📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Officer
🔹 Company: Newcastle University
🔹 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (Maternity Cover)
🔹 Category: Higher Education
🔹 Date Posted: 8th April 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with flexible working
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting internal communications and events
- Creating engaging content for various channels
- Collaborating with teams to deliver effective communications
- Building relationships with stakeholders across the University
ASSUMPTION: This role is focused on internal communications and events, with a strong emphasis on content creation and stakeholder engagement.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Content Creation: Develop and deliver engaging content for various channels, including the staff intranet, newsletter, and social media platforms.
✅ Event Management: Assist in organizing and delivering internal events, such as webinars, Town Halls, and success events. This includes practical arrangements, monitoring responses, and evaluation.
✅ Administrative Support: Provide administrative support to the team, including monitoring mail accounts, maintaining networks, and responding to intranet queries.
✅ Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including staff and students.
✅ Media and Photography: Gather material such as video and photos at events or other occasions to support communications.
ASSUMPTION: The role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Educated to A-level standard or equivalent vocational qualification.
Experience: Previous experience in communications, event management, or a related field is desirable but not essential.
Required Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Familiarity with web/intranet platforms
- IT skills, including MS Office and Adobe
- Confidence and professionalism in personal interactions
- Ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in event management
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: While specific qualifications are not required, relevant experience and a strong skill set are essential for success in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £30,805 - £31,637 per annum, with progression to £34,132
Benefits:
- Generous holiday package
- Pension schemes
- Health and wellbeing initiatives
Working Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week, with some flexibility for event coverage
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is competitive for the higher education sector and reflects the importance of this role in supporting the University's communications efforts.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: 51-200 employees
Founded: 1834 (as a School of Medicine and Surgery), became a university in 1963
Company Description:
- Newcastle University is a research-intensive university with a global reputation for academic excellence
- It is committed to providing an outstanding student experience and to delivering world-leading research that makes a significant impact on the major challenges of the 21st century
- The University is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings 2022)
Company Specialties:
- Research-led teaching
- World-class research facilities
- Strong industry partnerships
Company Website: Newcastle University
ASSUMPTION: Newcastle University is a prestigious institution with a strong focus on research and student experience.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Early career to mid-career level, depending on experience
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Internal Communications
Work Arrangement: On-site with flexible working, including some office-based work and event coverage
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to permanent roles within the communications team
- Broadening of skills and experience through involvement in diverse projects
- Professional development opportunities, such as training and mentoring
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the communications field.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: University campus with modern facilities
Office Location(s): Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Geographic Context:
- Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant city in the North East of England, with a rich history and cultural scene
- The University is situated in the heart of the city, with easy access to amenities and transport links
- The city is home to a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, education, and creative industries
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for event coverage
ASSUMPTION: The University's campus provides a stimulating and supportive work environment, with easy access to the city's amenities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- On-campus interview with the hiring manager and relevant team members
- Final decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Organizational skills and attention to detail
- Event management experience and skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with the University's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experience for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the University's mission and values in your application
- Prepare examples of your communication and event management work to discuss during the interview
ATS Keywords: Internal communications, event management, content creation, stakeholder engagement, higher education
ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, and strong communication skills and relevant experience are essential for success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Intranet and web content management systems
- Social media platforms
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in all that we do
- Innovation: Embracing new ideas and approaches to drive progress
- Integrity: Acting with honesty, fairness, and accountability in all our actions
Work Style:
- Collaborative and supportive team environment
- Focus on delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines
- Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing priorities
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your communication skills align with the University's values of excellence and innovation?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated strong organizational skills and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment?
- How do you approach building and maintaining effective working relationships with stakeholders?
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong fit with the University's values and a willingness to adapt to the dynamic work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Working with a diverse range of stakeholders, each with unique communication needs
- Adapting to changes in priorities and workload
- Balancing office-based work and event coverage
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on internal communications and events within a higher education institution
- Similar roles in other sectors may have a broader focus on external communications or marketing
- Career progression in this role may lead to senior communications or management positions within the University
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in higher education communications and event management.
📝 Sample Projects
- Planning and executing a University-wide event, such as a Town Hall or success event
- Developing and implementing a communications strategy for a new University initiative or project
- Creating engaging content for the staff intranet, newsletter, or social media platforms to celebrate University achievements and milestones
ASSUMPTION: These projects provide an opportunity to demonstrate creativity, innovation, and strong communication skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30 days?
- How does this role fit into the broader communications strategy for the University?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the team and the University?
- How does the team support each other and collaborate to deliver successful communications and events?
- What is the team's approach to work-life balance, and how is this supported within the University?
ASSUMPTION: Asking insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the University's mission.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Newcastle University jobs portal
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experience for this role
- Prepare examples of your communication and event management work to discuss during the interview
- Research the University's mission, values, and recent achievements to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager, Carolyn Laws, after one week if you have not heard back about your application status
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
