Communications Manager - Media

This is an opportunity to come to work at one of the most inspiring places on earth, a chance to tell stories of education and research that change the world. The role of Communications Manager is crucial to building the external reputation of the University of Cambridge in the UK and internationally. It is suited to a candidate with ambition who is excited by the prospect of working at a senior level to tell engaging and compelling stories that demonstrate the University's global excellence.

The person in this role will promote and protect the University's reputation by driving proactive and strategic media coverage, as well dealing effectively with reactive crisis communications.

They will act as a senior adviser to University leadership on media and reputational issues and act as a main point of contact for external media. The post holder will be expected to build productive relationships with media figures, and with relevant academics and staff across the University. The role will help shape perceptions of the University in Government and across higher education and regulatory authorities, with alumni and potential donors, students, researchers and staff.

The successful candidate will develop their ideas and proactively find stories and opportunities to land coverage in local, national and global media outlets. They will identify and work with senior figures across the University who are world leaders in their fields to enable their voices to be heard across media. The successful candidate will also require the ability to deal quickly and professionally with incoming media enquiries on a reactive basis. These will require the ability to work accurately at speed and under pressure to tight deadlines on often sensitive issues while collaborating closely with relevant colleagues.

The successful candidate will be a communications or media professional who is full of ideas and has the energy and knowledge to make them happen. They will build positive relationships across the University and senior team within the Office of External Affairs and Communications (OEAC). They will provide timely and insightful advice to the University's leadership, including the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellors, academic members of Schools and Heads of House in Colleges. They will play a central role in strategic planning, shaping media plans on a range of issues, and raising opportunities and risks.

Strong writing and interpersonal skills are required. This person will have, and will further build, strong and productive relationships with senior figures in the UK and international media, both specialist and general. They will possess the practical, digital skills and understanding of a modern communications professional, and be able to find opportunities to engage audiences via social channels.

Main roles and responsibilities

1. Media Relations - build excellent relationships with key media and identify stories and issues around which to build proactive coverage.
2. Manage crisis and reactive communications - providing timely, clear, and effective responses to sensitive issues, reputational risks, and media inquiries.
3. Stakeholder relations and advising senior leaders - build and maintains effective, trusted working relationships across the collegiate University, advising and supporting internal stakeholders and senior leaders.
4. Develop content and monitor media coverage - produce engaging written content to a high standard and report and analyse media coverage.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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