At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging communications and media content to showcase Manchester Met's strengths.
- Company: Join Manchester Metropolitan University, a vibrant institution in a global city.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional development, and a diverse, inclusive culture.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to communication excellence and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing the university's profile through creative storytelling.
- Qualifications: Strong writing skills and experience in media relations and social media.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for an enthusiastic Communications Executive (News and PR) ready to take on a challenging and rewarding permanent role to start from August 2026. As a key member of the University’s external communications and engagement team, you will deliver impactful and engaging communications to highlight Manchester Met’s strengths and enhance its profile and reputation through media relations, stakeholder engagement, digital and social media.
About the role
- Working closely with the Communications Officer (News and PR) and colleagues across External Relations, you will help to source, shape and deliver stories, provide timely and accurate content, and contribute to proactive and reactive communications and media activity.
- Identify, develop and deliver news stories and PR opportunities and activities which highlight the University’s priorities, key strengths and research to target audiences.
- Work with colleagues to support the development, delivery and evaluation of integrated communication and marketing plans to support the University’s Brand, Profile and Reputation Strategy.
- Write high-quality copy for a range of external channels, including press releases, web copy, social media, newsletters, and other publications.
- Produce engaging multimedia content including videos, short clips, quotes, case studies, and social media content for a range of digital and social channels.
- Build relationships with key journalists across a range of media and manage their interest.
As a hybrid worker, you will be based at our All Saints Campus for approximately two days a week while working part of the week remotely.
About you
- A passionate, creative, and proactive, solutions driven communications expert committed to exceptional external communications and media relations.
- Excellent writing skills.
- Excellent understanding of social media for storytelling, including the ability to produce engaging content.
- Excellent media relations skills, including experience of pitching stories and building relationships with journalists.
- Enthusiastic and motivated to effectively deliver projects to high standards and deadlines.
- Ability to develop effective working relationships and persuasively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Ability to interpret complex information and data and develop key messages for external audiences.
About the Communications & Engagement team
Our team is dedicated to building and enhancing the University’s brand, profile and reputation, supporting our goal to be recognised as the University, employer, and partner of choice. As part of a great university in a great global city, the Communications & Engagement team plays a key role in promoting Manchester Met’s strengths to enhance its profile as well as developing communications and strategies to protect its reputation. Our team works with colleagues and students to tell our stories to a range of external audiences. You will also create an engaging range of content to showcase Manchester Met’s strategic research, expertise, news and success across digital and social channels.
This permanent role offers a valuable opportunity to support and contribute to exciting changes, impactful projects and experience the full scope of our work. Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support. Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups. Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria.
Communications Executive (News and PR) in Manchester employer: Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Metropolitan University is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of inclusivity and diversity, making it a great place for passionate communications professionals. With a commitment to employee growth through mentoring programmes and professional development opportunities, you will thrive in a dynamic environment that values your contributions while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements. Join us at our vibrant All Saints Campus, where you can make a meaningful impact on the University's reputation and engage with a diverse range of stakeholders in a supportive and innovative setting.
Contact Details:
Manchester Metropolitan University Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Executive (News and PR) in Manchester
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Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like Manchester Metropolitan University. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
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We think you need these skills to ace Communications Executive (News and PR) in Manchester
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 Manchester Metropolitan University. 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 Manchester Metropolitan University.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Metropolitan University
✨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.
