Job Description

Details

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Reference number

406010

Salary

45,272
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP

Job grade

Senior Executive Officer
UKRI Band E

Contract type

Fixed term

Length of employment

12 Months

Business area

UKRI - Communications - N/A

Type of role

Communications / Marketing

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Compressed hours

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

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Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information

Location

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Swindon

About the job

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Job summary

Senior Media and Communications Manager

Salary:

45,272 per annum

Contract type:

Fixed Term (12 months)

Location:

Polaris House, Swindon (Hybrid working available)

Hours:

Full time (Flexible working patterns available)

Closing date: Sunday 1st June 2025

Job Overview

As a senior media and communications manager at UKRI you will deliver on our news and media engagement strategy, positioning the organisation as a key driver of innovation and research excellence. You will be part of a team responsible for generating high-quality media coverage, managing UKRI's reputation and shaping how our ground-breaking research and innovation efforts are communicated to the public, media and key stakeholders.


You will work closely with colleagues in our external communications team, as well as our Head of News, the Executive team, senior researchers and partners across a wide range of sectors, to ensure consistent and compelling narratives that enhance the visibility of UKRI's contributions to science, technology and societal advancement.

Job description

Responsibilities

Develop, and 'own' relationships with journalists at national, sector and regional media outlets to develop understanding of UKRI Maintain close working and strategic relationships with communications and policy colleagues in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and other government departments such as DHSC, DCMS as necessary. Maintain excellent links and contacts within senior management and programme managers across UKRI's councils. Work closely with the UKRI planning team (gridding and delivering on short term activities), and content team to support interactions with the press. Support effective and responsive media relations across UKRI, to protect the organisation's reputation and respond flexibly to issues and incidents.

Person specification

Experience of working with a range of stakeholders including government, the media and academia with an understanding of the political and policy environment we operate in. (I) A good understanding of the issues around communicating science and research and how these need to be managed to ensure they do not create reputational risks for UKRI. This combined with an ability to absorb, evaluate and communicate complex information appropriate to the audience (I) Be able to demonstrate credibility with relevant communities, based on experience from government, industry, education or the third sector. (S) Strong understanding of the latest developments in communications best practice including campaign methodologies, modern media relations, and digital technologies and tactics needed to reach a wide range of target audiences. (S&I) Ability to work collaboratively across teams, UKRI's component Councils, communities and stakeholders. (S)

To view the full job description please click apply and visit our careers page

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 45,272, UK Research and Innovation contributes 13,115 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package! We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning! A list of benefits below;

An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent) Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice Flexible working options

Please click here for more details on the https://www.discover.ukri.org/benefits-of-working-at-ukri/index.html

Things you need to know

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Selection process details

Applicants are required to provide an up-to-date CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role. Further information on how to apply and the selection process is listed on our careers page



Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:


UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

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Contact point for applicants

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Job contact :

Name : UKRI Recruitment Team Email : recruitment@ukri.org
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Recruitment team

* Email : recruitment@ukri.org