named Outstanding Marketing/Communications Team of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards.

The award-winning team ensures the University's strategic messages are effectively conveyed to, and understood by, our stakeholders across all communications platforms.

The Communications Officer will work as part of the professional service offered by the Directorate's Communications team, including public affairs, in support of the strategic communication requirements of the University. The successful candidate will focus, in particular, on media relations, research communications, teaching and learning success stories, social media, speech writing, reputation management and contribute to a wide range of corporate communications, including support for internal communications.

The post-holder will also work closely with colleagues from the Marketing and Digital teams, to develop and deliver integrated marketing-communications projects which enhance the University's national and international profile and reputation for excellence in teaching and research.

The post-holder will report to the Communications Manager and will work closely with the Head of Communications.

The role requires someone who has excellent communication skills and a flair for writing; equally adept at pitching to journalists as preparing strategic briefings or speeches for senior officers. The post should attract a confident, tenacious self-starter who thrives on building strong internal and external relationships and networks.

This role will be based at the University of Stirling Campus but agile working is supported.

Please note that after the closing date, this job advert will no longer be available on the University of Stirling website; therefore, please keep a copy for your records.

Unfortunately, if you are not selected to attend an interview for this post, we are unable to provide individual feedback.

Description of Duties
  • Research, write and edit media releases, and secure placement of news stories in local, national and international media
  • Research, write, edit and proof-read copy for a wide range of communications platforms, including written publications, internal communications channels, social media and the website
  • Work closely with academics to identify opportunities to promote their research and enhance the profile of the University at a national and international level
  • Contribute to the successful membership of The Conversation by identifying and organising publishing opportunities for academics
  • Provide a speech-writing service to senior University officers, including the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, and the Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of integrated marketing- communications projects and campaigns with colleagues across Service Directorates and Faculties
  • Represent the Directorate on committees and working groups
  • Handle incoming media enquiries and facilitate requests for interview, expert comment, filming/photography – providing media training guidance and support when required
  • Prepare briefings for senior University officials
  • Monitor and screen media outlets and compile daily summary of media coverage
  • Analyse data from the team's media monitoring database, to compile quarterly media coverage reports
  • Provide communications planning and support for key University events, including Graduation and student recruitment days
  • Write, edit and post content for the University's website, social media channels and internal pages, using content management systems including Terminalfour and Brandwatch
  • Work as part of the out-of-hours rota, responding to media enquiries at evenings and weekends
  • Work as part of the team responsible for emergency response and crisis communications
  • Adopt a flexible approach to work and be prepared to work non-standard hours, including evenings and weekends
  • Encourage effective communications practice across the University
  • Participate in the general activities of the Communications team as required and specified by the Communications Manager, Head of Communications, and Executive Director of Communications, Marketing and Recruitment
  • Essential Criteria
  • Educated to Degree level or equivalent (where no formal qualifications are held, additional, relevant experience is required)
  • Extensive recent experience working in Communications, PR or Journalism
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills
  • Excellent news sense and ability to identify and capitalise on media relations opportunities
  • Experience of interpreting complex, detailed information and translating it into language that is easily understood by a lay audience
  • Experience of dealing with broadcast, print, digital and photographic journalists
  • Experience of media monitoring and evaluation
  • Proven track record of writing engaging, accurate and impactful copy
  • Ability to oversee the production of video news stories, including storyboarding, script-writing, filming, editing and art direction
  • Proven track record, and demonstrable evidence, of working on effective, integrated communications campaigns
  • Ability to work with and engage effectively with a range of different stakeholders
  • Knowledge and experience of using social media channels in a strategic capacity and to create content using design tools such as Canva
  • Be a highly-motivated, creative and flexible individual
  • Excellent planning and organisational skills
  • Ability to work under pressure and prioritise multiple tasks
  • Well-developed IT skills
  • Ability to work strategically and use own initiative
  • Be a collaborative team member and supportive colleague
  • Desirable Criteria
  • Postgraduate qualification in Communications, PR or Journalism
  • Membership of a professional body such as CIPR
  • Knowledge of the UK Higher Education sector
  • Experience in speech writing
  • Experience of using content management systems such as Terminalfour, Brandwatch
  • Experience in public affairs
  • Additional Information

    Full time Open ended

    The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 09 February 2025. Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 27 February 2025.

