At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead PR strategies and create engaging digital content for a top university.
- Company: Join a pioneering higher education institution making a positive community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model and competitive pay of up to £300 per day.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformational vision while enhancing the university's brand and reputation.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in corporate writing are essential.
- Other info: This is a 3-month contract role with opportunities for creativity and impact.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
PR and Communications Manager
3 months contract (up to £300 per day)
Hybrid (1-2 days per week in their London office)
We are currently working with a higher education institution whose pioneering and forward-thinking vision is making a positive and significant impact on the communities they serve, inspiring staff and students to reach their full potential. The client is currently on a transformational 10-year vision, with a clear route map to drive diversity in the talent pipeline and to create an inclusive and sustainable green future.
The PR and Communications Manager will craft, execute and assess PR and creative digital content strategies for 1-2 of the University’s academic schools, positioning and promoting key strategic people and products in alignment with Vision 2028.
We are looking for someone who is a self-starter and can produce results in a fast-paced work environment with multiple, often shifting priorities and often under minimal direction. You should be highly detail-oriented and excited about engaging and inspiring your colleagues to do the work of enhancing and promoting the university's brand to the media.
Skills and Responsibilities:
- Design and implement effective PR strategies which promote Vision 2028 priorities and objectives (1+ earned tier 1 piece/month; 4+ total unique earned PR pieces/month)
- Maintain and leverage professional relationships with key media and social media sources, with routine outreach to local, national and international journalists, editors and news organisations and digital influencers.
- Identify, generate and maintain relationships with academics, school and institutional leadership teams and internal and external partners to identify newsworthy people and events and promote and disseminate information.
- Develop and execute written communications of a complex nature, including press releases, media advisories, newsletters, thought leadership and opinion pieces and social media posts.
- Design and implement effective strategies on social media and other digital platforms to enhance PR and reputation for one or more of the University’s schools.
- Create compelling and strategic digital content (4+ pieces/month), including videos and podcasts, for social media, website, blogs and other platforms.
About you:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Experience in Corporate writing is a must
- Demonstrated ability to sell in pitches to all types of media
- Demonstrated ability in synthesizing complex materials and communicating highly technical information in a manner easily understood
- Highly skilled in PR software and tools, Microsoft Office Suite, Sharepoint, Drupal and other content management systems (CMS), project management tools, Adobe Creative Suite and other systems as needed.
- Excellent understanding of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and writing for optimal website engagement
- Ability to work on Multiple projects
PR and Communications Manager employer: Practicus
Contact Detail:
Practicus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PR and Communications Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the university's Vision 2028 and its key priorities. Understanding their goals will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate how your PR strategies can align with their vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the higher education sector, especially those involved in PR and communications. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with digital content creation by preparing a portfolio of your previous work. Highlight any successful campaigns or projects that demonstrate your ability to engage audiences through various platforms.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in PR and communications, particularly in the education sector. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will allow you to contribute fresh ideas and strategies during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace PR and Communications Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the PR and Communications Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially focusing on the importance of crafting effective PR strategies and engaging with media.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in corporate writing, PR strategies, and digital content creation. Make sure to showcase any previous roles where you successfully managed media relationships or executed communication plans.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for the role and the institution's vision. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to produce results in fast-paced environments and your expertise in PR and communications.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, emphasize your proficiency with PR software, project management tools, and your understanding of SEO. Mention any experience you have with creating digital content like videos and podcasts, as this is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Practicus
✨Showcase Your PR Strategy Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific PR strategies you've designed and implemented in the past. Highlight how these strategies align with organizational goals, similar to the Vision 2028 priorities mentioned in the job description.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Expertise
Since excellent verbal and written communication skills are crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Bring examples of your corporate writing, such as press releases or newsletters, to showcase your ability to communicate complex information effectively.
✨Highlight Your Media Relationships
Discuss your experience in maintaining relationships with media professionals. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully pitched stories to journalists and secured coverage, emphasizing your outreach strategies and results.
✨Prepare for Digital Content Discussion
Given the emphasis on creating compelling digital content, come equipped with examples of your work in this area. Discuss your familiarity with various digital platforms and tools, and be ready to explain how you measure the success of your content.