Job title:Communications Project Officer (Student Services and Employability)

Post number:MK5211

Reports to:Internal Communications Manager (M&C)

Department:Marketing & Communications (M&C)

Supports: Information Manager (Student Services) and Marketing Manager for Business and Enterprise (M&C)

Location:Mithras House, Moulsecoomb Campus – with travel to other campuses as required.

Grade:4

Purpose of the role

This role provides communications support for the university’s Student Services department and other colleagues in Marketing and Communications working on projects relating to student employability.

The Student Services department encompasses a wide range of important services within the university, aimed at supporting students' learning experience, personal development, careers and employability. Student Services centres are available at every campus. Counsellors and advisors provide confidential and impartial guidance on a range of topics, and Student Support and Guidance Tutors (SSGTs) are based in every school for localised support. The department potentially comes into contact with our 21,000 students at every stage of their study with us, supporting individuals directly or behind the scenes.

The Internal Communications team (in the Marketing and Communications department) is responsible or communicating to all 21,000 current students and 2,800 staff (to support student/staff success and retention). This includes supporting the busy Student Services department to ensure that current undergraduate and postgraduate students receive important information that they need to know, when they need to know it (based on student research and insight from staff), and helping to promote the positive work of the department to university staff. They also ensure that messages are aligned with other internal and external communications work, and support the university to proactively manage crises.

There will be an increasing focus on communications activity about student employability and careers, working with Student Services and the Marketing Manager for Business and Enterprise.

Main duties and responsibilities

  • To project manage and deliver communication projects and activity relating to Student Services and employability working under the direction of the Internal Communications Manager,the Marketing Manager for Business and Enterprise, and the Information Manager (Student Services);
  • Support the university to successfully communicate Student Servicesand employability information to students, graduates and staff audiences, and to respond to measurement/feedback.(For employability this may potentially extend to communicating with other external stakeholders);
  • Use research and data (and knowledge from Student Services colleagues) about the type of information that students need at different times of the academic year to create and maintain a schedule of Student Services and employability internal communications activity that is aligned with wider internal communications planning;
  • Consider (and proactively plan for) different communications scenarios (for example urgent circumstances or new service developments) to ensure that issues can be handled efficiently and effectively;
  • Manage the production of internal communications collateral (e.g. web content, emails, posters and flyers) including sourcing and proofing copy, selecting images, obtaining approvals/sign-off and liaising with the graphic design team and printers;
  • Managethe delivery of university-wide internal communication campaigns that support a strategic agenda around student experience, retention and employability;
  • Distribute printed and electronic marketing materials within the university, to staff and student audiences;
  • Manage the drafting and production of email marketing campaigns (for example on the dotmailer platform) and providing statistical evidence of campaign success;
  • Organise the production of rich media as required, such as promotional video and photo shoots including scheduling, liaising with photographer/film crew regarding shoot logistics, assisting editor and obtaining approvals/sign-off;
  • Support the Student Services department as required at internal or external events, for example by assisting with event logistics or setting up and staffing an information stand;
  • Be the lead copywriter for internal communications about Student Servicesand employability projects, with ability to publish content across university communication channels and platforms;
  • Source, write and launchnews and feature content about Student Services and employability to keep students and staff from across the university informed;
  • Publish approved copy on university channels and platforms;
  • Develop ‘lines to take’ and FAQs to enable the Internal Communications team to take a proactive approach to internal PR about Student Services issues if they arise;
  • Liaise with key colleagues in the Student Services department to ensure consistency in terms of content and style and to integrate such information with the university website as applicable;
  • Put measurement in place to test the success of communications activity and support the Internal Communications team to provide proactive reporting;
  • Assist as required with other activities within the department. Be a positive and proactive member of, and ambassador for, the departments of Marketing and Communications and Student Services. Provide support to other members of the Internal Communications teamand the wider (Marketing and Communicationsand Student Services) department as required, to assist with heavy workloads.

General responsibilities

These are standard to all University of Brighton job descriptions.

  • To undertake other duties appropriate to the grade and character of work as may be reasonably required, including specific duties of a similar or lesser grade.
  • To adhere to the University’s Equality and Diversity Policy in all activities, and to actively promote equality of opportunity wherever possible.
  • To be responsible for your own health and safety and that of your colleagues, in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act.
  • To work in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

The person specification focuses on the knowledge, qualifications, experience and skills (both general and technical) required to undertake the role effectively. Please ensure that your application demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria. You will be assessed by your completed application form (A), at interview (I) and in some instances through an exercise (E).

Essential criteria / A, I, E
Knowledge /
  • Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of marketing and communications theories, techniques and practices acquired through study for degree or postgraduate qualification (for example CIM) or work experience.
/ A, I
Technical/work based skills /
  • Demonstrable experience of using (and reporting on) email marketing platforms such as dotmailer; analytics packages such as Google analytics; ability to use content management systems such as SharePoint and WordPress;
  • Able to undertake analysis, compare data sets and statistics to identify trends. Able to consider various perspectives, think creatively to overcome problems, consider options and make recommendations.
/ A, I
A
Other requirements /
  • Flexible; cooperative; helpful and self-aware team player; collaborates well with others – including students and staff from all levels; ability to motivate others;
  • Listens well and considers others’ needs and perspectives; aware of confidentiality and has an understanding of dealing with sensitive issues. A commitment to equal opportunities and inclusivity;
  • Self-motivated, committed to continuous self-development;
  • Systematic; efficient; meets agreed priorities and deadlines.Able to work independently and on own initiative;
  • Able to manage multiple projects and at times report to multiple stakeholders;
  • Professional approach to work. Reliable and punctual;
  • Able to produce clear, concise, timely and appropriate oral and written communication. High standard of accuracy in written work and able to effectively check copy supplied by others. Ability to draft communication plans and tailor communications to different audiences;
  • Adaptable, prepared, positive and creative in response to change;
  • Able to travel to other campuses for meetings as required; able to lift, carry and set up exhibition and presentation equipment, able to use display screen equipment extensively according to health and safety guidelines.
/ A
A, I
I
I, E
A, I
I
A, E
I
Desirable /
  • Appreciation of best practice use of social media such as Twitter and Facebook to achieve corporate communications goals;
  • Interest in developing a professional career in marketing and communications;
  • Familiar with the support provided by Student Services for students in Higher Education;
  • A commitment to student/customer focused services;
  • Experience of influencing others to engage in a project or cause.
/ A
  • Any appointment is generally made at the bottom of the salary range for the grade dependent upon experience and previous salary.
  • This is a full-time post and is fixed term for one year.
  • Annual leave entitlements are shown in the table below and increase after 5 years’ service. In addition, to the eight Bank Holidays, there are university discretionary days between Christmas and New Year. All leave, including bank holidays and discretionary days, is pro-rated for part time employees.

Grades / Basic entitlement per year / Grades / After 5 years’ service
1-3 / 23 days / 1-3 / 28 days
4-7 / 25 days / 4-7 / 30 days
8-9 / 27 days / 8-9 / 30 days
Band 10 and above / 30 days / Band 10 and above / 30 days
  • More information about the department/school can be found hereProfessional Services Departments or here Academic departments (schools and colleges)
  • Read the University’s 2016 - 2021 Strategy
  • The University has an attractive range of benefits and you can find more information about them on our website

Date:January 2018