News & Media Relations Officer

As part of the Directorate of Marketing, Recruitment and Engagement, the Communications team provides leadership and advice to the University on both internal and external communications. We are a confident and ambitious team dedicated to making a measurable difference to the experience of staff, prospective students, students, and alumni. Our work involves building the profile and reputation of the University amongst the media, communicating with our diverse stakeholders, and organising key events.

The role

Based at our Buckley Building on the Headington campus and reporting to the Deputy Head of Communications - News & Media Relations, the News & Media Relations Officer plays a key part in enhancing the University's visibility, reputation, and engagement through powerful digital storytelling and traditional PR. You will be responsible for creating, publishing, and evaluating multimedia content—including video, graphics, and written stories, across social, digital, and traditional media platforms, translating University achievements and research into compelling narratives that support recruitment and engage external audiences. This a part time 0.4 FTE role. 

What will I be doing?

• Develop proactive PR and digital communications plans to promote key areas of University activity, including teaching, research, and student experience.
• Plan, film, edit, and publish short-form video content optimized for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
• Draft media releases, expert commentary, and reactive statements to manage reputation and handle media enquiries.
• Identify and shape communications opportunities, working with colleagues to turn research and achievements into multi-channel storytelling outputs.
• Monitor performance, audience trends, and digital channels to inform content planning and improve impact.
• Collaborate with students, academics, and professional services teams to source content and co-create stories.
• Support the drafting of speeches, scripts, and editorial materials for senior staff and institutional events.

What skills do I need?

• Degree or equivalent qualification.
• Proven experience in journalism, public relations, and digital communications.
• Demonstrated experience in proactive and reactive media relations.
• Strong ability to create engaging content for a wide range of platforms, including social media.
• Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.

About the location

Based at our Buckley Building, Headington campus, you’ll experience a vibrant campus atmosphere and benefit from our modern office environment. The campus is one mile from the centre of Oxford and is served by regular public transport. This role will be hybrid with 1 or 2 days on campus per week.

Benefits

As one of the largest employers in Oxford we pride ourselves in the great experience we offer our staff. You’ll be joining a friendly, professional environment where every member of staff is recognised as important to the success of Oxford Brookes University. To find out more about the benefits of working for Oxford Brookes please visit: www.brookes.ac.uk/job-vacancies/working-at-brookes.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting within the widest possible pool and welcome all suitably qualified applicants who embrace our values, regardless of their background.

As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.

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