At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communications projects and manage media relations to enhance the university's reputation.
- Company: Join Bath Spa University, a creative hub with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that shapes communication and engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications, excellent writing skills, and social media savvy.
- Other info: Work in a stunning location with great career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 33000 £ per year.
We are seeking a proactive and creative Senior Communications and PR Officer to develop and deliver effective communications that enhance our reputation and engage key stakeholders across the UK. The successful candidate will manage media relations, create compelling content, and support internal and external communications campaigns that align with our organisational goals. (This is a fixed term role, covering maternity leave)
About the Role
Within the role, you will lead and deliver strategic communications projects that enhance and protect the University’s profile, reputation, and brand. The role involves developing and delivering impactful communications plans across PR, media relations, internal communications, digital and social media channels, managing press office activity and media enquiries, and supporting crisis communications. You will create and oversee engaging content and campaigns, work with external PR agencies, and collaborate closely with academic and professional services to identify positive stories and support departmental communication needs.
About You
- Internal and external communications experience
- Press Office Management
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- Technically and digitally competent
- Stakeholder management
- Management of team member experience
- Brand Management experience
- Social Media and Content creation experience
Additional Information
Salary: Grade 6, starting from £33,951 rising to £37,694 per annum. The salary range shows the potential maximum pay progression in addition to any annual inflationary increase to your pay. Please note that our default position is to appoint into the lower end of the range, unless there are exceptional circumstances. This is a fixed term role, covering maternity leave. The nature of the role means that some evening and weekend working may be required. The arrangement of working hours will be agreed in advance with the post’s line manager.
Staff Benefits
We offer a wide range of great benefits at BSU, including:
- Generous pension scheme (Local Government Pension Scheme/Teacher’s Pension Scheme).
- Enhanced paid leave – 41 – 46 days depending on the role (Full Time).
- Family friendly policies including hybrid working, flexible work environment, on-site nursery, and a sector-leading enhanced maternity scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme which offers access to on-demand GP appointments, wellbeing support and advice, and access to counselling.
- Transport schemes including Electric Vehicle Scheme and Cycle to Work.
- Wide range of discounts and financial benefits, accessed through an easy-to-use app.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
About Bath Spa University
Bath Spa University is where creative minds meet. Offering a wide range of courses across the arts, sciences, education, social science and business to over 7,500 students, the University employs outstanding creative professionals which support its aim to be a leading educational institution in creativity, culture and enterprise. Our main Newton Park campus is based in stunning countryside just a few minutes from a World Heritage City. We are also proud to offer courses to students at our other campuses around Bath, and in London at our Canary Wharf and Hackney sites. An impressive 84% of our staff said they would recommend the University to a friend as a good place to work. We are a community of colleagues, striving for excellence to ensure students thrive. Our values are: Respect, Inclusivity, Collaboration, Sustainability. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community. We foster inclusivity, celebrating and respecting differences. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds and genders. We consider our recruitment practices to be comprehensive and unbiased; ensuring fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity for all.
Senior Communications & PR Officer (Fixed Term), Bath Spa University employer: Rachel Miller
Contact Detail:
Rachel Miller Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Communications & PR Officer (Fixed Term), Bath Spa University
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the communications and PR field. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. 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 media relations, content creation, and campaigns. This will not only impress potential employers but also give you a chance to demonstrate your creativity and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Research organisations you admire, like Bath Spa University, and reach out directly. Express your interest and share how you can contribute to their communications goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the organisation. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in communications and PR.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Communications & PR Officer (Fixed Term), Bath Spa University
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Communications & PR Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in media relations and content creation, showing us how you can enhance our reputation at Bath Spa University.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since excellent writing is key for this position, include examples of your best work. Whether it’s press releases, articles, or social media posts, let us see your flair for compelling communication!
Be Proactive and Creative: We’re looking for someone who can think outside the box. In your application, share any innovative ideas you have for communications strategies that could engage our stakeholders and elevate our brand.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so head over to our website and apply as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rachel Miller
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research Bath Spa University and its communications strategy. Understand their values, recent campaigns, and key stakeholders. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in enhancing their reputation.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
As a Senior Communications & PR Officer, strong writing skills are essential. Prepare a portfolio of your best work, including press releases, articles, or social media posts. Be ready to discuss how your writing has positively impacted previous organisations.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about crisis communications and media relations. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed a challenging situation or developed an effective communication plan. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and future projects. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you assess if the university is the right fit for you. Plus, it makes for a more engaging conversation!