Senior Communications Manager

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

Research Services provides comprehensive professional support for Oxford’s research, engagement and innovation activities. We work closely with researchers, departments and divisions, other professional services and a wide range of external collaborators and funders. Together with the excellent professional support we seek to deliver, we strive to be a trusted provider of strategic insight and internal and external influence working with University, divisional and other research leaders across the University.

You will lead Research Services’ communication planning and have overall operational responsibility for the implementation of communication activities. This includes internal communication with our staff and teams within the department, as well as with our service users and key stakeholders.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

•  An excellent contributory pension scheme

•  38 days annual leave

•  A comprehensive range of childcare services

•  Family leave schemes

•  Cycle loan scheme

•  Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

•  Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs 

Based in the Robert Hooke Building this role offer the opportunity for hybrid working with up to 50% of contracted hours worked remotely. 

About the Role

You will support and work with Research Services’ colleagues in the communication of their business functions and contribute to Research Services’ communication planning and implementation. You will deliver effective content and communications, and lead the redevelopment and continuous improvement of our web presence and other digital channels.

Working closely with the RS Leadership Team and colleagues across RS’ constituent teams you will develop a communications strategy; deliver a range of effective and timely communications activities including writing and editing online and print material, organising in-person, online and hybrid events

You will also be part of the broader UAS Communications team, supporting the Head of Communications and Engagement for Professional Services, to help coordinate communications across the University Administration and Services, and the wider University.

About You

You will need outstanding written skills to develop high quality, accurate and consistent communications materials; excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills to inspire the confidence of colleagues; and the ability to conceive, implement and evaluate creative and innovative communication strategies.

This role would suit a self-directed strategic thinker with the capacity to problem-solve, take initiative, set priorities, and exercise good judgment in an organised and professional manner.

You will be required to assimilate complex information quickly and make it accessible to a wider audience through a variety of communications channels. Proven ability to deliver in a fast-paced, agile ‘projects’ environment managing multiple concurrent initiatives across a range of stakeholder groups would be an advantage.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday 2 April. 

Interviews will take place on 8 May and will be face to face.