    There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

    For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 2493.

    The University has implemented the pay uplift for 2024/25 as confirmed by the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA). This is being implemented in two stages - the first stage was effective from the 1 August 2024 and is reflected in the advertised salary, the second stage is effective from 1 March 2025 therefore salaries will increase in accordance with agreed rates.

    The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

    Behaviours and Competencies

    The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

  • Managing self and personal skills Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

  • Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

  • Finding solutions Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

  • Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

  • Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

  • Engaging with the wider context Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

  • Developing self and others Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

  • Working together Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

  • Achieving Results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

  • About Us

    Communications, Marketing and Recruitment encompasses: Corporate Communications, Media Relations, Internal and Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, Marketing, Web and Digital Media, and International, UK and European Student Recruitment, Admissions and Access, Fundraising, Alumni Relations and the University Art Collection.

    In delivering the strategic priorities of the University, we support the enhancement of the University's reputation for excellence in the student experience, teaching and learning, and high-quality research with global impact.

    The Directorate provides a wide range of services to internal and external stakeholders and works closely with the University's senior management team and across all faculties and professional support services. By adopting an integrated holistic approach to our work, we ensure the University's strategic messages are effectively conveyed and understood by our stakeholders across all communications platforms.

    The University

    The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.

    The University has 18,500+ students globally and employs 1,800 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented on our scenic central Scotland campus. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and top five in the world (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), reflecting our long- standing designation as Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence.

    We are shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.

    Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

    Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver three major University- led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland's International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

    www. stir.ac.uk

    Available documents
  • Job-DescriptionCommunications OfficerCMR.docx
  • Job number

    SERV01956

    Contract Type

    Open Ended

    Posting End Date

    09-Feb-2025

    Location:

    Stirling Campus

    Grade

    Grade7 £37,999 - £45,163 p.a.

    Faculty/Service

    Communications Marketing and Recruitment The Post

    The post sits within the Communications, Marketing and Recruitment Directorate, which provides a wide range of services to internal and external stakeholders and works closely with the University's senior management team. We were recently named Outstanding Marketing/Communications Team of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards.

    The award-winning team ensures the University's strategic messages are effectively conveyed to, and understood by, our stakeholders across all communications platforms.

    The Communications Officer will work as part of the professional service offered by the Directorate's Communications team, including public affairs, in support of the strategic communication requirements of the University. The successful candidate will focus, in particular, on media relations, research communications, teaching and learning success stories, social media, speech writing, reputation management and contribute to a wide range of corporate communications, including support for internal communications.

    The post-holder will also work closely with colleagues from the Marketing and Digital teams, to develop and deliver integrated marketing-communications projects which enhance the University's national and international profile and reputation for excellence in teaching and research.

    The post-holder will report to the Communications Manager and will work closely with the Head of Communications.

    The role requires someone who has excellent communication skills and a flair for writing; equally adept at pitching to journalists as preparing strategic briefings or speeches for senior officers. The post should attract a confident, tenacious self-starter who thrives on building strong internal and external relationships and networks.

    This role will be based at the University of Stirling Campus but agile working is supported.

    Please note that after the closing date, this job advert will no longer be available on the University of Stirling website; therefore, please keep a copy for your records.

    Unfortunately, if you are not selected to attend an interview for this post, we are unable to provide individual feedback.

