📌 Core Information
📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Officer
🔹 Company: Newcastle University
🔹 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (1 day per week on-site)
🔹 Category: Higher Education
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-02
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with remote work options
🚀 Job Overview
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing communications strategies for the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) and the broader Faculty.
- Creating engaging content for various media channels, including social media, blogs, articles, and digital materials.
- Managing social media channels and website content using tools like HubSpot.
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to gather information and create compelling narratives.
- Supporting the marketing and communications activity for student bootcamps.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a creative and collaborative professional with strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently. The successful candidate will have experience in developing narratives for marketing, publicity, and event campaigns, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
📋 Key Responsibilities
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop, coordinate, and implement the Centre’s communications strategy
✅ Contribute to and support the delivery of the Faculty communications strategy
✅ Coordinate and deliver campaigns to support the Centre’s activities and events programmes
✅ Create, design, coordinate, and manage end to end content creation (social copy, case studies, blog posts, articles, video clips, email)
✅ Carry out client interviews to gather essential information required for case study creation
✅ Proofread, re-structure and edit articles or academic publications written by content writers
✅ Update and manage the Centre’s social media channels to ensure timely publication
✅ Maintain a consistent two-way communication across the Centre’s social media channels
✅ Update the website to ensure relevant content using HubSpot
✅ Creation and management of the monthly newsletter using HubSpot
✅ Communicate and collaborate with key marketing delivery teams across the university (Web Design, Media, Creative Assets, Press etc)
✅ Manage content projects with external agencies
✅ Support and coordinate the development of narratives for the Centre’s events campaigns
✅ Manage the marketing and communications activity for student bootcamps, including flyers, mailers, posters and web forms
✅ Act as the key point of contact to external and internal audiences for the Centre’s marketing related activity
✅ Monitor and measure social and web user engagement analytics
✅ Act as an evangelist for promoting the importance of good story telling amongst the NICD team
✅ Communicate with both partner and NICD team members to gather briefing information for content projects
✅ Use of tools including HubSpot, Adobe Creative Cloud and Canva
✅ Generate new ideas to aid the promotion of the Centre’s offers and activities
✅ Follow guidelines on copyright, privacy, and web accessibility
✅ Support with general administrative tasks where required
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a wide range of responsibilities, requiring the successful candidate to be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Degree or equivalent level qualification or significant vocational experience
Experience: Proven experience in developing, coordinating, and implementing communications campaigns, with a focus on digital and social media strategies. At least 2-5 years of relevant experience is required.
Required Skills:
- Excellent writing skills with a high level of accuracy
- Proven ability to create engaging content for various media channels
- Experience managing social media channels and website content
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with various teams
- Familiarity with tools such as HubSpot, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Canva
- Knowledge of EDI principles and the ability to create inclusive and accessible content
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with video editing and digital content creation
- Ability to translate evidence-based content into engaging communications for digital channels
- Photography skills
- Knowledge and understanding of GDPR, data privacy, and data ethics
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a degree in media production, marketing, or a related discipline, with a strong portfolio showcasing their creative and technical skills.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £30,805 to £31,637 with progression to £34,132 per annum
Benefits:
- Generous holiday package
- Pension schemes
- Health and wellbeing initiatives
Working Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the job advert and is subject to change. The benefits package is comprehensive and designed to support employees' work-life balance and overall wellbeing.
📌 Applicant Insights
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: Medium (51-200 employees)
Founded: 1834
Company Description:
- Newcastle University is a research-intensive university with a global reputation for academic excellence.
- It is committed to providing an outstanding teaching and learning experience, and to conducting world-leading research that addresses global challenges.
- The university is home to over 27,000 students from 130 countries worldwide.
Company Specialties:
- Research and innovation
- Education and teaching
- Community engagement
Company Website: https://www.ncl.ac.uk
ASSUMPTION: Newcastle University is a well-established institution with a strong reputation in the higher education sector. It offers a comprehensive range of degree programs and conducts cutting-edge research in various fields.
📊 Role Analysis
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: The Communications Officer will report directly to the Head of Communications at NICD and spend one day per week working at the Faculty level.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (1 day per week on-site, with remote work options)
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a more senior role within the communications team at NICD or the Faculty.
