At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful communications for science and engineering, turning complex ideas into compelling stories.
- Company: Join Imperial College London, a world-leading institution with a mission for science and humanity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 43 days off, flexible working, and a generous salary package.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with diverse networks supporting personal and professional wellbeing.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that shapes the narrative of groundbreaking research and innovation.
- Qualifications: Strong communicator with experience in integrated communications and media relations.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
About the role
Are you a dynamic and strategic communicator with excellent news judgement? Can you lead colleagues to create compelling stories from complex topics? Do you have a laser focus on delivering impactful communications to support organisational objectives? We are looking for a driven External Communications Manager to join our Science and Engineering desk.
As Communications Manager you will play a leading role in bringing Imperial’s science and engineering activities to life for external audiences. You will have direct line management of a Communications Assistant, and work collaboratively with Communications colleagues across Imperial to tell inspiring, impactful stories of Imperial’s research, innovation and education.
What you would be doing
Imperial College London’s scientists and engineers are brimming with world-changing ideas, and each day their research findings and imaginative innovations are transforming society. Your challenge is to use these amazing breakthroughs to tell Imperial’s bigger story – of being the UK’s most entrepreneurial university, of forging fertile international ties, of radically boosting London’s economic potential through frontier innovation, of being a home to curiosity driven science. You’ll use tenacity and creativity to get Imperial academics, innovators, initiatives and breakthroughs in the media – turning complicated ideas into compelling stories, crafting strong news hooks, and spotting and jumping on external opportunities. You’ll create engaging, social-ready content at pace - bringing fresh ideas and approaches to create engaging digital and social media content. You’ll take a collaborative approach, developing successful networks across the university, and with external stakeholders, partners, journalists and influencers.
What we are looking for
- You will be a strong communicator who can combine innovative, strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
- You will have experience in delivering integrated communications strategies, devising impactful campaigns and evaluating impact.
- You will have strong media and influencer contacts (preferably in the science, technology or business space).
- You will be diplomatic with a sensitive approach to managing competing expectations – including at a senior level.
- You will be an experienced line manager, with skills in coaching and developing colleagues.
What we can offer you
- The opportunity to build your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to deliver science for humanity.
- The chance to work in a dynamic, forward-looking external communications team.
- Benefit from sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
- Get access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day 1, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and a cycle-to-work scheme.
- Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources designed to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
Further information
Interviews will be held on 4 December. You will be based at our White City campus but travel to other campuses on a regular basis is to be expected and is a requirement of the role. This is a full-time role (35 hours per week) and is offered on a hybrid basis in line with Imperial’s Work Location Framework.
If you require any further details on the role please contact: Eleanor Green.
External Communications Manager (Science and Engineering) in London employer: Imperial College London
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the International Relations Office. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a commitment to diversity, and the chance to engage in meaningful projects that have a global impact, all set in the heart of one of the world's leading academic institutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land External Communications Manager (Science and Engineering) in London
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We think you need these skills to ace External Communications Manager (Science and Engineering) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of Imperial College London. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at Imperial College London.
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
