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- Tasks: Join us as an External Communications Officer, crafting engaging stories and managing media relationships.
- Company: Royal Holloway, University of London, renowned for its research and vibrant campus life.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, training opportunities, a pension scheme, and potential remote work options.
- Why this job: Make an impact by enhancing our university's reputation through creative communications in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Previous external communications experience is essential; higher education experience is a plus but not required.
- Other info: Located in Egham, near Windsor Great Park, with a commitment to equality and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 27500 - 32500 £ per year.
Salary £33,521 to £39,058 per annum - including London Allowance
Post Type: Full Time
Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Thursday 09 January 2025
Reference: 1224-365
Right to work: Please note that it will not be possible for the University to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the successful candidate for this position. Therefore, the appointable candidate will need to be eligible to work in the UK or have leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with the University, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.
Full time, Fixed term (1 year)
Royal Holloway, University of London, is seeking an External Communications Officer to play a key role in enhancing the University's reputation through creative, engaging and timely communications. This is a varied role which will see you proactively identifying opportunities to showcase the University's leading research, education and experience through global media coverage, building media relationships and planning and executing creative communications campaigns as part of a wider Marketing and Communications directorate.
Working with the External Communications team, you will help to produce engaging content for use in external communications activity as well as across the University's owned channels. The External Communications Officer will also deliver an effective response service to a wide range of reactive media enquiries.
Creative, proactive and an excellent communicator, you will be skilled at taking complex ideas and turning them into engaging media stories. The ability to manage opportunities from idea, through development to conclusion is essential, as is the ability to recognise how stories can be creatively crafted for different channels and audiences. Strong organisational skills, an ability to manage your time effectively and work to tight deadlines, are essential for this role.
Experience within Higher Education is not necessary, however you should have previous external communications experience gained from working in a reactive and proactive press office or communications agency environment. You should also have the ability to navigate large organisations and confidently build relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
In return we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Training and Development opportunities
- Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
- Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing
- Free parking
The post is based in Egham, Surrey where the University is situated in a beautiful, leafy campus near to Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance from London.
For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at: recruitment@rhul.ac.uk
Please quote the reference: 1224-365
Closing Date: 23:59, Thursday 9 January 2025
The university has adopted hybrid working for some roles therefore some remote working may be possible for this role.
Royal Holloway is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and encourages applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, parental status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or trans status or history.
External Communications Officer employer: Royal Holloway
Contact Detail:
Royal Holloway Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land External Communications Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Royal Holloway's recent communications and media coverage. Understanding their current messaging and key achievements will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your knowledge during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of external communications, especially those who have experience in higher education. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed media relationships or executed creative communication campaigns in the past. Being able to discuss specific instances will showcase your skills and experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on trends in higher education communications and media relations. This knowledge will not only enhance your conversations but also show your proactive approach to the role and your commitment to staying ahead in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace External Communications Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the External Communications Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your communication skills and creativity. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you can enhance the university's reputation through effective external communications.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any previous roles in external communications, particularly in a press office or communications agency. Include details about campaigns you've worked on and the impact they had, showcasing your ability to manage projects from idea to execution.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a communications role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Holloway
✨Research the University
Before your interview, take some time to research Royal Holloway, University of London. Understand their values, recent achievements, and any current news related to their external communications. This will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare Your Portfolio
As an External Communications Officer, showcasing your previous work is crucial. Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best communication campaigns, press releases, and any media coverage you've secured. Be ready to discuss the strategies behind these projects during the interview.
✨Practice Storytelling
Since the role involves turning complex ideas into engaging stories, practice your storytelling skills. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated challenging concepts and how you made them relatable to different audiences. This will demonstrate your creativity and communication prowess.
✨Showcase Relationship-Building Skills
The ability to build relationships with stakeholders is key for this position. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated large organisations or collaborated with various teams. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how they contributed to successful communications outcomes.
