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- Tasks: Lead brand strategy and narrative development for UK Research and Innovation.
- Company: Join UKRI, 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: Shape impactful narratives and campaigns while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience; strong brand management and narrative writing skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model available; applications close on 22 June 2025.
The predicted salary is between 48700 - 62600 £ 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 understanding of, engagement with, and trust in UK Research and Innovation and its activities and interests, both externally and with all employees, through brand and narrative development, positioning and implementation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead on UKRI brand strategy and governance across the organisation
- Lead on development of UKRI narrative and messaging for implementation across the organisation
- Support the development of UKRI campaigns, ensuring amplification of UKRI brand, narrative and messaging
- Responsible for the overall image, growth and development of the UKRI brand, ensuring it remains relevant to and recognised by our audiences and maintaining consistency across all communications channels
- Responsible for the development and management of UKRI narrative and additional tools for colleagues, including message house, rolling script and comment bank
- Support the development and implementation of UKRI’s external affairs and communications strategy
- Develop and implement brand strategies, positioning and messaging that align with the organisation’s vision and objectives
- Manage internal and external stakeholder relationships around brand, using evidence and best practice to negotiate, influence and defend decision making in support of building the UKRI brand and sub brands
- Identify target audiences and tailor the brand strategy and messaging to reach the audience effectively
- Support the creation and implementation of campaigns to ensure consistency in messaging and alignment with the brand voice, values and goals
- Work with the Strategic communications lead, audience and insight to undertake audience insight and research to keep up to date with latest trends to inform brand strategy
- Collaborate with other internal teams to ensure brand messaging is consistent and is being communicated effectively across all channels
About You:
- Degree or equivalent experience
- Proven ability to write compelling narratives and coherent messaging across complex content and for multiple audiences
- Strong experience and proven track record of brand development and management across a complex organisation
- Strong experience of utilising multiple and integrated channels and an understanding of multichannel communication approaches in relation to brand
- Excellent project management skills
- Demonstrated credibility with relevant communities, usually based on experience from government, industry, education or the third sector
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams, councils and communities
- Demonstrable emotional intelligence and tolerance of ambiguity and uncertainty
Benefits:
UKRI recognises and values employees as individuals and aims 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 - Narrative & Brand
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with UK Research and Innovation's current brand strategy and messaging. Understanding their existing narrative will help you align your ideas and demonstrate how you can enhance their brand presence.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of strategic communications, especially those who have experience in brand management within complex organisations. This can provide you with insights and potentially valuable connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in brand development and multichannel communication strategies. Being knowledgeable about current best practices will allow you to speak confidently about innovative approaches during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully developed and implemented brand strategies. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can translate to the role at UKRI, showcasing your ability to manage stakeholder relationships effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Communications Lead - Narrative & Brand
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 reflect your understanding of UK Research and Innovation's brand and narrative. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to develop and manage brand strategies.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on showcasing your experience in brand development and management. Include specific projects or campaigns you've worked on that relate to the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your CV and cover letter. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that your documents are clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Research and Innovation
✨Understand the Brand
Before your interview, take time to research UK Research and Innovation's brand strategy and recent campaigns. Familiarise yourself with their messaging and how they engage with different audiences. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of their brand during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Narrative Skills
Prepare examples of compelling narratives you've created in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you tailored messaging for different audiences and the impact it had. This will highlight your ability to write coherent messaging across complex content.
✨Highlight Project Management Experience
Since the role requires excellent project management skills, come prepared with specific examples of projects you've managed. Discuss how you coordinated teams, met deadlines, and achieved objectives, showcasing your organisational abilities.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
Be ready to discuss situations where you've navigated ambiguity or uncertainty in a professional setting. Highlight your emotional intelligence by sharing how you collaborated with diverse teams and built relationships, which is crucial for this role.
