Senior External Relations Officer in Birmingham

The full-time starting salary is normally £38,050.00 per annum, with progression available in post to £44,131.00 per annum.

Grade: F

Full Time

About the role

We are seeking a talented, creative and proactive Senior External Relations Officer to support and enhance the University\’s strategic communications. This role offers an exciting opportunity to help shape and promote the University\’s new strategy, elevate its reputation, and amplify its success to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

As part of the External Relations team withing the Marketing, Recruitment and Communications Department, the successful applicant will lead on a variety of high-impact communications projects that support the University\’s overarching Strategy 2030, ensuring our stories, messages, and values reach the right audiences in an impactful and engaging way

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with senior stakeholders, including the Associate Director of Communications and External Relations Manager, to develop and implement integrated communications plans that align with strategic priorities.
• Develop and execute internal and external campaigns that showcase the University\’s achievements, including teaching excellence, civic engagement, innovation, student success, and institutional development.
• Produce and deliver high-quality content and stories designed specifically to increase engagement across digital platforms and social media channels.
• Act as a trusted advisor to internal teams and departments, offering guidance on effective messaging and audience engagement.
• Lead or support flagship communications activities and events, such as open days, strategy launches, senior leader communications, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Translate complex information into compelling, accessible stories tailored to a variety of platforms and audiences.
• Maintain strong relationships with media contacts, pitching stories, managing media enquiries, and supporting crisis communications where necessary.
• Monitor communications performance and media coverage, using analytics to inform future strategies and content development.
• Ensure brand consistency and tone of voice across all communications outputs.

Requirements

• Significant experience in communications, media relations or public affairs.
• Experience working in a fast-paced media or communications environment
• Demonstrable ability to develop and deliver strategic communication plans.
• Proven track record in content creation across print, digital and social platforms.
• Experience in producing compelling stories and content that drives engagement across digital and social media channels.
• Knowledge of the rapidly changing higher education sector
• Experience working in higher education is advantageous.
• Evidence of commitment to continuing professional development

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A flair for identifying compelling angles and turning them into engaging and accessible content.
• Skilled in writing for a wide range of formats, including press releases, speeches, social media posts, and website copy.
• Strong editorial judgment and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Understanding of the evolving media landscape
• Comfortable working collaboratively and independently when needed.

What\’s in it for you?

In return for your dedication and hard work, you will benefit from ongoing opportunities for personal and professional development, as well as the following key benefits:

• Opportunity for hybrid working.
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 40 days (including bank holidays and closure periods).
• An attractive direct contribution pension scheme, or the option to retain LGPS for existing and previous members.
• Wellbeing advice and support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.

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Come and be a part of the team.

Please click the below link to download the Job Description:

Job Description

The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to enter the LGPS scheme will be able to do so, and will be employed by Birmingham City University directly.