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- Tasks: Shape and share the story of a modern university through creative content and media engagement.
- Company: Birmingham City University, a dynamic and ambitious institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive environment, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by promoting innovative teaching and research at a leading university.
- Qualifications: Experience in media relations and excellent communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on enhancing the university's reputation and partnerships.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 £ per year.
The External Relations Officer will help shape and share the story of a modern, ambitious university, working within a creative and collaborative team to raise Birmingham City University’s profile and impact. Partnering with academics, researchers and senior leaders, the role will spotlight innovative teaching, research, partnerships and civic activity. This will be delivered through bold, high-quality content, media engagement and events that support student recruitment and attract investment. With a strong focus on collaboration, the successful candidate will promote BCU’s extensive local, national and international partnerships, ensuring external communications are dynamic, strategic and aligned with the University’s growth and reputation goals.
Responsibilities:
- Deliver external communications that enhance the University’s reputation and support student recruitment, investment and partnerships.
- Identify and develop compelling stories, producing high-quality content across media, digital and social channels.
- Work closely with academics, researchers and senior leaders to promote teaching, research, innovation and civic impact.
- Manage media enquiries, support out-of-hours cover and contribute to crisis communications as required.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with regional, national and international media.
- Support the delivery of events and campaigns that showcase the University and its collaborations.
- Collaborate across Marketing, Recruitment and Communications to ensure a joined-up, creative approach.
- Monitor and evaluate activity to improve effectiveness and impact.
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Proven experience in media relations, communications, public affairs or events, and a strong track record of producing high-quality content for external audiences.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to spot strong stories, simplify complex information and tailor content for media, digital and social channels, including social media content creation.
- A proactive, self-starting approach with the ability to manage competing priorities, work calmly under pressure and build effective relationships with senior stakeholders.
Desirable Skills and Experience:
- A relevant professional qualification (e.g. CIPR, CIM) and/or evidence of ongoing professional development.
- Experience working in higher education, public service or a similarly complex, knowledge-based environment.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.
External Relations Officer in Birmingham employer: BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY
Contact Detail:
BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land External Relations Officer in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Birmingham City University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out when we apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off our skills! Prepare a portfolio of our best work that highlights our media relations and content creation abilities. This will be super handy during interviews to demonstrate how we can contribute to BCU's goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on BCU’s latest news and achievements. This will not only impress during interviews but also help us tailor our responses to show how we can enhance their external communications.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep an eye on any updates or new opportunities that pop up.
We think you need these skills to ace External Relations Officer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of External Relations Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at Birmingham City University!
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills: Since this role is all about shaping and sharing stories, include examples of how you've created compelling content in the past. We love seeing creativity and innovation in your writing!
Keep It Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY
✨Know Your Story
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your own experiences and how they relate to the role of External Relations Officer. Be ready to share specific examples of your past work in media relations or communications that highlight your ability to produce high-quality content and manage relationships with stakeholders.
✨Research the University
Familiarise yourself with Birmingham City University's recent initiatives, partnerships, and achievements. This will not only help you understand their current narrative but also allow you to discuss how your skills can contribute to enhancing their reputation and supporting student recruitment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially in crisis communications or managing media enquiries. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated challenges in previous roles and be prepared to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role emphasises collaboration across various departments, be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively with different teams in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve partnered with academics or senior leaders to achieve common goals, showcasing your proactive approach and relationship-building skills.