    Description of Duties
  • Research, write and edit media releases, and secure placement of news stories in local, national and international media
  • Research, write, edit and proof-read copy for a wide range of communications platforms, including written publications, internal communications channels, social media and the website
  • Work closely with academics to identify opportunities to promote their research and enhance the profile of the University at a national and international level
  • Contribute to the successful membership of The Conversation by identifying and organising publishing opportunities for academics
  • Provide a speech-writing service to senior University officers, including the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, and the Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of integrated marketing- communications projects and campaigns with colleagues across Service Directorates and Faculties
  • Represent the Directorate on committees and working groups
  • Handle incoming media enquiries and facilitate requests for interview, expert comment, filming/photography – providing media training guidance and support when required
  • Prepare briefings for senior University officials
  • Monitor and screen media outlets and compile daily summary of media coverage
  • Analyse data from the team's media monitoring database, to compile quarterly media coverage reports
  • Provide communications planning and support for key University events, including Graduation and student recruitment days
  • Write, edit and post content for the University's website, social media channels and internal pages, using content management systems including Terminalfour and Brandwatch
  • Work as part of the out-of-hours rota, responding to media enquiries at evenings and weekends
  • Work as part of the team responsible for emergency response and crisis communications
  • Adopt a flexible approach to work and be prepared to work non-standard hours, including evenings and weekends
  • Encourage effective communications practice across the University
  • Participate in the general activities of the Communications team as required and specified by the Communications Manager, Head of Communications, and Executive Director of Communications, Marketing and Recruitment
  • Essential Criteria
  • Educated to Degree level or equivalent (where no formal qualifications are held, additional, relevant experience is required)
  • Extensive recent experience working in Communications, PR or Journalism
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills
  • Excellent news sense and ability to identify and capitalise on media relations opportunities
  • Experience of interpreting complex, detailed information and translating it into language that is easily understood by a lay audience
  • Experience of dealing with broadcast, print, digital and photographic journalists
  • Experience of media monitoring and evaluation
  • Proven track record of writing engaging, accurate and impactful copy
  • Ability to oversee the production of video news stories, including storyboarding, script-writing, filming, editing and art direction
  • Proven track record, and demonstrable evidence, of working on effective, integrated communications campaigns
  • Ability to work with and engage effectively with a range of different stakeholders
  • Knowledge and experience of using social media channels in a strategic capacity and to create content using design tools such as Canva
  • Be a highly-motivated, creative and flexible individual
  • Excellent planning and organisational skills
  • Ability to work under pressure and prioritise multiple tasks
  • Well-developed IT skills
  • Ability to work strategically and use own initiative
  • Be a collaborative team member and supportive colleague
  • Desirable Criteria
  • Postgraduate qualification in Communications, PR or Journalism
  • Membership of a professional body such as CIPR
  • Knowledge of the UK Higher Education sector
  • Experience in speech writing
  • Experience of using content management systems such as Terminalfour, Brandwatch
  • Experience in public affairs
  • Additional Information

    Full time Open ended

    The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 09 February 2025. Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 27 February 2025.

    There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

    For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 2493.

    The University has implemented the pay uplift for 2024/25 as confirmed by the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA). This is being implemented in two stages - the first stage was effective from the 1 August 2024 and is reflected in the advertised salary, the second stage is effective from 1 March 2025 therefore salaries will increase in accordance with agreed rates.

    The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

    Behaviours and Competencies

    The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

  • Managing self and personal skills Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

  • Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

  • Finding solutions Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

  • Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

  • Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

  • Engaging with the wider context Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

  • Developing self and others Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

  • Working together Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

  • Achieving Results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

  • About Us

    Communications, Marketing and Recruitment encompasses: Corporate Communications, Media Relations, Internal and Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, Marketing, Web and Digital Media, and International, UK and European Student Recruitment, Admissions and Access, Fundraising, Alumni Relations and the University Art Collection.

    In delivering the strategic priorities of the University, we support the enhancement of the University's reputation for excellence in the student experience, teaching and learning, and high-quality research with global impact.

    The Directorate provides a wide range of services to internal and external stakeholders and works closely with the University's senior management team and across all faculties and professional support services. By adopting an integrated holistic approach to our work, we ensure the University's strategic messages are effectively conveyed and understood by our stakeholders across all communications platforms.

    The University

    The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.

    The University has 18,500+ students globally and employs 1,800 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented on our scenic central Scotland campus. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and top five in the world (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), reflecting our long- standing designation as Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence.

    We are shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.

    Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

    Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver three major University- led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland's International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

    www. stir.ac.uk

    Available documents
  • Job-DescriptionCommunications OfficerCMR.docx
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