At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Communications Team to enhance outreach and engagement for higher education.
- Company: Join the Next Steps South West team at the University of Plymouth.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension schemes, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in widening participation in higher education.
- Qualifications: Experience in marketing/PR and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30378 - 34610 £ per year.
Are you a strong relationship-builder and team leader with an interest in Outreach/Widening Participation? Join the team as Communications Team Leader, responsible for managing NSSW communications!
Next Steps South West (NSSW) is recruiting for the unique opportunity to support our ongoing collaborative work and also to look for opportunities to engage with a wider stakeholder network, securing added value from new relationships, and pioneering collaborative approaches. NSSW is part of the national Uni Connect programme, funded by the Office for Students (OfS). The programme aims to increase progression into higher education (HE) for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. NSSW is the regional partnership for Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, and works in collaboration with local higher education providers and external organisations to support this aim.
Through engagement with potential students and their influencers, NSSW delivers an outreach programme to improve awareness of HE options and support well-informed decision-making. The Comms team is responsible for the promotion of NSSW events through web, social media, printed material and newsletters. External communications are with partners and stakeholders. This is a full time, fixed term contract, working 37 hours per week until 31st August 2027 due to funding.
What we’re looking for:
- Previous experience in a marketing/PR/communications environment.
- The management of people is also key to this role, both internally and externally.
- You will be able to lead and operate effectively in times of change and ambiguity, bringing creative ideas and collaborative solutions in response to stakeholder input.
- You will bring knowledge of the local educational environment and an understanding of educational disadvantage.
Due to the nature of this role, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check plus a Children’s Barred List and Adults Barred List check will be required. For this role, you will need to be on site 2 days a week. Although we can accommodate working from home for this role, flexibility to be on-site will be expected due to business needs.
About us: You will be part of the NSSW hub team, based at the University of Plymouth, and also the wider NSSW team with members of staff at partner locations throughout the three counties. You will play a key role in promoting team spirit and cohesion across the full team.
Our Offer: We have a wide range of staff benefits available to employees, depending on eligibility:
- Generous annual leave: 25 Days Annual Leave (pro rata if part-time) plus Bank Holidays & Closure Days
- Generous pension scheme
- Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Development opportunities
- Enhanced family leave
- Flexible working
- Retailer discounts
- On-site nursery
The University of Plymouth is building an inclusive and equitable university where everyone feels represented, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is guided by the Inclusive Institutions Framework, a strategic and externally validated approach that embeds these principles across the entire institution.
Next Steps South West Communications Team Leader in Plymouth employer: University of Plymouth
The University of Plymouth is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration in the field of LawTech and AI. With generous benefits such as 35 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and extensive professional development opportunities, employees are supported in their growth while contributing to a transformative educational experience. Located in a dynamic academic environment, the university fosters inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that all staff feel valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Next Steps South West Communications Team Leader in Plymouth
✨Dive into Local Events
Get involved with local marketing and communications events! These are great places to meet people from the industry, learn about temporary roles, and even uncover hidden job leads. Check out local networking events or marketing conferences that might be happening in your area.
✨Show Off Your Work
Create a standout digital portfolio showcasing your previous campaigns, writing samples, or projects. Share this on social media and professional groups relevant to marketing-communications. This public visibility can often attract interest from potential employers, especially for those temporary gigs!
✨Utilise Online Job Boards
Focus on job boards specific to marketing and communications. Sites like MarketingJobs.com or even LinkedIn can have temp roles that aren’t always advertised on the usual job sites. Keep your eyes peeled and apply through our website—temp roles can come up unexpectedly, and you want to be first in line!
✨Tap into Your Uni's Resources
If you're still at university, don't forget to lean on your career services for temporary marketing roles. They often have connections to firms looking for interns or temporary staff who can jump in at short notice. Plus, networking with your professors can lead to some valuable opportunities—always worth a chat!
We think you need these skills to ace Next Steps South West Communications Team Leader in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience with Campaigns:In marketing-communications, it’s all about showcasing your ability to create impactful campaigns. Make sure to include any relevant projects you’ve worked on in your CV, detailing your role, the strategies used, and the results achieved. We're looking for candidates who can demonstrate their creativity and analytical skills!
Tailor Your Writing Samples:For a temporary role, we want to see your versatility and adaptability in communication. Include a couple of writing samples that align with our brand voice or reflect your ability to engage various audiences. This gives us a taste of what you can bring to the team at University of Plymouth from day one!
Show Off Your Digital Savvy:Digital marketing is a big part of marketing-communications, so make sure your application reflects your understanding of social media, SEO, and content marketing. Feel free to throw in any certificates you've earned in these areas—it shows your initiative and dedication to learning the latest trends!
Express Your Enthusiasm for the Short-Term Role:In your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in this temporary position at University of Plymouth specifically. Share what you hope to learn during your time with us and how you can contribute to our ongoing projects. We're all about passion and potential, so let that shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Plymouth
✨Showcase Your Creative Portfolio
As a candidate for a temporary marketing-communications role at University of Plymouth, your portfolio will speak volumes. Bring along samples of your best work—think campaigns you've managed, social media content, and any visuals. Be ready to talk through your creative process and the impact your work had on previous projects.
✨Understand the Latest Trends
We know the marketing-communications field moves at lightning speed. Make sure you brush up on the latest trends—such as digital storytelling or the effectiveness of influencer partnerships. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will show University of Plymouth you're not just up-to-date but also eager to innovate.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work on short timelines. Share examples from your past where you had to pivot a strategy or campaign swiftly to meet changing demands. This will reassure University of Plymouth that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Ready Your Communication Strategy
Be prepared for questions that assess your communication skills. You might get asked to pitch a marketing idea on the spot or create a quick content plan. This is your chance to shine and show how your unique perspective can solve problems for University of Plymouth, so think on your feet and don't hesitate to showcase your creativity!
