Communication

Location: Canterbury
Salary: £35,326 to £39,739 per annum
Grade: Grade 7
Post Type: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Release Date: Friday 22 October 2021
Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Sunday 07 November 2021 (unless otherwise stated)
Interview Date: Friday 19 November 2021
Reference: CSF-360-21

Do you have experience in communications, PR or journalism and a track record of delivering high impact media coverage? Are you comfortable using digital technology to develop and disseminate stories with real impact?

We are seeking a Senior Press Officer to join our Communications Team at the University of Kent, to develop, manage and pitch to the media a wide range of powerful stories and to play a key role in enhancing the University’s reputation locally, nationally and internationally.

You will need to be able to deal with changing priorities and unplanned work, and to utilise your strengths in influencing and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and the wider media.

As Senior Press Officer you will:

develop and manage a regular flow of high-quality stories across key strategic areas of the University’s work;
develop existing regional, national and international media relationships and cultivate new contacts across a range of sectors including education, research, business and culture;
provide professional advice and recommendations on contentious issues and mitigating reputational risk to the University to ensure its reputation is protected and enhanced.

To be successful in this role you will have:

substantial experience of working in communications, PR or journalism along with a proven track record of delivering high impact media coverage across a range of issues and channels and dealing with reputational issues;
proven ability to identify, develop and ‘sell’ stories, and successfully generate media coverage, supported by excellent relationships with journalists at a national level;
excellent written communications and the necessary skills to work at pace, including writing and pitching comment articles.

The Communications Team strive to build the University's reputation through multi-channel, mixed media campaigns that set out a compelling narrative based on our Kent 2025 strategy. Working across press, social media and internal comms, the team lead on communications with key local, national and international audiences, ensuring clear and consistent messages are delivered in creative and dynamic ways to help make the University stand out in a crowded market.

The University of Kent is a distinctive and attractive place to work. We employ over 6,000 staff, including academic and research staff and a full range of support and administration staff. Our stunning main campus in Canterbury, Kent was founded in 1965 and is set among green and tranquil open space overlooking the spectacular Cathedral. Our staff enjoy competitive salaries, an occupational pension scheme, generous holiday entitlements and a great working environment. We also offer hybrid working options, including up to two days working from home per week, and welcome discussions around flexible working arrangements.

Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process please contact centralservicesresourcing@kent.ac.uk quoting ref number: CSF-360-21