Communications Officer

Buckinghamshire New University; High Wycombe; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in High Wycombe is seeking a Communications Officer to enhance its communication strategies. You will produce high-quality content, manage media relations, and promote University initiatives. Ideal candidates will have a degree and at least 2 years of communications experience, with strong writing skills and the ability to work collaboratively. The role offers hybrid work and generous holidays.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Hybrid working

Access to free online GP

Training & development support

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 Years’ Experience In Communications.
• Experience creating content for varied audiences.
• Familiar with social media platforms.

Responsibilities

• Draft and edit content for media releases and website articles.
• Support planning and delivery of communications campaigns.
• Manage media enquiries and monitor media channels.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders to gather stories.

Skills

Strong writing and editing skills

Excellent verbal communication skills

Organisational skills

Collaborative mindset

Education

Educated to degree level

Tools

Digital communication tools

Content Management Systems (CMS)

Email platforms

Analytics dashboards

Job description

Overview

Full Time - Permanent - High Wycombe

Salary - £29,588 - £33,002

HELP US BREAK THE MOULD

We’re not trying to fit in with the higher education status quo. We’re challenging it. We’re doing things differently - because our students, our staff, and our world need us to.

So this is an exciting moment to join us. We’re boldly reimagining what a university can be: a place rooted in social mobility, a community where difference is celebrated, and an institution that empowers people to become more than they thought possible.

We’re looking for someone who can bring our story to life through communications that connect and inspire. As Communications Officer, you’ll share initiatives and achievements across the University, reaching staff, students, partners and the media.

Working closely with colleagues, you’ll uncover stories, coordinate messages, and make sure they reach the right audiences. You’ll respond to media enquiries and manage internal and external channels to keep communications running smoothly.

Using insight and feedback, you’ll shape communications that make a real difference. With energy, creativity, and attention to detail, you’ll strengthen BNU’s voice and celebrate the people, projects, and achievements that make our University a place we’re proud to be part of.

What We Offer

• a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
• access to free online GP
• full contractual family leave and pay from day one
• training & development support opportunities
• contributory pension scheme
• discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
• a range of staff discounts with major retailers.

Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.

Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank.

Please click here to view our employee handbook.

If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For further information about this role please contact [e-mail]

All applications are to be made in full and online.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’s workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.

Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out to [e-mail] if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you

We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.

Closing Date: 13 October 2025

Interview Date: 23 October 2025

If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process. The University is also committed to achieving the Race Equality Charter.

Job Description

Job Title: Communications Officer

Directorate: Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Communications & Civic Engagement

Grade: E

Location: High Wycombe

Hours: 37

Responsible to: Senior Communications Manager

Responsible for: N/A

Job Purpose

To support the delivery of the University’s communications strategies by producing high-quality, engaging content across internal and external channels. The Communications Officer will assist in media relations, digital communications, campaign delivery, and stakeholder engagement. Working closely with the Senior Communications Manager, External Communications Manager and Internal Communications Manager, the role helps ensure consistent stakeholder messaging that reflects the University’s brand and strategic priorities.

To practice an inclusive approach and support building an inclusive university community where people can be themselves.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Draft and edit content for media releases, website articles, and internal platforms such as BEN (intranet, MyBNU (student portal) and digital screens around the University’s campuses.
• Support the planning and delivery of communications campaigns that promote University initiatives, staff and student achievements, and events informed by audience insight.
• Assist in managing media enquiries, escalating issues as appropriate.
• Help maintain the University’s monitoring of channels including traditional and social media, and contribute to out-of-hours communications support when required.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders to gather stories, updates, and feedback for use in both internal and external communications.
• Support the organisation and promotion of internal and external events for staff, students and stakeholders.
• Assist in evaluating communications activity using analytics tools, surveys, and feedback mechanisms.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and University policies (e.g., GDPR, Equality & Diversity).
• Undertake other duties as required by the Senior Communications Manager.

Person Specification

A = Application, T = Test, I = Interview

Education, Qualifications & Training

Means of Testing

Educated to degree level

A

Knowledge & Experience

Minimum 2 Years’ Experience In Communications.

A/I

Strong writing and editing skills with experience of creating content for varied audiences.

A/I

Familiarity with digital communication tools and social media platforms.

A/I

Experience supporting campaigns and events in a professional setting.

A/I

Understanding of the role of communications in reputation management and stakeholder engagement.

A/I

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

A/I

Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

A/I

Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

A/I

Confident using digital tools such as CMS, email platforms, and analytics dashboards.

A/I

Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across teams and departments.

A/I

Special Requirements

To provide out-of-hours press office support if needed

A/I

Behavioural Indicators

The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) is a framework for all University staff that sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the DRIVE values and ethos of the University. The nine categories provide a clear steer on behavioural expectations that will help support a step change in the performance and culture of the University. The three key behavioural indicators for this post are as follows:

Delivering excellent service
Providing the best quality service to external and internal customers/students/stakeholders. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up customer service standards.

Working together
Working collaboratively and across boundaries with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving results
Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.