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- Tasks: Lead audience research and insights to enhance UKRI's engagement and communication strategies.
- Company: Join UK Research & Innovation, a key player in advancing research and innovation in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 30 days annual leave, and a rewarding pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping how UKRI connects with diverse audiences and drives change.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience with strong analytical and project management skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model available; applications close on 22 June 2025.
The predicted salary is between 51000 - 62000 £ per year.
UK Research & Innovation
Salary: £56,745
Hours: Full Time / Part Time (Minimum 0.8 FTE)
Contract Type: Open Ended
Location: Polaris House, Swindon (Hybrid Working)
Closing Date: Sunday 22 June 2025
Job Overview
To build awareness, understanding, engagement and trust in UK Research and Innovation and its activities and interests, both externally and with all employees, through audience research and insight.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead on UKRI audience research and segmentation, developing deep understanding of our key audiences, as well as what we need to do to reach existing and new audiences.
- Lead on qualitative and quantitative data gathering and analysis, presenting findings to improve UKRI’s ability to make evidence-based recommendations and decisions.
- Build and maintain relationships with external partners, collaborating on joint activity and sharing best practice and insight.
- Responsible for commissioning and analysing UKRI audience research and insight.
- Responsible for research and curation of internal and external insight.
- Support the development and implementation of UKRI’s external affairs and communications strategy.
- Development of audience insight capability across EAC to support the delivery of the UKRI comms strategy and organisational priorities.
- Manage UKRI’s regular perception audits to measure and evaluate how the organisation is viewed by others to support targeted messaging and comms activity.
- Work with colleagues across EAC and wider UKRI to support the development of campaigns based on research insights.
About You:
- Degree or equivalent experience.
- Proven track record of using research data and insight to inform strategy and decision making, together with the skills to analyse and interpret this data and extract relevant insight.
- Very strong background in quantitative surveys but also ideally experience in qualitative research and online communities.
- Experience within research, insights, analytics or consulting with a focus on understanding audiences and evaluating campaign performance.
- Experience with audience measurement tools.
- Excellent analytical skills.
- Excellent project management skills.
- Quantitative skills and the ability to dig into the number.
- Ability to absorb, evaluate and communicate complex information appropriate to the audience.
Benefits:
UKRI recognises and values employees as individuals and aim to provide a pay and rewards package that motivates staff to perform to the best of their ability. The reward package includes a flexible working scheme, a Career Average Revalued Earnings pension scheme, 30 days annual leave allowance as well as other benefits.
How to Apply:
Applicants are required to provide an up-to-date CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role. Further information on how to apply and the selection process is listed on our careers page.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 22 June 2025.
Contact Detail:
UK Research and Innovation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Communications Lead - Audience & Insight
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with UK Research and Innovation's current projects and initiatives. Understanding their goals and challenges will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate how your skills in audience research can directly contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of strategic communications and audience insight. Attend relevant industry events or webinars where you can meet people who work at UKRI or similar organisations, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've used data to inform strategy in previous roles. Be ready to explain your analytical process and the impact your insights had on decision-making, as this will showcase your expertise in a way that resonates with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in audience measurement tools and qualitative research methods. Being knowledgeable about new technologies and methodologies will not only enhance your skill set but also show your commitment to continuous learning in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Communications Lead - Audience & Insight
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Strategic Communications Lead position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only outline your suitability for the role but also demonstrate your passion for audience research and insight. Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your analytical skills and project management abilities.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on your experience with quantitative and qualitative research, as well as any work you've done in audience measurement or analytics. Be sure to include metrics or outcomes from your previous roles to illustrate your impact.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your CV and cover letter. Look for any grammatical errors or typos, and ensure that your documents are clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Research and Innovation
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Strategic Communications Lead. Familiarise yourself with UKRI's mission and how audience research plays a crucial role in their strategy.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with both qualitative and quantitative research. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used data to inform decisions and strategies in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Abilities
Since the role involves collaborating with external partners, think of instances where you've successfully built and maintained professional relationships. Highlight your communication skills and teamwork.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about UKRI's current audience engagement strategies or future initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
