Job Description

Communications Manager - Innovation and Economic Development

Job Purpose
Reporting to the Head of Communications, you will develop and deliver communications that support the delivery of the University\'s Innovation Strategy, articulating its vision and roadmap to internal and external audiences.

You will be accountable for the effective coordination and delivery of communications related to University of Glasgow led, multi-partner, and multi-institution innovation and economic development related projects and initiatives, describing their impact and benefits for local economies, places and society at large.

You will build effective relationships with key stakeholders and networks and develop communication approaches to help influence our funders, stakeholders and partners to support us in delivery of our innovation goals.

You will be responsible for providing strategic communications guidance and support, working with the Director of Innovation and Director of Economic Development to shape engagement and presentation strategies.

Working with the Head of Communications and the Innovation and Economic Development Directorates, you will actively contribute to the development and delivery of the University of Glasgow communications strategy, maximising reach and impact for the innovation story through communicating and engaging multiple audiences through timely communications on audience relevant platforms.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Lead on developing and implementing strategic communications plans in relation to the Innovation Strategy, and associated projects and programmes that underpin delivery, including the Advanced Research Centre (ARC), our participation in ASPECT, our partnership in the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District (GRID) and the Clyde Mission.
2. Develop and implement activity to socialie the strategy across the University community, eventually including students, building out the action plan for this with Internal Communications and College Communications teams.
3. Develop our strategic communications approach to GRID and GRID Discovery, to maximise internal cooperation and collaboration, and also develop articles across all media platforms to maximise external reach. Work with partners to ensure co-ordination between the marketing of GRID, promotion of UoG role as a partner and how the city is marketed to investors.
4. Develop and deliver communication and engagement plans and targets with external funders, including charities, angels, venture capitalists, corporates and all partners that can support realisation of the University strategy.
5. Deliver reports outlining the impact of outputs, evaluating performance utilising qualitative and quantitative metrics to keep internal and external audiences advised of progress and inform future action plans.
6. Working alongside Government Relations, build the innovation strategy into all communications and reporting to Scottish Government and to UKRI and seek their support as key delivery partners.
7. Working closely with External Relations, support communications on our civic engagement, working alongside community stakeholders, and support the communication of the proposed civic challenge fund.
8. Actively build, establish, and maintain effective relationships internally through collaborative working in a matrix management structure, working with the Director of Innovation and Director of Economic Development and the Head of Communications to ensure the innovation story is amplified across a range of strategic communications projects, business development opportunities, shared initiatives, external partnership projects and with senior level media representatives.
9. Develop and deliver effective digital media strategies, including the production of digital content and other unique and engaging material and collateral for our own University channels and those of partners. Lead on the development of a GRID website, to more effectively communicate our message and provide tailored support for interested stakeholders.
10. Take a leading role in coordinating and collaborating with partners, stakeholders and other bodies to promote the Innovation Strategy and provide oversight of communication plans to achieve joint strategic deliverables.
11. Represent the Innovation and Economic Development teams on matters of reputational management and crisis comms with external bodies; in particular, in relation to strategic and investment projects, corporate interest issues, business critical ventures, industry relations, staff crisis management, matters involving other partners.
12. Manage the coordination, and delivery of communications related to UofG-led, multi-partner, and multi-institution innovation related projects and initiatives; provide content to internal communications leads; and liaise with project and institutional partners at senior level to develop content.
13. Actively lead on commissioning, composing, and producing relevant communication content for media channels and other outputs, and provide effective management oversight and professional advice as required. This will include sourcing, researching, interpreting, and drafting relevant material.
14. Maintain professional credibility through continuous personal development, keeping informed and up to date with emerging and developing sectoral and communication trends to ensure activity is relevant from a creative, content and channel perspective.
15. Work in collaboration with colleagues across Research Communications, External Relations, Colleges, Government Relations and Schools on strategic campaigns to amplify innovation content.
16. Undertake other tasks and duties as assigned by the Director of Innovation; Director of Economic Development; and Head of Communications
17. As part of the wider communications team provide out of hours cover as and when necessary.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/ Qualifications

Essential:
A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, (Ordinary Degree, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4), or equivalent (including professional accreditation with relevant formal training), and experience of personal development in a similar journalism, PR/Media or related role(s) Or: Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar or number of different roles.
A2 In depth knowledge and understanding of the media landscape, with particular reference to innovation press and media.

Desirable:
B1 Good understanding of the HE sector, Innovation Eco-System and Economic Development
B2 Knowledge and understanding of national and international media, including innovation trade publications.
B3 Thorough knowledge and understanding of work practises, policies, and procedures relevant to the role.
B4 Understanding and experience of budgets.
B5 Relevant membership of a professional body such as CIPR or NUJ.
B6 Understanding of Freedom of Information legislation and proven ability to deal with FOI enquiries from media outlets and journalists

Skills

Essential:
C1 Outstanding communication skills with excellent writing ability and demonstratable evidence of message delivery for different audiences - print, digital, social media, broadcast, and internal engagement.
C2 Excellent interpersonal skills, including diplomacy and discretion, and the ability to liaise with staff and external individuals at any level of seniority.
C3 Experience of influencing and negotiating with senior management.
C4 Ability to understand, interpret and summarise complex issues and research across a broad range of disciplines.
C5 Initiative, creativity, energy, and enthusiasm, as well as excellent time management and organisational skills, and the ability to work efficiently on numerous projects simultaneously.
C6 IT proficiency and familiarity with website maintenance.
C7 Excellent planning and organisational skills used to enable external and internal stories to be developed across a range of channels.
C8 Ability to work collaboratively and to take the lead when required with external funders and partner institutions on complex communications projects and outputs;

Desirable:
D1 Ability to direct, shoot and edit video and images.

Experience

Essential:
E1 Extensive and relevant experience as a senior communications professional delivering communications with an innovation focus, working in a busy newsroom or PR agency.
E2 Proven experience of operating at a strategic level while translating a strategy into clear deliverables.
E3 Experience of providing leadership, inspiration, clarity and direction to staff and students to help communicate key priorities across multiple comms platforms.
E4 Significant experience of establishing, managing, and delivering communications strategies for internal and external audiences.
E5 Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues in other professional teams.
E6 Clear and evidenced experience of developing, producing, sharing, and embedding high quality written, visual, and audio-visual materials for mainstream, online and social media audiences;

Desirable:
F1 Direct experience in a senior HE, business or innovation communications role.
F2 Managing individuals or a team.
F3 Experience of delivering effective staff engagement communications.

Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 7, \xc2\xa339,347 - \xc2\xa344,263 per annum.

This post is full time and open ended.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, , benefits and discount packages.
3 A flexible approach to working.
4 A commitment to support your , including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University .

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community .

We endorse the principles of and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
Vacancy Ref : 126011 Close Date : 20-Sep-2023 23:45

University of Glasgow