R&I Communications and Engagement Manager

Job responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Professional responsibilities

Manage the development and delivery of the strategic internal and external research communications strategy and plan that promotes the reputation of The Christie.

Provide communications advice and support to the R&I senior management team, and act as a member of relevant groups/committees.

Keep up to date with Research & Innovation division and wider Christie developments in order to ensure appropriate research representation in internal communications such as Trust-wide communications planning, channels and outputs, as well as external communications such as newsletters, collateral, international conferences, online publications etc.

Work with the Trust communications team to deliver communications strategies that engage all internal and external stakeholders.

Offer expert communications advice to Trust staff carrying out research and support them with the tools and materials they need to take a proactive, robust and professional approach to communications.

Management the Trusts research and innovation communications function, working with the wider communications team to manage media relations, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, digital and social media channels for communication of Trust research activities.

Drive strategic development of research communications functions and channels to ensure they are modern, engaging and reflect best communications practice.Liaise within the Research & Innovation division and across key stakeholders; ensuring that all elements in the divisions communications strategy are effectively delivered, this includes inputting to the broader communications output across the Manchester Cancer Research Centre partnership (a partnership founded by The Christie, The University of Manchester, and Cancer Research UK).Evaluation and reporting

Provide reports and respond to ad hoc requests on the performance of R&I activities in relation to research impact, outputs, income, publications, partnerships etc.Present plans and programmes and credibly prove performance and results of marketing activity to the senior managers within the marketing and communications team and other senior managers as required.Develop KPIs and metrics to measure the performance of activity (reach and impact), and show value for money, using quantitative and qualitative research methods to inform future strategies.

Financial responsibilities

Manage budgets for assigned projects and materials, securing value for money from suppliers.

Oversee supplier relationships to ensure delivery against agreed contracts, quality standards and timelines.

Other responsibilities

Identify, report and manage risk within areas of responsibility and where required, perform duties of an unpredictable nature.

Continuously develop the communications service to reflect the organisations evolving priorities and needs

Provide advice, support and training to new starters and colleagues involved in delivering communications

Represent the communications team at internal and external meetings, contributing to Trust-wide projects and building relationships with key partners

Act at all times in accordance with the Trusts values and behaviours, promoting a culture of respect, compassion and professionalism and being accountable for own attitude and behaviour.

The job description is not intended to be exhaustive and duties may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances and after consultation with the postholder.

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to degree level in a scientific discipline

Desirable

• Evidence of continued professional development and national best practice within the communications sector
• CIPR accredited

Experience

Essential

• Extensive experience in external communications, including media relations, stakeholder engagement, public affairs and digital channels
• Research communications experience in a research or academic environment
• Proven ability to lead the development and delivery of insight-led communications strategies and plans that support organisational priorities
• Track record of working with journalists, political stakeholders and partners in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrable experience of working in a complex organisation, ideally within the NHS, wider public sector or regulated environment
• Experience of evaluating communications activity and using insight to improve reach, quality and impact
• Experience of working in partnership with operational teams and senior stakeholders to develop effective communications solutions
• Experience of responding to difficult organisational situations
• Evidence of being exposed to and managing distressing or emotional circumstances

Desirable

• Experience working within the NHS and/or charity sectors
• Postgraduate qualification in scientific discipline

Skills

Essential

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling content for external audiences and media
• Highly developed interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships at senior levels and provide confident, strategic communications advice
• Skilled in managing media relations, including acting as a spokesperson, drafting statements and handling high-profile or sensitive enquiries Confident in leading the strategic use of digital and social media channels to reach external audiences effectively
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and complex stakeholder needs

Desirable

• Design, film and desktop publishing software e.g. Canva, Illustrator, Photoshop

Knowledge

Essential

• Strong understanding of how to engage a wide range of stakeholders effectively across different settings and channels
• Knowledge of research funding and policy landscape
• Experience of commissioning and managing external suppliers such as writers, designers, photographers and videographers
• Good working knowledge of the NHS or wider public sector, including organisational structures and regulatory context
• Understanding of confidentiality, data protection and related legal and ethical considerations in communications

Desirable

• Brand management
• Quantitative and qualitative research methodology

Values

Essential

• Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours

Other

Essential

• Occasional need to work unsociable hours
• Willingness to travel to partner locations

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).