Job title:Press and Social Media Officer

Post number:MK5123

Reports to: Communications Manager

Department:Marketing & Communications

Location:Mithras House

Grade:5

Purpose of the role:

To be responsible for the delivery of a proactive and reactive Public Relations (PR) and social media function that fully supports delivery of the university’s Strategy and brand positioning.

Main areas of responsibility:

  • To deliver a proactive media relations function: researching news stories, drafting press releases and content for a range of channels, identifying positive PR opportunities and developing pitches;
  • To deliver a reactive media relations function: dealing effectively and efficiently with requests from journalists regarding all aspects of the university’s activities, gathering factual information and developing and deploying agreed statements and lines to take as appropriate;
  • To plan and deliver a rolling schedule of content across a range of key social media channels, proactively developing and publishing content as appropriate;
  • To actively monitor all media channels (including social media) to proactively spot news opportunities and reputational risks and ensure that these are managed appropriately;
  • To develop the provision of regular reports on media and social media coverage using appropriate analytics, flagging key trends and issues;
  • To work collaboratively with colleagues in Marketing and Communications and more widely to develop and maintain a PR content planning calendar.

General responsibilities

  • 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 /
  • Broad awareness of PR issues across the Higher Education environment;
  • Ability to engage with and analyse complex subject matter;
  • Ability to interpret and communicate academic information to a lay audience in an engaging and accessible manner;
  • Practical understanding of how the media works and how to handle journalists in a professional manner;
  • Ability to contribute and collaborate effectively;
  • Organisational skills with an ability to work flexibly to meet team goals;
  • Confident in building and managing key relationships;
  • Ability to deal sensitively and diplomatically with a diverse audience with an awareness of politically sensitive issues and the need to respect confidentiality.
/ A, I
A, I
A, I
A, I
A, I
A, I
A, I
A, I
Qualifications /
  • A degree in a relevant subject or professional qualification and/or equivalent professional experience.
/ A
Experience /
  • Working directly with senior colleagues in a ‘trusted advisor’ capacity;
  • Dealing directly with the media;
  • Working across a broad range of marketing and communication channels;
  • Working to and applying brand and house style.
/ A, I
A, I
A, I
A, I
Technical/work based skills /
  • High-quality writing skills for print, web and digital platforms;
  • Technically proficient in use of a range of software packages (including Microsoft Office);
  • Broad understanding of social media (in particular Twitter, Facebook and Instagram);
  • Use of media monitoring and news release management systems.
/ A, I, E
A, I, E
A, I, E
A, I, E
Desirable /
  • NCTJ/CIPR or similar professional accreditation.
/ 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 permanent post.
  • 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
  • More information about the department can be found here Professional Services Departments
  • 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: February 2018