📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior External Communications Manager - UKIFS Ltd.
🔹 Company: UK Atomic Energy Authority
🔹 Location: Culham, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Communications & PR
🔹 Date Posted: May 7, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days on-site per week)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and delivering an external communications strategy for UKIFS and the STEP programme
- Leading the external communications team and engaging with stakeholders
- Acting as a spokesperson and thought leader for the programme
- Managing media relations and digital presence
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic thinker with extensive experience in communications and stakeholder engagement to drive the external communications strategy for a high-profile, nationally significant programme.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and deliver an external communications strategy for UKIFS and the STEP programme
✅ Lead the external communications team, ensuring high-quality delivery and managing performance
✅ Engage with partners and stakeholders, maintaining and enhancing the programme's reputation
✅ Lead the interface with UKAEA group communications colleagues, ensuring alignment on key communication activities
✅ Act as a spokesperson, leading industry, community, and panel events as required
✅ Exploit digital channels and social media to increase brand and message penetration
✅ Oversee the ongoing development of the website and ensure effective public consultation
✅ Manage the strategic oversight of STEP and UKIFS social media presence
✅ Lead media relations for the STEP programme, working with journalists at all levels
✅ Develop and deliver a strategy to increase media coverage and grow brand awareness
✅ Position key spokespeople as thought leaders across the fusion sector and beyond
✅ Shape and maintain the positive public perception of the organisation through ongoing media engagement
✅ Manage the organisation's response to issues management
✅ Lead the evolution of the STEP and UKIFS brands, ensuring consistency in brand messaging across all communication touchpoints
✅ Work closely with the Senior Internal Communications Manager to ensure alignment and consistency in messaging across both internal and external communications
✅ Support joint initiatives that enhance the overall communication strategy and stakeholder engagement
✅ Manage and mentor a small team of communication professionals, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and high performance
✅ Utilise centrally held systems, services, and capabilities to deliver organisational objectives
✅ Embrace the organisation's culture, values, and mission, fostering a positive and inclusive team environment
✅ Act as a cultural ambassador, representing the organisation's values and professionalism
✅ Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong leader with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to manage a team and engage with stakeholders at all levels.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in communications or a related field
Experience: Extensive experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, and community relations
Required Skills:
- Proven leadership skills and the ability to work in complex, matrixed, programmatic environments
- Understanding of government structures and the role of national, regional, and local government in projects like STEP
- Proven relationship builder with stakeholders at all levels
- Experience as a trusted advisor at CEO, Director, and executive team level
- Proficiency in producing board-level papers and proposals
- Excellent communication skills - both written and verbal
- Ability to act as an ambassador for the programme
- Strategic, creative, and innovative thinker
Preferred Skills:
- CIPR qualification
- Experience working on significant infrastructure projects
- Experience with print and/or broadcast media
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in communications and stakeholder engagement, along with proven leadership skills, are most likely to succeed in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £59,723 per year (AI-estimated)
Benefits:
- Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
- Corporate bonus scheme up to 7%
- Relocation allowance (if eligible)
- Flexible working options
- Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders
- Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
- Wide range of career development opportunities
- Vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive
Working Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on the AI-estimated salary, as the original job listing did not provide specific salary information.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Research Services, specifically focused on nuclear fusion energy
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a large, established environment with ample opportunities for collaboration and growth
Founded: 1954, with a rich history in nuclear research and development
Company Description:
- UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is the UK’s national fusion lab, leading the commercial development of fusion power and related technology
- UKAEA is made up of four main facilities: Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE), Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE), Materials Research Facility (MRF), and - in partnership with STFC - the Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS) apprentice training centre
- UKAEA's mission is to position the UK as a leader in sustainable fusion energy
Company Specialties:
- Research
- Technology
- Science
- Engineering
- Nuclear
- Energy
- Nuclear Fusion
- Fusion Research
- Nuclear Energy
- Physics
- Plasma Physics
- Robotics
- Materials Science
- Fusion Technology
- and Innovation
Company Website: http://www.gov.uk/ukaea
ASSUMPTION: UKAEA is a well-established organisation with a strong focus on research and development in the nuclear fusion energy sector.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level role, reporting directly to the Head of Communications and Community Engagement
Reporting Structure: This role will lead the external communications team and collaborate with internal communications colleagues
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with 3 days on-site per week, and the remaining days working remotely