- Expanding responsibilities based on performance and the evolving needs of the Centre and Faculty.
- Professional development opportunities, such as training in digital content creation or management tools.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and professional development within the communications field. The successful candidate will have the chance to work on high-impact projects and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (on-site and remote work options)
Office Location(s): Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Geographic Context:
- Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant city in northeast England, known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and lively nightlife.
- The city is home to a diverse range of industries, including education, healthcare, and technology.
- Newcastle University is situated in the heart of the city, offering easy access to amenities and public transportation.
Work Schedule: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, with flexible remote work options
ASSUMPTION: Newcastle upon Tyne offers a high quality of life, with a wide range of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities. The city's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the wider region and beyond.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and relevant team members
- Final round interview with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and ability to create engaging content
- Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects
- Cultural fit and alignment with the company's values
- Problem-solving skills and ability to work independently
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role.
- Showcase your portfolio or examples of your work, if applicable.
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, demonstrating your interest in the role and the company.
ATS Keywords: Communications, Marketing, Content Creation, Social Media Management, Event Coordination, Writing, Proofreading, Time Management, Organizational Skills, Team Collaboration, Digital Content Design, Website Management, Client Engagement, Analytical Skills, Creativity, Project Management, Higher Education, Hybrid Work Arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may vary, and it is essential to follow the specific instructions provided by the hiring manager. Demonstrating your understanding of the role and the company's mission will strengthen your application.
🛠 Cultural Fit Considerations
🛠 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in all we do
- Integrity and respect for all
- Collaboration and partnership
- Innovation and creativity
- Inclusion and diversity
Work Style:
- Collaborative and inclusive
- Transparent and open communication
- Focused on delivering high-quality work
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Committed to continuous learning and improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with the company's values?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment, and how did you handle it?
- How do you approach working collaboratively with diverse teams, and how have you handled conflicts or disagreements in the past?
ASSUMPTION: Newcastle University values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong cultural fit with the company's values and work style.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from other communications roles in higher education in its focus on supporting both a research centre (NICD) and a broader faculty, requiring the successful candidate to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
- Compared to communications roles in the private sector, this role may have less focus on revenue generation and more emphasis on supporting the university's academic and research missions.
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into more senior communications roles within the university or transitioning into related fields, such as academic publishing or public relations.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of research, academia, and communications, providing a strong foundation for a career in higher education or related fields.
📝 Sample Projects
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive communications strategy for a high-profile research centre launch event, including creating engaging content for various media channels and managing social media promotion.
- Collaborating with academic researchers to create accessible and engaging content for a special issue of an academic journal, highlighting the impact of the university's research on global challenges.
- Managing the marketing and communications activity for a student bootcamp, including designing promotional materials and coordinating with external vendors to ensure a successful event.
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have experience working on similar projects and be able to demonstrate their ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders effectively.
💡 Key Questions to Ask During Interview
💡 Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workload and priorities for this role, and how they may evolve over time?
- How does the university support the professional development of its communications team members?
- Can you provide an example of a successful communications campaign led by the university, and what made it particularly effective?
- How does the university measure the success of its communications efforts, and how can I contribute to improving these metrics?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the university's communications team in the next 1-3 years, and how can this role help address them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and provides valuable insights into the work environment and expectations.
🛠 Tools & Technologies
🛠 Tools & Technologies
- HubSpot (CRM and marketing automation platform)
- Adobe Creative Cloud (design and content creation tools)
- Canva (graphic design and content creation tool)
- Social media platforms (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook)
- Website content management systems (CMS)
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have experience using relevant tools and be able to quickly adapt to new technologies as needed.
