Communications Officer (External Engagement) - (8987)

As a modern university in a great global city, we advance knowledge to benefit society and make higher education accessible to those with the passion to succeed. We bring change through outstanding research and excellent education, evidenced by our gold status in the Teaching Excellence Framework and with 90% of our research impact rated world-leading. 

In the Communications and Engagement team, we're looking for an experienced external communications or public affairs professional ready to take on a new role to help build our external profile and reputation.  

You will be passionate about telling our story to the world, through high-quality stakeholder engagement, driving external advocacy and brand awareness. 

What you'll do 

This new role is part of the Communications and Engagement team, within the wider External Relations directorate. You will help to develop and deliver plans to engage external audiences, stakeholders and partners, supporting our goal to be recognised as a university, employer, and partner of choice.  

You will:  

• Support coordination and delivery of an external engagement strategy and function, which supports University-wide priorities and strengthens our brand and reputation. 
• Work with colleagues to identify key stakeholders and engagement approaches – building and maintaining relationships and overseeing an effective University-wide engagement process.
• Collaborate across teams to raise the University's profile in Parliament and with Government, to influence policy, and to monitor national policy developments and opportunities. 

Who we're looking for 

You'll be an experienced, proactive and solutions-driven external engagement professional – committed to creating high-quality communications and driving audience engagement across a wide range media, communication channels, events and activities.  

You will bring: 

• Strong, adaptable all-round public affairs and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Knowledge and experience in working with an external communications team and the ability to spot opportunities for raising profile. 
• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and persuasively communicate at all levels.
• Sound experience and understanding of Parliamentary procedure, and the policy development and influencing process.
• A solid understanding of the key issues within higher education and the context in which the University operates. 

What you'll receive 

• The opportunity to make your mark – contributing to strategic priorities and supporting a culture of openness, engagement, and creativity.
• An excellent reward package, including pension benefits and 25 days of annual leave per year, plus bank holidays and Christmas closure.
• A rounded work-life balance and support to take your ambitions to the next level.
• Ability to work in a variable hybrid way, with flexibility as needed to attend meetings and events. 

You'll be expected to provide out of hours support as needed, with a standby on call rota provided across the team. 

Make a name for yourself and our university in a meaningful career with real-world impact!

To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter (of no more than 2 pages) via our application portal.

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 all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, 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.     

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.