Job summary
This post is for a Communications Officer for the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).
Working as part of the MFT R&I Communications Team and reporting to the BRC/CRF Communications Manager and BRC Senior Communications Officer, you will support the delivery of Manchester BRC's communication strategy across a wide partnership that includes MFT, The University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
You will help communicate and build awareness of Manchester BRC's activities and capabilities in early phase experimental medicine research to a broad range of internal and external audiences including the public, industry, researchers, healthcare professionals, the media, and national stakeholders.
The post will be primarily based at MFT's Nowgen Centre on the Oxford Road Campus, with some travel required across partner sites.
This role is perfect for someone looking to grow their communications career in a unique environment at the intersection of healthcare, research and innovation. An understanding of the medical research landscape in Greater Manchester and nationally, and experience of science communications, is desirable.
Main duties of the job
Supporting the delivery of the BRC communication strategy with activity designed to reach and engage key internal and external stakeholders, and audiences.
- Producing high-quality content such as news stories, press releases, blogs, videos, internal briefings, presentations, social media posts and website updates.
- Identifying and developing newsworthy stories that highlight the impact of BRC research.
- Supporting the delivery of campaigns, events, annual reports and impact case studies.
- Working with digital colleagues to maintain and grow BRC's online presence.
- Liaising with media outlets and supporting filming and media visits.
- Ensuring consistent and accurate use of NIHR and partner brand guidelines.
- Collaborating with communications teams across multiple partner organisations to maximise reach and impact.
- Producing internal communications for BRC colleagues and partners.
- Providing general support to the wider R&I/MFT-hosted NIHR infrastructure communications functions when needed.
About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe - a great place to shape your career.
With a workforce of over 30,000 colleagues, we work together to deliver exceptional care to more than 1 million people every year.Behind every patient cared for are people like you - keeping services running smoothly, supporting clinical teams, and helping create safe, welcoming environments for patients and our people alike.
At MFT, we believe in the power of teamwork, respect, and inclusion. Our People Plan reflects our commitment to making MFT a place where everyone feels they belong, where your ideas are heard, and your contribution is truly valued. Join us and work smarter with our digital technology and thrive in a collaborative culture that empowers you to deliver your best to ensure that your work behind the scenes creates seamless, high-quality care and exceptional patient outcomes.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, we offer clear pathways for development and a culture that supports your wellbeing, ambition, and success. Everything you do makes a real difference to the lives of others.
At MFT, your role matters, your impact is real, and you're part of something bigger from day one.
Job description
Job responsibilities
At MFT, were highly committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity. Thats why weve identified this role as a great way to support your development; ringfencing this vacancy for individuals who are signed up to the E3 secondment scheme; as part of the Removing the Barriers Programme.
The great news is, for your application to be considered you dont necessarily need to meet all the essential criteria outlined in the Person Specification (role dependant) but instead demonstrate strong potential by evidencing your transferable skills, knowledge and experience. Ultimately, this secondment provides the perfect chance for you to gain some valuable exposure, using it as a development opportunity to grow your skills and experience to apply for a substantive role at this level in the future.
Before submitting your application, wed highly recommend you engage directly with the Hiring Manager to find out more about it and to discuss in closer detail how your skills and experience can aid you to demonstrate your potential in this secondment should you decide to apply. We look forward to receiving your application!
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading.
Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place
To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.
To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Supporting Documents section and once opened, you can where either scan QR code or click on the link provided.
Closing vacancy listings early
We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
Diversity Matters
MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application
Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.
Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.
Job description
Job responsibilities
At MFT, were highly committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity. Thats why weve identified this role as a great way to support your development; ringfencing this vacancy for individuals who are signed up to the E3 secondment scheme; as part of the Removing the Barriers Programme.
The great news is, for your application to be considered you dont necessarily need to meet all the essential criteria outlined in the Person Specification (role dependant) but instead demonstrate strong potential by evidencing your transferable skills, knowledge and experience. Ultimately, this secondment provides the perfect chance for you to gain some valuable exposure, using it as a development opportunity to grow your skills and experience to apply for a substantive role at this level in the future.
Before submitting your application, wed highly recommend you engage directly with the Hiring Manager to find out more about it and to discuss in closer detail how your skills and experience can aid you to demonstrate your potential in this secondment should you decide to apply. We look forward to receiving your application!
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading.
Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place
To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.
To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Supporting Documents section and once opened, you can where either scan QR code or click on the link provided.
Closing vacancy listings early
We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
Diversity Matters
MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application
Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.
Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.
Person Specification
Qualifications Previous Experience Evidenced on application form
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in journalism, media or communications related subjects
- Evidence of continuous study and personal/professional development
- Evidence of working in communications or media team within a complex organisation
- Good general knowledge of the NHS and political landscape
- Experience of writing, editing, and producing a wide range of content for different audiences using a variety of channels
- Experience of working with 3rd parties and creative and digital agencies on a project basis
- Experience of handling complex and sensitive issues
- Experience of working with media organisations proactively and reactively, with tight turnarounds to produce successful results
- Ability to liaise with a wide range of people, inc. senior leaders, partners, experts, patients and families
- Organised and attentive to detail, with excellent planning and prioritisation skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to write for specific audiences and convert complex or technical terminology into plain English
- Ability to work to tight deadlines, organises and manages workload and prioritise, plan and implement a range of activities, meetings and deliver communication activities
- Ability to use a range of IT packages (Microsoft Office, Canva etc)
- Effectively manage own time, meeting multiple deadlines and work independently
- Understanding of the NHS/academic/research environment and experience of science communications
- Flexible, highly motivated, and proactive
- Able to work at different locations and out-of-hours as required
- An understanding of and experience of successful partnership working
Desirable
- Experience working in a public sector communications environment, particularly the NHS
- Experience working in a research/innovation environment
- Able to identify and implement appropriate mechanisms and develop accessible content to communicate with hard to reach groups
- Up to date with latest trends and developments across the communications and PR industries
Person Specification
Qualifications Previous Experience Evidenced on application form
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in journalism, media or communications related subjects
- Evidence of continuous study and personal/professional development
- Evidence of working in communications or media team within a complex organisation
- Good general knowledge of the NHS and political landscape
- Experience of writing, editing, and producing a wide range of content for different audiences using a variety of channels
- Experience of working with 3rd parties and creative and digital agencies on a project basis
- Experience of handling complex and sensitive issues
- Experience of working with media organisations proactively and reactively, with tight turnarounds to produce successful results
- Ability to liaise with a wide range of people, inc. senior leaders, partners, experts, patients and families
- Organised and attentive to detail, with excellent planning and prioritisation skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to write for specific audiences and convert complex or technical terminology into plain English
- Ability to work to tight deadlines, organises and manages workload and prioritise, plan and implement a range of activities, meetings and deliver communication activities
- Ability to use a range of IT packages (Microsoft Office, Canva etc)
- Effectively manage own time, meeting multiple deadlines and work independently
- Understanding of the NHS/academic/research environment and experience of science communications
- Flexible, highly motivated, and proactive
- Able to work at different locations and out-of-hours as required
- An understanding of and experience of successful partnership working
Desirable
- Experience working in a public sector communications environment, particularly the NHS
- Experience working in a research/innovation environment
- Able to identify and implement appropriate mechanisms and develop accessible content to communicate with hard to reach groups
- Up to date with latest trends and developments across the communications and PR industries
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
