Press & Communications Officer - (8210)

Press and Communications Officer – Three days per week  

We are looking for an enthusiastic Press and Communications Officer ready to take on a challenging and rewarding permanent role. As a key member of the University's Press Team, develop and deliver strategic communications in support of the Profile and Reputation Strategy and wider University strategy by independently sourcing positive stories and developing comprehensive content packages to make maximum use of any opportunity, while also protecting the University's reputation through various media and channels. 

About the role 

Working with our Faculty of Health & Education and Faculty of Arts & Humanities, you will build content and media relations focused on the University's key strengths. You will also work on cross-cutting university priorities.  

Ideal candidate will: 

• Manage a team of two Press and Communications Executives
• Identify and develop news stories which highlight the University's key strengths and expertise.  
• Develop media and PR activity aligned to the University's Reputation Strategy, which tell those stories with impact (right content, right time, right channels). 
• Write high quality copy and collaborate with the wider Communications and Marketing Teams to develop engaging content using a range of media (podcasts, video, etc) to attract media/external interest. 
• Build relationships with key journalists across a range of media and manage their interest. 
• Produce content for a range of channels, including social media, podcasts and videos. 

As a hybrid worker, you will be based at 6 GMS a minimum of one day per week, though some flexibility will be required in support of business needs. 

About You 

A passionate, creative, and proactive, solutions driven communications expert committed to exceptional external communications and media relations. 

Ideal candidate will have: 

• Line management skills
• Excellent writing skills 
• Excellent media relations skills, including experience of pitching stories and building relationships with journalists 
• Enthusiastic and motivated to effectively deliver projects to deadlines 
• Strong negotiation, influencing and persuasion skills 
• Confidence to communicate clearly and effectively to people of widely differing levels of seniority across the organisation, both in writing and in person 
• Ability to interpret complex information and data and develop key messages 

(For the full list of criteria and benefits, please refer to the job description attached below) 

About the Press Team 

Our team is dedicated to building and enhancing the University's profile and reputation, supporting our goal to be recognised as the University, employer, and partner of choice. As part of a great university in a great global city, the Press Team plays a key role in promoting Manchester Met's strengths to build its reputation as well as developing communications and strategies to protect its reputation. Our team sits in the wider Communications and Engagement Team and works with colleagues and tell our stories through the media. That might be publicising new research findings on TV or radio, or securing headlines online and in print to highlight our students' success. You will also create an engaging range of content to showcase Manchester Met's strategic research, expertise, news and success with key audiences, such as the University's podcast MetCast.  We put communication and engagement excellence at the heart of how we work and how others work for us. This role offers a valuable opportunity to support and contribute to exciting changes, impactful projects and experience the full scope of our work.  

If you would like to join our people and share our ambition, we would love to hear from you! 

To Apply:

• Submit a CV and covering letter detailing your suitability, on the application portal. For informal enquiries, about this vacancy, please contact Matt Garlick on m.garlick@mmu.ac.uk.  
• Please note interviews will be held on 31 March

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from local and international communities, particularly those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.