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Location

Norwich, Norfolk | United Kingdom

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Job description

Main Purpose of the Job

We are looking for a Head of Media and Content to grow the reach and impact of our institute. The post holder will bring creativity and good judgement to shape and deliver high-profile, high-quality campaigns and coverage of our research, opinions and vision for the future in collaboration with researchers, fundraisers and senior managers across the John Innes Centre and The Sainsbury Laboratory.

The Head of Media and Content will manage the JIC press office function and wider content creation, including line management of the Press and Media Manager and the Digital Communications Officer. The role will be responsible for the oversight of press releases, pitches, news stories and content for website, and will deliver the institutes flagship magazine, ‘Advances’, along with other print and digital publications.

The post holder will have strategic press and campaign experience, with a strong storytelling ability, to support the development and delivery of fundraising campaigns to amplify our reputation, research and impact with key stakeholders.

The John Innes Centre (JIC) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) have exciting plans, including an extensive programme of campus redevelopment and business change to improve and evolve the research capabilities of the Norwich Research Park.

The Head of Media and Content will contribute by delivering campaigns and generating media coverage to reach new audiences to attract new collaborators, partners and funding.

Key Relationships

The post sits within the Communications and Engagement team and reports to the Head of Communications and Engagement.

Internal: Staff and students from across the JIC, the Director, the Head of Strategic Engagement and the Director of Development.

External: Journalists, funders, supporters and collaborators including BBSRC, UKRI, John Innes Foundation, UEA, Gatsby Foundation and others, others across the Norwich Research Park including research institutes and the UEA, other educational bodies and scientific institutions.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Press Office and Media Function: Manage an efficient and professional press office and media function, including line management of the Press and Media Manager and the Digital Communications Officer.

Press Office and Media Function: Contribute directly to the day to day running of the press office and media function, including working closely with the team to draft and edit copy, and to develop plans and pitches and sourcing stories from across the institute.

Press Office and Media Function: Monitor and evaluate coverage, campaigns and major activities ensuring timely results are shared appropriately and used to identify and develop future opportunities.

Leadership and strategy: Responsible for the development and delivery of a media and content strategy and for the consistent delivery of high-profile, high-impact media activity and digital communications.

Leadership and strategy: Provide leadership and advice on appropriate strategies, techniques and tone, to the Director, Director of Development and other colleagues across the organisation, to meet objectives, and to identify opportunities to enhance the JIC’s profile and reputation.

Leadership and strategy: Together with the Press and Media Manager, develop a strategic overview of the external media environment (UK and international) and grow an engaged network of national, scientific, and local media contacts.

Print and Digital Content: Develop new and update existing online and print publications and information to support the strategic aims, fundraising activities and charitable objectives of the institute.

Print and Digital Content: Oversee the production of content across all channels, and ensure the JIC’s brand and tone of content is applied appropriately and consistently.

As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

A degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area.

Essential

A degree or equivalent in a science subject.

Desirable

Specialist communications qualification or chartership to a relevant organisation (e.g. CIPR) or equivalent experience and knowledge.

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

A thorough practical and theoretical knowledge of press office functions, content development and social media platforms, and the ability to horizon-scan to identify and mitigate potential issues, or areas of reputation risk.

Essential

A good understanding of the scientific areas that JIC works in or ability and enthusiasm to quickly gain this.

Essential

Skills and experience to prepare, train and coach scientists, senior managers and directors for media opportunities.

Essential

Knowledge and experience of high-profile media management, and clear evidence of managing and building relationships with local and national media.

Essential

A strong understanding of how to monitor and evaluate multi-channel campaigns.

Essential

Effective planning and project management skills, demonstrated by a proven ability to successfully initiate, manage, and deliver campaigns and content plans.

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Line management experience.

Essential

Experience as a communications professional, including clear evidence of managing relationships with the media.

Essential

Evidence of delivering campaigns and integrated communications plans – bringing together digital, media and policy approaches.

Essential

Experience of working in marketing or fundraising as a communications or media specialist.

Desirable

Experience in a research-intensive environment, organisation or institute.

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

A communicator with excellent interpersonal, collaborative and relationship building skills.

Essential

Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills.

Essential

Exceptional written and oral communication skills, over a wide range of subjects and different audiences, including the ability to present complex information with clarity.

Essential

Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work ‘hands on’ as part of a team, in a supportive, flexible and friendly manner.

Essential

Excellent time management and organisational skills.

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute.

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work.

Essential

Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate.

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity.

Essential

Ability to provide occasional out-of-hours professional media relations and communications support, when necessary.

Essential

Attention to detail.

Essential

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Job tags

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Salary

£47.5k - £54.9k per annum