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- Tasks: Create and deliver strategic communications for alumni and supporters, focusing on fundraising events.
- Company: Join the University of Southampton, a top 100 global university and Russell Group member.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real impact in fundraising.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking £100m campaign, addressing global healthcare challenges through innovative research.
- Qualifications: Experience in marketing communications, strong project management skills, and excellent copywriting abilities required.
- Other info: Part-time role for 24 months, with interviews on 23rd September via Microsoft Teams.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 23rd September via Microsoft Teams, with a second in person stage to follow for shortlisted candidates.
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Office of Development and Alumni Relations team at the University of Southampton, creating and delivering a range of strategic communications for our alumni and supporter community.
You\’ll be responsible for planning and delivering a whole plethora of communication tools to support our fundraising and engagement, with a particular focus on our upcoming Campaign for Southampton. Due to launch in 2027, this will be our biggest fundraising campaign ever, with a target of £100m. One of our key fundraising focusses will be the Institute for Medical Innovation; we will raise £50m to build this groundbreaking facility, which will address the world\’s most pressing healthcare challenges through interdisciplinary research. You have the chance to make a real difference.
We are looking for an experienced communications professional to support us with creating engaging communications. You will be responsible for activities such as:
o Developing compelling propositions
o Delivering the communications to support major gift prospect fundraising events, from creating invitations and shaping the themes, through to developing event materials and briefing speakers
o Creating and editing a wide range of communications pieces for our major gift prospect audience, from written case studies through to web content and video
o Managing the development and execution of new creative for the Campaign for Southampton
o Sourcing new stories and gathering information through interviews and desk research
o Supporting the team where needed on both fundraising and alumni engagement communications
This is a part-time role, working four days a week, on a fixed-term contract for 24 months. Like many organisations we\’re currently working hybrid, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. There is the opportunity to work more days in the office as desired. The successful applicant should be available to work on campus as and when there is a requirement., In the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, our mission is to engage and grow our alumni and supporter community through philanthropy, giving time/expertise and reputation raising to help achieve the University\’s strategic objectives. It\’s such an exciting time to join us, as we embark on our first University-wide fundraising and engagement campaign!
First and foremost, you\’ll have a strong understanding of communications and marketing. You\’ll have a number of years of marketing communications experience, ideally gained in a charity, education or agency environment. We are looking for someone who can hit the ground running and has the expertise and experience to take ownership of projects.
You\’ll thrive in a busy environment, have robust project management and organisation skills, and be adept at collaborating with a wide range of different stakeholders.
You\’ll be a strong copywriter with a passion for language, and the ability to write different types of copy.
To be considered, the successful candidate must be able to commence this role no later than 12th January 2026.
The University of Southampton is among the top 100 universities in the world and is a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group. Our diverse global staff and student community are helping to change the world for the better.
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Communications Manager employer: University of Southampton
Contact Detail:
University of Southampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the University of Southampton's mission and values. Understanding their strategic objectives will help you tailor your conversations during the interview, showing that you're aligned with their goals and passionate about their initiatives.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare specific examples of your past communications projects, especially those related to fundraising or alumni engagement. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience will demonstrate your capability to hit the ground running in this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the upcoming Campaign for Southampton and its focus areas. Having insights into their fundraising strategies and key messages will allow you to engage more effectively during discussions and showcase your proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. Gaining insider knowledge about the team dynamics and expectations can give you a competitive edge in your interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in communications and marketing, particularly in fundraising or alumni engagement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to create compelling propositions and manage projects.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for communications and your understanding of the role. Mention your experience with similar campaigns and how you can contribute to the Campaign for Southampton.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Include samples of your writing in your application, such as case studies or web content you've created. This will demonstrate your copywriting skills and your ability to engage different audiences.
Prepare for Interviews: Research the University of Southampton and its Office of Development and Alumni Relations. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission and how you can support their upcoming fundraising campaign.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Southampton
✨Research the University and its Campaigns
Before your interview, take some time to understand the University of Southampton's mission and its upcoming Campaign for Southampton. Familiarise yourself with their goals, especially the focus on the Institute for Medical Innovation, as this will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Communications Manager, your ability to convey messages effectively is crucial. Prepare examples of past projects where you developed compelling communications or managed successful fundraising events. Be ready to discuss your writing style and how you adapt it for different audiences.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Experience
Highlight your project management skills during the interview. Discuss specific instances where you successfully managed multiple stakeholders and deadlines, particularly in a busy environment. This will reassure them that you can handle the demands of the role.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Engage with your interviewers by preparing thoughtful questions about the team, the role, and the upcoming campaign. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the position aligns with your career goals and values.
