Deputy Head of Communications - News and Media Relations

Do you have excellent news judgement, a creative approach and a flair for producing great media content? We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced communicator to join Oxford Brookes and lead the University’s external media activity.

Working within the Communications team, the postholder will proactively work to build the profile of the University amongst all types of media including international, national, regional/local and specialist/sector and online.

As part of the Marketing, Recruitment and Engagement Directorate, the Communications team provides leadership and advice to the University on both internal and external communications. This includes building the profile and reputation of the University through the media, communicating with our students, staff and alumni, organising key events for the University’s diverse stakeholders and engaging our local communities.

The postholder will proactively plan PR activity, identifying opportunities for positive coverage and reacting quickly to breaking news and developments.

You should have particular expertise and experience of traditional and online local, national and specialist media and public relations and will have responsibility for ensuring this is co-ordinated with broader internal and external relations activity to ensure a joined-up and strategic approach.

This is a role that requires someone with a strategic mind-set, combined with the ability to execute smooth communications delivery and manage a busy press office team.

You will also enjoy the benefits of working at Oxford Brookes University with up to 38 days holiday, rising to 41 days holiday (this includes 13 Bank Holidays and Concessionary Days), a generous Local Government pension scheme (14.7% Employer contribution rate), cycle to work scheme and access to a variety of university facilities (NHS Dentist, Brookes Nursery, Gym and sports facilities). For more information about benefits please see the document 'All about Brookes' below.

CV and Personal Statement

As part of the application process all applicants are required to complete our online application form by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button below.  All parts of the application form should be completed and in the section of the form called “Supporting Documents”, applicants must upload their CV and a Personal Statement.  To complete the Personal Statement part of the application, applicants must download the Personal Statement document which is part of the advert below and complete the form, providing examples and explaining how they meet each item detailed on the document.  The Personal Statement must then be uploaded to the application form along with the CV.

The University has adopted equality, diversity and inclusion as core values.  We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates whatever their background, and especially from BAME candidates who are under-represented in our workforce.