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a leadership role within the communications team
- Opportunities to work on high-profile, nationally significant projects
- Chance to develop expertise in the nuclear fusion energy sector
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to make a substantial impact on the organisation's external communications strategy.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid, with a blend of on-site and remote work
Office Location(s): Culham, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Geographic Context:
- Culham is a village located in Oxfordshire, England, with a population of approximately 5,000 people
- The area is known for its scenic countryside and close proximity to the city of Oxford
- The office is located at the Culham Science Centre, which is home to the UK Atomic Energy Authority's main research facility
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible working options available
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to enjoy the best of both worlds.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR team
- Face-to-face or video interview with the hiring manager and a panel of team members
- Final interview with the Head of Communications and Community Engagement
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Leadership and team management skills
- Understanding of the nuclear fusion energy sector and relevant government structures
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the nuclear fusion energy sector and UKAEA's mission
- Prepare examples of your past communications successes and challenges
- Research UKAEA and the STEP programme to show your enthusiasm and commitment to the organisation's goals
ATS Keywords: External Communications, Stakeholder Engagement, Media Relations, Public Relations, Brand Development, Digital Strategy, Strategic Thinking, Creative Thinking, Relationship Building, Issue Management, Mentoring, Coaching, Government Understanding, Proposal Writing
ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's communication skills, strategic thinking, and leadership abilities, as well as their understanding of the nuclear fusion energy sector and relevant government structures.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- CMS (Content Management System) for website updates
- Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.)
- Media monitoring and analytics tools
- Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for communications professionals, with a focus on digital channels and social media management.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Respect
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced, with a focus on delivering results
- Collaborative and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on teamwork
- Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to work in a changing environment
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, and are you able to adapt to change?
- Are you a strong communicator, with excellent written and verbal skills?
- Do you have experience working in a complex, matrixed, programmatic environment?
- Are you comfortable engaging with stakeholders at all levels, including government officials and industry leaders?
- Do you share UKAEA's commitment to innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and respect?
ASSUMPTION: UKAEA values a dynamic, collaborative, and inclusive work environment, with a strong emphasis on innovation, excellence, and integrity.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a complex, matrixed, programmatic environment may present unique challenges and require strong project management skills
- Engaging with stakeholders at all levels, including government officials and industry leaders, may require exceptional communication and diplomatic skills
- The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges in maintaining a healthy work-life balance
- The role may require occasional travel between sites and to other locations for events
ASSUMPTION: While this role presents numerous opportunities, it also comes with its own set of challenges that a strong candidate will be able to navigate successfully.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other communications roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work on a high-profile, nationally significant project in the nuclear fusion energy sector
- Industry-specific context: The nuclear fusion energy sector is a rapidly evolving field, with significant growth potential and numerous career development opportunities
- Career path comparison: This role offers a clear path for career progression within the communications team and the wider organisation
ASSUMPTION: This role presents a unique opportunity to work in a cutting-edge industry, with a clear path for career progression and numerous growth opportunities.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive external communications strategy for the STEP programme, including digital channels, media relations, and stakeholder engagement
- Managing a high-profile media campaign to announce a significant milestone in the STEP programme's development
- Leading a team to produce a series of thought leadership articles and reports, positioning UKAEA and the STEP programme as industry leaders in the nuclear fusion energy sector
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic, creative, and innovative thinking required to succeed in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does this role fit into the overall communications strategy for UKAEA and the STEP programme?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the STEP programme, and how can effective communications help address them?
- How does UKAEA support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What is the expected timeline for the STEP programme, and how will this role evolve as the programme progresses?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help you better understand the role's expectations, the organisation's goals, and the opportunities for professional growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the provided link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past communications successes and challenges
- Research UKAEA and the STEP programme to show your enthusiasm and commitment to the organisation's goals
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
