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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage external communications and create engaging content for diverse audiences.
- Company: Join HRUC, London's newest Further Education College group dedicated to excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and wellness activities.
- Why this job: Shape the future workforce while enhancing your PR skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in media, PR, or journalism with strong writing and relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Enjoy remote work options and free gym access at multiple campuses.
The predicted salary is between 31632 - 33621 £ per year.
Join to apply for the External Relations Officer role at HRUC (Harrow, Richmond & Uxbridge Colleges). HRUC is London's newest Further Education (FE) College group formed by the collaboration of Harrow College, Richmond upon Thames College, and Uxbridge College. The group is committed to delivering high-quality courses, apprenticeships, and training opportunities. HRUC focuses on equipping learners with essential skills and knowledge to support their career ambitions. With its dedication to excellence, HRUC plays a vital role in shaping the future workforce of London and beyond.
Role Description
This is a full-time role for an External Relations Officer, based at either our Harrow, Uxbridge or Richmond upon Thames College campuses, with opportunities for remote work up to two days per week. The successful candidate will join a growing team, providing external communication expertise, to initiate, develop and manage communication channels, create compelling content, provide advice, and continually improve the service, ensuring we engage effectively with a range of media and external audiences. You will craft and deliver key messages to external audiences, help grow and protect the external reputation of HRUC and its colleges and play a key role in setting up a press office at HRUC.
Qualifications
- Qualification(s) in media, PR or journalism
- Minimum of 3 years' experience in external relations or a press office role
- Experience of working in a press office or on a news desk
- Solid judgement and awareness of reputational risk, and the principles of public relations
- Ability to write outstanding and impactful stories; able to translate complex information and data into content for media releases and social media
- Existing relationships with local and/or sector media, or a proven ability to cultivate positive relationships with journalists
- Ability to meet targets and challenging deadlines
- Ability to work under pressure and scrutiny
- Ability to build and maintain excellent working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders
- Excellent attention to detail and high levels of integrity
- Understanding of the importance of confidentiality
- Understanding of the importance of Equality and Diversity and Safeguarding in education
Benefits Package
- Salary: £31,632 to £33,621 per annum including London Weighting.
- Annual Leave Allowance: Support staff are entitled to 29 days paid annual leave, rising to a maximum of 32 days (1 extra day after 1 complete year of service), plus bank holidays and approx. 3 efficiency days closure between Christmas and New Year.
- Generous Pension: membership of local government pension scheme.
- Season Ticket Loan
- Free Parking on all campuses
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Wellness Platform and Wellbeing Activities and Events
- Mylifestyle (Edenred) - dental scheme, cycle to work, discounts and perks
- Leisure Facilities – free gym at Uxbridge, Harrow and Richmond
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Other
Industries: Education
External Relations Officer employer: HRUC (Harrow, Richmond & Uxbridge Colleges)
Contact Detail:
HRUC (Harrow, Richmond & Uxbridge Colleges) 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 your connections in the education and media sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best work in external relations or PR. Include press releases, articles, or any content that highlights your ability to engage with media and audiences. This will give you an edge when you’re chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching HRUC and its colleges. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss how you can help enhance their external communications and reputation.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at HRUC. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace External Relations Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the External Relations Officer role. Highlight your experience in media, PR, or journalism, and showcase how your skills align with HRUC's mission to deliver high-quality education.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since this role involves crafting compelling content, include examples of your best writing. Whether it's press releases or social media posts, let us see how you can translate complex information into engaging stories.
Demonstrate Your Relationships: If you've got existing connections with local media or journalists, mention them! We love to see candidates who can cultivate positive relationships, as it’s key to enhancing HRUC's external reputation.
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 this exciting opportunity at HRUC.
How to prepare for a job interview at HRUC (Harrow, Richmond & Uxbridge Colleges)
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research HRUC and its mission. Understand their commitment to high-quality education and how they engage with external audiences. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous roles in external relations or press offices. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed communication channels or crafted impactful content. Highlight any existing relationships with local media that could benefit HRUC.
✨Demonstrate Your Writing Skills
Since writing is a key part of the role, bring along samples of your work that showcase your ability to translate complex information into engaging stories. If possible, prepare a short piece on a relevant topic to demonstrate your skills during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team you'll be joining. Inquire about their current communication strategies or how they measure success in external relations. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
