At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful communications campaigns and create engaging content across various channels.
- Company: Join OUI, a dynamic team at the University of Oxford focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, competitive salary, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference by telling powerful stories that resonate globally.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in external communications and exceptional writing skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The opportunity
Are you passionate about telling powerful stories that showcase world-changing innovation? Can you translate complex ideas into compelling narratives that engage global audiences? Do you thrive on delivering high-impact communications campaigns that build reputation and influence?
About the role
As External Communications Manager, you will be a key member of OUI’s Communications & Marketing team, responsible for leading and delivering external communications that enhance our visibility, credibility, and engagement. This is a strategic and hands-on role where you will deliver integrated external communications campaigns aligned to OUI’s strategy, creating high-quality content across channels including media, digital, and social. You will manage OUI’s social media platforms, drive engagement through insight-led content, and work with media and PR agencies to build profile and manage reputation. You will also collaborate on visual storytelling, maintain the content calendar, act as a trusted advisor to colleagues, and build strong relationships across OUI, the University of Oxford, and external partners.
About You
What we’re looking for
- You will be an experienced communications professional who combines strategic thinking with excellent delivery.
- You’ll be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities while maintaining high standards.
- You should be able to demonstrate:
- Significant experience in external communications, with a strong track record of delivering measurable PR and campaign outcomes
- Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft clear, engaging and impactful content
- A talent for translating complex scientific, technical or commercial concepts into accessible stories
- Experience managing social media channels and digital campaigns using data and insight
- Confidence working with senior stakeholders, media, and external partners
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams
- A collaborative mindset and the ability to build effective working relationships
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At OUI, we’re committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). We aim to create an inclusive environment with fair access to opportunities, where everyone feels valued, respected and able to be themselves. We bring together people with deep experience and broad expertise across research, business, investment and public impact. We want all our people to thrive, contribute their perspectives, and play an active role in our collective success.
Our approach to hybrid and flexible working
We know that people do their best work when they can balance their professional and personal commitments. That’s why we offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements that support different ways of working and help our colleagues thrive. We’re committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace that works well for both OUI and our people, while attracting and retaining talented people from a wide range of backgrounds, including parents, carers, and those with interests and responsibilities outside work.
Salary & Closing Date
Salary for this role depends on experience and will range between £40,000 - £50,000. The closing date is midday on Friday 3 August 2026.
External Communications Manager employer: Oxford University Innovation
OUI is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where creativity and collaboration thrive. As an External Communications Manager, you will have the opportunity to craft impactful narratives that resonate globally while enjoying flexible working arrangements that support your personal commitments. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, OUI not only values your contributions but also invests in your professional growth within the prestigious environment of the University of Oxford.
Contact Details:
Oxford University Innovation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land External Communications Manager
✨Get Involved in PR Events
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 Oxford University Innovation. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like Oxford University Innovation, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research Oxford University Innovation inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace External Communications Manager
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 Oxford University Innovation. 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 Oxford University Innovation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford University Innovation
✨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.
