Senior Communications Officer

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Job description

Job Description: Senior Communications Officer

Salary: in range £35,000-£40,000 including London Weighting

Working pattern: Full-time or Part time (21-35 hours per week), Permanent

Pension: USS

Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays

Location: Based in central London but with occasional UK-wide travel and flexible working options

Reports to: Deputy CEO

Purpose

GuildHE is seeking a full-time Senior Communications Officer to support our communications and public relations activities, helping to amplify our key messages to enhance the delivery of GuildHE's core mission and to deliver better value for members. GuildHE is a representative body for 57 smaller and specialist universities and colleges. We are a small, dynamic and friendly team championing a diverse higher education sector that drives cultural, social and economic development throughout the UK.

Job Description

Strategy and planning

Develop, manage and deliver the communications strategy and annual communication plans in liaison with the Deputy CEO and CEO

Lead proactive external communications promoting GuildHE activities such as our events, reports and consultation responses and responding to other organisations reports and releases as well as seeking other opportunities to promote our key messages such as through days of celebration (Mental Health Week, Black History Month, Apprenticeship week, A level results day etc)

Develop and execute strategies to raise GuildHE's profile among external audiences and demonstrate the impact of GuildHE's (and its sub associations) work to the membership and potential members.

Content generation and communications delivery

Support the staff team to create compelling, creative content to provide a consistent, targeted, and impactful message that promotes the image and ethos of the organisation

Generate content across various channels including newsletters, social media and websites

Manage and update the GuildHE Brand Tools as necessary and be responsible for brand compliance across our outputs

Provide advice and support to staff about engagement or in producing communications collateral (such as reports, leaflets or videos) for GuildHE's different audiences

Web presence and social media

Ensure our websites (GuildHE, GuildHE Research and UKADIA) are up to date and effectively displaying our work and policy positions

Manage the GuildHE, GuildHE Research and UKADIA's social media presence, producing regular content. Monitor engagement and reporting on impact.

Monitor search engine optimisation and data analytics and suggest and execute ways to support the team in engaging in online discussions about policy and member activity

Other duties

Assist in the preparation of papers on relevant matters for the GuildHE Board

Actively support the delivery of the GuildHE strategy

Undertake any other reasonable duties as may be required

Person Specification

Core Skills

Implementing, analysing and improving communications initiatives, using relevant communications and marketing tools when appropriate

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong proofreading skills

Basic design skills

Understanding of search engine optimisation

Core Attributes

Ability to proactively manage GuildHE's strategic and operational communications activities

Able to meet deadlines with strong attention to detail

Ability to build professional relationships with members and a wide range of stakeholders.

Be self-motivated and communicative with colleagues, with the ability to support the wider team when required in a flexible and dynamic working environment

Ideal Experience

A communications background with a demonstrated record of success including experience of day to day management of multiple communication channels

Expertise in brand identity and communication styles

Experience of using social media and digital tools to horizon-scan, spot opportunities and successful promote an organisation

Knowledge and understanding of the higher education sector would be desirable and/or experience of working in a membership organisation

A professional communications/ marketing qualification (e.g Chartered Institute of Public Relations/ Chartered Institute of Marketing) or equivalent would be desirable

About GuildHE

GuildHE is an officially recognised representative body for UK Higher Education. Our members include universities, university colleges, further education colleges and specialist institutions from both the traditional and private sectors. Member institutions include some major providers in professional subject areas including art, design and media, music and the performing arts; agriculture and food; the built environment; education; law and business; health and sports.

This post is within the small dynamic team based in central London, which provides policy support to GuildHE's members and promotes their interests to a wide audience. The office team also develops briefings, guidance and opportunities for members and their staff to share good practice.

Application Process

To apply please send a CV and covering letter.

Interviews will be held in London on Wednesday 26 January 2022.