Communications Manager 

UKRI - NERC

CEH, Wallingford

£35,222

Full time

Open ended 

About Us

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is a partner organisation within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). UKRI is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation and a vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.  

The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) is part of NERC and is the UK's Centre of Excellence for integrated research in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and their interaction with the atmosphere. Working in partnership with the research community, policy makers, industry and society, CEH undertakes cutting edge research to deliver world class solutions to the most complex environmental challenges facing humankind. 

About the role

Are you passionate about communicating science? We are a world class environmental Research Centre looking for an experienced communications professional to build our profile with a wide range of audiences.

We are seeking an experienced communications professional to manage our public relations, media relations, social media and content creation.

Some of the main duties of the role include: 

• overseeing CEH’s public relations, media relations, social media, content creation and public engagement and events functions
• managing and developing three staff – a Media Relations Officer, a Media and Social Media Coordinator and an Events and Public Engagement Coordinator
• liaising with senior managers and scientists over four CEH sites to identify and scope priority projects, maintaining a forward plan that facilitates cross-team working
• creating and delivering effective communications plans for priority projects and provide clear reports on performance with a focus on outcomes as well as outputs.

About you

It is essential that you have extensive public relations experience, dealing with government, policy, industry and research audiences. 

You will have demonstrable experience of engaging diverse audiences with scientific issues, including the general public and have great relationships with relevant editors and journalists and a track record of building media partnerships with broadcast, print and online media.

Strong planning ability and experience creating and delivering communications plans in a complex, dynamic environment and experience of coaching, mentoring and developing staff and a talent for building relationships with experts is essential for this role. 

What we offer

NERC offer a public sector pension scheme, 30 days’ annual leave and 10½ days’ public and privilege holiday per annum. We offer a flexible and supportive working environment and will encourage your continuing professional development as part of our career support. 

How to Apply

This role would not be able to sponsor an individual who requires a visa. To work for CEH, you must be eligible to live and work in the UK. 

Applicants are required to include a cover letter outlining their suitability for this role. 

Applications are handled by UK Shared Business Services, to apply please click apply now. Applicants who are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on +44 (0)1793 867000.

The closing date for applications is 19^th August 2018.