At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead storytelling initiatives to enhance visibility and impact across Cambridge and Manchester.
- Company: Join the first cross-UK innovation partnership driving collaboration and investment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by connecting diverse stakeholders and sharing impactful stories.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in content creation are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
About The Cambridge x Manchester Partnership launched in August 2025, The Cambridge x Manchester Partnership is the first cross‑UK innovation partnership. The partnership is designed to expand and strengthen innovation ecosystems in both cities, drive investment, and define a new model of collaboration for the UK. Activities will focus on maximising the impact of complementary innovation assets in both Cambridge and Manchester across a breadth of sectors, including life sciences, quantum, climate tech, defence, material science, and creative industries. As well as activating both ecosystems through collaborative initiatives, the partnership will help start‑ups and scale‑ups to secure funding and grow, attract innovation‑intensive FDI to the UK, and stimulate investment into R&D. Underpinning all the outcomes, the Partnership will share best practice for delivering ecosystem collaboration, and inclusive and good growth to benefit other cities, the wider higher education sector, local and national government, and the community at large. The collaboration is driven by a dedicated team who will run a programme of specially designed activities, projects and initiatives.
The Role: You will lead on telling the stories developed through the teams’ work between the local businesses, universities, local communities, government and investors across both Cambridge and Manchester. You’ll be delivering and supporting the external profile of the partnership. This role will play an important part in strengthening the visibility and impact of the Partnership across both ecosystems. Some of the things you might find yourself doing include:
- Working closely across the team in both ecosystems to identify opportunities for storytelling.
- Developing close relationships across the key stakeholder comms teams (including Universities, Innovation ecosystem organisations such as Unit M and Innovate Cambridge, AstraZeneca, industry partners and the Board), and with the ecosystem players whose stories we are sharing.
- Supporting the ongoing development of the comms strategy, and overseeing delivery either directly, with partners, or with suppliers.
- Maintaining the Partnership style guide and ensuring consistency of use across all stakeholders.
- Monitoring communications outcomes, gathering insights and actioning feedback to continuously improve delivery.
- Alignment of plans with the Unit M and Innovate Cambridge strategies.
- Developing and sharing stories, learnings and impact from the partnership’s core activities and sharing them through social media, thought leadership pieces and case studies.
- Promotion of a unified events calendar developed in both cities.
- Supporting delivery of events with the rest of the team, including helping define content, promotions, and marketing materials.
- Ensuring timely delivery of collateral, including the major collateral as part of the bid outputs i.e. playbooks, case studies, investment prospectus.
- Ensuring ongoing internal communications of the Partnership work.
What You’ll Bring:
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including senior leaders.
- Experience in developing and delivering high‑quality communications in a complex, fast‑paced setting.
- Experience in content creation (e.g., writing, managing video production, graphic design, websites).
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and convene stakeholders from different backgrounds with different levels of academic and non‑academic expertise.
- Experience working across multiple stakeholders or partners would be beneficial.
- Strong marketing communications skills, ideally a generalist who can cut across most disciplines.
- Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to adapt content for different audiences and channels.
- Good understanding of brand, tone of voice and content‑led communications.
- Experience using insight and analytics to inform content and communications delivery.
What You’ll Get:
- 29 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and December closure days.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Flexible and hybrid working.
- Access to a wide range of staff benefits, including discounts, wellbeing support and development programmes.
Explore full benefits: www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/benefits-working-here
Communication & Engagement Officer - Unit M in Manchester employer: The University of Manchester
The Cambridge x Manchester Partnership is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration across diverse sectors. With a strong focus on employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package, including 29 days of annual leave and a robust pension scheme, the partnership is committed to supporting its team members in making a meaningful impact within the community and beyond.
Contact Detail:
The University of Manchester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communication & Engagement Officer - Unit M in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might help you land that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your storytelling skills! Since this role is all about communication, think of ways to showcase your ability to craft compelling narratives. Create a portfolio or blog where you share insights and stories related to innovation and engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When you’re applying for roles, make sure to highlight your experience with diverse stakeholders and your ability to adapt content for different audiences. Use examples that resonate with the job description to stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our innovative team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Communication & Engagement Officer - Unit M in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the stakeholders involved in the Cambridge x Manchester Partnership. This will show us that you get the vibe and values of the role.
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills:Since storytelling is key in this role, make sure to highlight your experience in crafting compelling narratives. Share examples of how you've engaged different audiences through your communications, whether it's through social media, case studies, or events.
Be Clear and Concise:We love clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to break down your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you're a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Know Your Story
Before the interview, think about the stories you want to share that highlight your experience in communication and engagement. Tailor these stories to reflect how they align with the goals of the Cambridge x Manchester Partnership, especially in terms of collaboration and innovation.
✨Research the Ecosystem
Familiarise yourself with the key players in both Cambridge and Manchester's innovation ecosystems. Understanding their roles and how they contribute to the partnership will help you engage effectively during the interview and demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of your previous work in content creation and stakeholder engagement. Be ready to discuss how you've adapted your communication style for different audiences, as this role requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with diverse stakeholders.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your understanding of the partnership's objectives and challenges. Inquire about their current communication strategies or how they measure success in their initiatives. This not only demonstrates your interest but also your strategic thinking.
