Job Description

Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom (On-site)



JOB INFO


Job Identification
991
Job Category
Administration and Operations
Posting Date
10/03/2025, 08:20 AM
Apply Before
10/26/2025, 06:59 PM
Job Schedule
Full time
Job Shift
Standard
Locations
Marketing & Communications Department
(On-site)

The full-time starting salary is normally 38,050.00 per annum, with progression available in post to 44,131.00 per annum.

Grade: F

Full Time

About the role

We are seeking a talented, creative and proactive Senior External Relations Officer to support and enhance the University's strategic communications. This role offers an exciting opportunity to help shape and promote the University's new strategy, elevate its reputation, and amplify its success to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.



As part of the External Relations team withing the Marketing, Recruitment and Communications Department, the successful applicant will lead on a variety of high-impact communications projects that support the University's overarching Strategy 2030, ensuring our stories, messages, and values reach the right audiences in an impactful and engaging way

Key Responsibilities

Work closely with senior stakeholders, including the Associate Director of Communications and External Relations Manager, to develop and implement integrated communications plans that align with strategic priorities. Develop and execute internal and external campaigns that showcase the University's achievements, including teaching excellence, civic engagement, innovation, student success, and institutional development. Produce and deliver high-quality content and stories designed specifically to increase engagement across digital platforms and social media channels. Act as a trusted advisor to internal teams and departments, offering guidance on effective messaging and audience engagement. Lead or support flagship communications activities and events, such as open days, strategy launches, senior leader communications, and stakeholder engagement initiatives. Translate complex information into compelling, accessible stories tailored to a variety of platforms and audiences. Maintain strong relationships with media contacts, pitching stories, managing media enquiries, and supporting crisis communications where necessary. Monitor communications performance and media coverage, using analytics to inform future strategies and content development. Ensure brand consistency and tone of voice across all communications outputs.

Requirements

Significant experience in communications, media relations or public affairs. Experience working in a fast-paced media or communications environment Demonstrable ability to develop and deliver strategic communication plans. Proven track record in content creation across print, digital and social platforms. Experience in producing compelling stories and content that drives engagement across digital and social media channels. Knowledge of the rapidly changing higher education sector Experience working in higher education is advantageous. Evidence of commitment to continuing professional development

Skills and Abilities:

Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a strong attention to detail. Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills. A flair for identifying compelling angles and turning them into engaging and accessible content. Skilled in writing for a wide range of formats, including press releases, speeches, social media posts, and website copy. Strong editorial judgment and ability to manage multiple deadlines. Understanding of the evolving media landscape Comfortable working collaboratively and independently when needed.

What's in it for you?

In return for your dedication and hard work, you will benefit from ongoing opportunities for personal and professional development, as well as the following key benefits:


Opportunity for hybrid working. Generous annual leave entitlement of 40 days (including bank holidays and closure periods). An attractive direct contribution pension scheme, or the option to retain LGPS for existing and previous members. Wellbeing advice and support through our Employee Assistance Programme. Cycle to Work Scheme.

Why not take a look on the

interactive map

that shows the facilities across campus.

Come and be a part of the team.

The appointed candidate will normally be employed through our subsidiary company BCU Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Birmingham City University. Appointees with prior LGPS membership who wish to enter the LGPS scheme will be able to do so, and will be employed by Birmingham City University directly.

ABOUT US


At the heart of our Strategy for 2030 and Beyond, it is our mission to enable our students to transform their lives and to achieve their potential. Through our education and research, and the roles our graduates go on to play in the world, we not only support individuals to transform their lives, but we also play a part in transforming society.

Located in the centre of the UK's second city, we are a university with a long heritage of innovation and of making, dating back to our origins in 1843 when we were founded as the Birmingham Government School of Design.



Our heritage of making through innovation and its application through knowledge exchange, and of creative research and practice, today finds it expression in our STEAM agenda, in our research and enterprise, and in our commitment to challenge-based learning. Working across disciplines, and delivering impactful research and enterprise, interdisciplinarity is at the heart of the continuing transformation of our academic portfolio.