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- Tasks: Create engaging content to boost the University’s profile and attract students.
- Company: Join Birmingham City University’s dynamic Marketing, Recruitment and Communications team.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, hybrid working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by showcasing innovative teaching and research on global platforms.
- Qualifications: Experience in media relations and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking an External Relations Officer to join our Marketing, Recruitment and Communications Department as maternity cover for a 12-month period, supporting the delivery of high-quality communications that enhance the University’s profile and reputation. Working within a collaborative team, the role partners with academics, researchers and senior leaders to showcase innovative teaching, research and partnerships across social media, media channels and events. Responsible for promoting BCU’s local, national and international collaborations, the postholder ensures external communications are creative, strategic and aligned with student recruitment, investment and reputation goals.
Key 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.
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 stakeholders. 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.
If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of Birmingham City University, we would love to hear from you. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Phil Gordos, External Relations Manager at phil.gordos@bcu.ac.uk.
Why work for us:
- Work–life balance – Generous leave and hybrid working (role dependent).
- Career development – Opportunities to grow, develop and progress your career.
- Reward and wellbeing – Competitive pay, pension, wellbeing support and staff benefits.
- Inclusive culture – A supportive, diverse environment where everyone belongs.
External Relations Officer 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working at BCU. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your best work that highlights your media relations and content creation abilities. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your ideas! Think about how you would enhance BCU’s reputation through creative communications. Bring these ideas to the table during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at BCU.
We think you need these skills to ace External Relations Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills: As an External Relations Officer, your ability to identify and develop compelling stories is key. Make sure your application highlights your experience in crafting engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences. We want to see how you can simplify complex information and tailor it for various media channels.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to align your skills and experiences with the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. We love seeing candidates who understand our mission and can demonstrate how they’ll contribute to enhancing the University’s profile.
Highlight Your Media Relations Experience: Since this role involves managing media enquiries and building relationships with media outlets, make sure to showcase any relevant experience you have in media relations or public affairs. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Birmingham City University!
How to prepare for a job interview at BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research Birmingham City University and its recent initiatives. Understand their values and how they communicate with their audience. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in enhancing their reputation.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
Prepare examples of compelling stories you've developed in previous roles. Highlight how these stories were crafted for different media channels. This will demonstrate your ability to produce high-quality content that aligns with the university's goals.
✨Be Ready for Media Scenarios
Think about potential media enquiries or crisis situations that could arise in this role. Prepare thoughtful responses or strategies on how you would handle them. This shows that you can think on your feet and manage pressure effectively.
✨Build Connections
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for collaborating with academics and senior leaders. Share how you've successfully built relationships in the past. This will highlight your proactive approach and ability to work within a team to achieve common goals.