📝 Cultural Fit Considerations
📝 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Energy, enthusiasm, empathy, and a positive 'can-do' attitude
- Acts in a collaborative, inclusive, transparent, and open manner, acting with integrity and able to build high levels of trust
- Understands and makes sense of complex or conflicting data and different perspectives of stakeholders and University areas/faculties/etc
- Uses clear, concise, and accurate communication, tailoring the approach accordingly and encouraging a two-way communication process
- Uses systems and tools to ensure records and audit trails are clear and up to date
- Works continually towards achieving success through understanding and meeting or exceeding the expectations of the area, the University, students, colleagues, and other stakeholders
- Takes responsibility for achieving targets
- Has an eye for detail, spotting errors and ensuring accurate information
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage a complex project with multiple stakeholders, and how did you ensure all parties were satisfied with the outcome?
- How do you approach communicating with diverse audiences, and how have you adapted your communication style to meet their specific needs?
- Can you describe a situation where you had to challenge a decision or process, and how did you approach it to ensure a positive outcome?
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong cultural fit with the company's values and work style, with a proven track record of working collaboratively and effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
🛑 Potential Challenges
🛑 Potential Challenges
- The role may require managing multiple priorities and projects simultaneously, which can be challenging for some individuals.
- Working with academic researchers and other stakeholders may involve navigating complex hierarchies and competing priorities, requiring strong communication and diplomatic skills.
- The role may involve working with tight deadlines and managing external vendors, which can be stressful at times.
- The university's communications team may face budget constraints or resource limitations, requiring the successful candidate to be adaptable and resourceful.
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to manage these challenges effectively, demonstrating strong organizational skills, adaptability, and resilience.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role may differ from other communications roles in higher education in its focus on supporting both a research centre and a broader faculty, requiring the successful candidate to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
- Compared to communications roles in the private sector, this role may have less focus on revenue generation and more emphasis on supporting the university's academic and research missions.
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into more senior communications roles within the university or transitioning into related fields, such as academic publishing or public relations.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of research, academia, and communications, providing a strong foundation for a career in higher education or related fields.
📝 Sample Projects
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive communications strategy for a high-profile research centre launch event, including creating engaging content for various media channels and managing social media promotion.
- Collaborating with academic researchers to create accessible and engaging content for a special issue of an academic journal, highlighting the impact of the university's research on global challenges.
- Managing the marketing and communications activity for a student bootcamp, including designing promotional materials and coordinating with external vendors to ensure a successful event.
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have experience working on similar projects and be able to demonstrate their ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders effectively.
💡 Key Questions to Ask During Interview
💡 Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workload and priorities for this role, and how they may evolve over time?
- How does the university support the professional development of its communications team members?
- Can you provide an example of a successful communications campaign led by the university, and what made it particularly effective?
- How does the university measure the success of its communications efforts, and how can I contribute to improving these metrics?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the university's communications team in the next 1-3 years, and how can this role help address them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and provides valuable insights into the work environment and expectations.
🛠 Tools & Technologies
🛠 Tools & Technologies
- HubSpot (CRM and marketing automation platform)
- Adobe Creative Cloud (design and content creation tools)
- Canva (graphic design and content creation tool)
- Social media platforms (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook)
- Website content management systems (CMS)
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have experience using relevant tools and be able to quickly adapt to new technologies as needed.
📝 Cultural Fit Considerations
📝 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Energy, enthusiasm, empathy, and a positive 'can-do' attitude
- Acts in a collaborative, inclusive, transparent, and open manner, acting with integrity and able to build high levels of trust
- Understands and makes sense of complex or conflicting data and different perspectives of stakeholders and University areas/faculties/etc
- Uses clear, concise, and accurate communication, tailoring the approach accordingly and encouraging a two-way communication process
- Uses systems and tools to ensure records and audit trails are clear and up to date
- Works continually towards achieving success through understanding and meeting or exceeding the expectations of the area, the University, students, colleagues, and other stakeholders
- Takes responsibility for achieving targets
- Has an eye for detail, spotting errors and ensuring accurate information
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage a complex project with multiple stakeholders, and how did you ensure all parties were satisfied with the outcome?
- How do you approach communicating with diverse audiences, and how have you adapted your communication style to meet their specific needs?
- Can you describe a situation where you had to challenge a decision or process, and how did you approach it to ensure a positive outcome?
ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong cultural fit with the company's values and work style, with a proven track record of working collaboratively and effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
⚠️ Disclaimer
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
