Communications Officer (Research)

Research Communications Officer

We have a fantastic opportunity for a research communications officer to join the University of Reading’s Marketing Communication and Engagement function.

The University of Reading is one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities, committed to acting together, as a diverse and inclusive community, to deliver a better world through the transformational power of education and research. Holding a place in the top 30 of UK universities, the University operates in a highly competitive, global market, and it has never been so challenging to attract research income, students, academic and professional staff.

About the role

The Research Communications and Engagement team sits within the Marketing, Communication and Engagement function (MCE), which provides expert marketing, engagement and communication strategy, advice, and delivery. We work using a matrix management model to build the University’s reputation, brand and profile, and deliver robust, innovative and global communications activity to support research engagement, impact and funding targets.

The Communications Officer will support the development and delivery of high-quality communications outputs that reflect the University’s research capacities, successes and impact. This will include the planning and creation of content and activities across different channels for a wide range of research audiences. You will work with other members of the Corporate Communications team to deliver strategic communications campaigns to raise the University’s profile and reputation for research excellence nationally and internationally. You will edit content for the research section of the University website, our blog and for social media, and support researchers to develop and manage their own web presence, using the University’s WordPress platform for research websites.

About you

You will be highly motivated, with enthusiasm and commitment to communicating about research. You will have excellent communication skills, the ability to write concise, engaging material for non-technical audiences, and experience of using the full mix of communications channels. You will have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to prioritise and balance conflicting demands. You will have proven experience in a communications or PR role and will be able to spot opportunities and respond to them quickly. You will be accustomed to working independently in a fast-moving environment, and committed to high standards, quality and integrity.

Informal contact details
Contact role: Head of Research Communications & Engagement
Contact name: Caroline Knowles 
Contact email: c.l.knowles@reading.ac.uk

Alternative informal contact details
Contact role: Business Partner for Research Communications & Engagement
Contact name: Donna Walton
Contact email: donna.walton@reading.ac.uk

Closing date: 9 May 2024
Interviews will be held: 22 May 2024

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, non-UK candidates who do not already have permission to work in the UK should note that by reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship will not be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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