External Communications Officer
The Alan Turing Institute
Named in honour of Alan Turing, the Institute is a place for inspiring, exciting work and we need passionate, sharp, and innovative people who want to use their skills to contribute to our mission to make great leaps in data science and AI research to change the world for the better.
Please find more information about us here
BACKGROUND
The External Communications Officer forms part of the Communications and Engagement Directorate, reporting into the Senior External Communications Manager. Given the growth of the Institute, the external communications officer would join a busy team in a vibrant and energetic communications and marketing department.The postholder manages a wide portfolio of projects, announcements and collaborations, working with stakeholders and partner organisation at the local, national and international level. The External Communications Officer will provide proactive comms planning and project management, media support, advice and expertise on matters relating to the Institute’s external communications.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
We’re seeking a candidate with strong written & oral communication skills and demonstrable experience of collaborating with peers & technical experts to create engaging, insight driven communication plans. You should have strong knowledge of current communication industry trends and experience in working with the media in a press office or communications environment.The ideal candidate will be comfortable with liaising and influencing a diverse range of stakeholders and be able to work flexibly whilst managing a varied workload to tight deadlines.
DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
External communications
Support priority Turing projects (such as our grand challenges) by being a key contact point for research teams, providing trusted advice and working with your colleagues in the wider comms and engagement directorate to create and deliver related communications plansCreate content for the organisation’s social media and website
Sourcing, writing or editing accurate and creative content such as newsletter articles, blogs, case studies, researcher spotlights or briefing documents
Deputise for the Senior External Communications Manager where required
Media relations
Monitor media coverage and prepare regular evaluation reportsCoordinate media activities, arranging spokespeople for interviews, attending press conferences and preparing necessary briefings
Advise senior staff members on written responses to the media, proofreading and rewriting statements as needed
Ensure timely response to media enquiries, manage shared inbox and occasionally be on--call when required
Develop and maintain relationships with key journalists and external partners
Identify potential opportunities for media outreach, work with Institute partners and outside organisations to co-ordinate, write and disseminate press materials.Manage announcements, liaising with colleagues across the Directorate to co-ordinate website and internal communications messages
Person Specification
Experience of working with the media in a press office or communications environment, and or journalistic experienceAt least one years’ coordinator level experience in a fast-paced communications, media or press office environment
Experience of planning communication activities such as announcements, projects or campaigns
Ability to work with complex information, make it accessible/strong writing skills and ability to work with experts
Experience of Microsoft applications
Interest and/or knowledge of media outreach
Experience of fielding, handling media enquiries
Please see our portal for a full breakdown of the Job Description.