Communications Manager

Inc Research; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in Nottingham is seeking a Senior Communications Manager to oversee strategic communications for the FCDO Research Commissioning Centre. The role involves managing the GRTD website and developing campaigns to engage partners. Candidates should have a master's in relevant fields and 7-10 years of experience in communications within the development sector. A strong understanding of project management, social media, and graphic design tools is preferred. The position allows for largely remote work, with flexibility for in-person meetings in London.

Qualifications

• At least seven to ten years of experience in a communication role in the development sector.
• Proven ability to plan and implement communication and engagement strategies.
• Knowledge of tools for graphic design and social media management is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop a strategy and campaign for engaging GRTD with external partners.
• Lead engagement with FCDO to enhance GRTD features.
• Monitor digital engagement metrics and develop KPIs.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Excellent command over communication products

Ability to manage social media and events

Project management skills

Education

Master's degree in relevant fields

Bachelor's degree with extensive work experience

Tools

InDesign

Photoshop

Mailchimp

Canva

Drupal

Job description

Senior Communications Manager – Research Commissioning Centre (RCC)

3ie is inviting applications for a Senior Communications Manager to join the FCDO Research Commissioning Centre (RCC) team at 3ie. With the RCC entering its third year of operation, this is an exciting time to join the project. The role will be responsible for the strategic management of RCC communications and for the oversight and management of the Global Research and Technology Development (GRTD) website (https://www.grtd.fcdo.gov.uk/). The position will work closely with the team of the FCDO Chief Scientific Adviser and FCDO's Deputy Head of Research to support the development and rollout of GRTD, suiting a strategic thinker with experience or knowledge of leading communications and engagement campaigns. The successful candidate will be a highly organised, skilled communicator with excellent command over producing a range of communication and knowledge products such as blogs, policy briefs, infographics, impact stories and case studies, as well as editing technical writing. Prior experience in social media and event management, is desirable. They will be a self-starter with a can‑do, team‑player attitude. The ideal candidate will be based in the UK and have the flexibility to travel to London for in‑person meetings and events as required. The candidate will need to work according to UK office hours. The role will largely be remote working with dedicated in‑person time with the RCC team and with FCDO.

Responsibilities

• Work with FCDO to develop a coherent strategy and campaign for engaging with and communicating GRTD to external partners; manage the relationship with FCDO communications counterparts in delivering the vision for GRTD.
• Lead engagement with FCDO to determine the design of enhancements and new features for GRTD; oversee these developments, managing external contractors (when required) and working with technical colleagues to ensure developments are fit for purpose.
• Collaborate with FCDO teams to support the rollout and visibility of the GRTD brand.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of editorial standards, templates, and guidance for GRTD content, in coordination with FCDO and RCC stakeholders.
• Assist in the dissemination of impact stories and research outputs that align with GRTD branding and strategic objectives.
• Support stakeholder engagement activities and campaigns led by FCDO to promote the GRTD platform, where relevant to RCC‑funded research.
• Monitor digital engagement with and develop KPIs to track performance, with a focus on continuous improvement and optimisation.
• Ensure the RCC is adequately presented on GRTD and that the design and structure of RCC pages is coherent and promotes the RCC vision.
• Create, edit and post new website content for the RCC on GRTD as required.
• Coordinate with the 3ie Strategic Communications Office to monitor the website regularly to ensure content is updated and bugs are identified.
• Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of the RCC's overall communication and engagement strategy, including areas of thought leadership around best practice evidence led by the RCC.
• Strategise on new communication products (including website content, impact stories, blogs, media articles, social media and multimedia content), launches, events, and online promotions.
• Edit, manage and publish research commissioning call documents and participate and manage related events such as Early Market Engagements, FAQ sessions, etc.
• Work with RCC Grantees and project teams editing and publishing RCC publications and deliverables, including reports, briefs and other publications.
• Create social media content and manage dissemination through 3ie's social media channels, working with 3ie colleagues (NB: RCC social media channels may be established and in this case the role will directly manage these).
• Provide end‑to‑end support for workshops and events, including content, budget, logistics, communication and marketing.
• Provide inputs for communication and implementation plans for research funded by the RCC.
• Ensure that RCC publications and communications products are processed in a timely manner and published on GRTD.
• Maintain and update process documents, guidelines and templates for external communications for the RCC and for communications from grantees.
• Oversee the implementation of and improvements to RCC's branding and logo suite as needed.
• Work closely with RCC staff to cultivate relationships across the research ecosystem, consortium and with grantees. This may include RCC representation at external events.
• Provide guidance and advise on dissemination activities to grant recipients. Review and approve engagement and dissemination products and plans submitted by RCC grant recipients as part of their work on RCC‑funded projects and support the wider RCC team to monitor engagement activities undertaken by grantees.
• Collect and collate impact stories for the RCC to support both learning and reporting requirements.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in journalism, public affairs, marketing, or a field directly relevant to international development, including formal communication training. Exceptional candidates with a bachelor's degree and extensive work experience may be considered.
• At least seven to ten years of experience in a communication role in the development sector.
• Proven ability to plan and implement communication and engagement strategies for organizations and research projects.
• Knowledge of tools for graphic design, content management, social media and event management is desirable (e.g., InDesign, Photoshop, Mailchimp, Canva, Drupal, etc.).
• Proven project management and coordination skills to ensure on‑time delivery.
• Excellent English writing and editing skills; cross‑platform writing experience is desirable.
• Self‑motivated, creative, and multi‑tasker with a proven ability to work under tight deadlines accurately and professionally.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and willingness to work in a matrix‑organised team environment.
• Experience working with UK government departments is desirable.
• High‑energy, self‑starter attitude with a can‑do, team‑player mindset.