Strategic Communications Manager (Vaccines)

Location: Public Affairs Directorate, University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD

Are you a highly skilled communications professional with experience managing high profile science and health communications? 

The University of Oxford’s Vaccine Group have been at the forefront of scientific endeavour to develop vaccines for diseases of major global importance for more than 30 years. Through cutting edge science and global collaboration with academic and industry partners, Oxford’s vaccine research has helped to save millions of lives world-wide. In partnership with academia, industry and public health organisations across the world, our science-led innovations are accelerating the understanding and development of new diagnostics, treatments, vaccines and digital disease control tools to identify and counter future pandemic threats, with benefits for all.

We are seeking a passionate science storyteller who will partner with Oxford vaccine researchers, to build a pipeline of strong vaccine research narratives across a range of owned and earned channels, in collaboration with specialist communications colleagues within Oxford’s Public Affairs Directorate and other internal and external stakeholders. This will often involve communicating new scientific findings, ensuring that they are accessible for a range of important audiences while maintaining a high level of accuracy. 

Professional experience of handling national and international media across all print, digital and broadcast channels is essential. Principle responsibilities will include securing positive media coverage for vaccine research, handling challenging issues relevant to the University's work on vaccines, and communicating messaging on the work of Oxford’s Vaccine Group in a variety of mediums. The post holder will play an important role in developing and implementing research communications strategies, both for individual news stories and larger University campaigns. 

The successful applicant will be comfortable managing relationships with the media and will be able to cultivate a broad network of contacts in the local, national, international and online press. They will identify and develop high-impact vaccine research stories, using superior news judgement and knowledge of the internal and external landscape to advise on and implement tailored approaches. They will be responsible for evaluating and reporting on media activity where needed, making recommendations for future work.

The role would suit someone with a diverse communications skill set as they may lead on and manage campaign projects, as well as devise and negotiate strategies, implement plans, track budgets and/or monitor and evaluate performance. They will source and produce consistent streams of high-quality creative content, using a variety of techniques, platforms and media, working closely with colleagues in the Digital and Campaigns team.

If this sounds like you, we would very much like to hear from you. For more information, please contact Alexander Buxton, Head of Strategic Communications - alexander.buxton@admin.ox.ac.uk.

Only applications received before 12:00 noon on the 10 April can be considered.

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