External Communications Officer

Centre for International Development and Training (CIDT); Wolverhampton; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Long service recognition

Free will writing service

IT & mobile discounts

Wellbeing support

Gym discounts

Eyecare support

Flu vaccinations

Cycle benefits scheme

Electric vehicle scheme

Employee discounts

Travel discounts

Staff networks and inclusion

Library access

Scholarship scheme

Leadership development

Free on-site parking

Job summary

The University of Wolverhampton is seeking an experienced communications professional to join the Marketing, Communications and Digital Directorate as an External Communications Officer. You will identify newsworthy stories, craft press releases, features and blogs, and manage media enquiries to raise the university's profile regionally, nationally and internationally.

Working in a small, collaborative team, you will translate complex research and achievements into engaging content for media,

Qualifications

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience.
• Significant experience in communications, PR, journalism or media relations.
• Experience writing high-quality content for multiple audiences and channels.
• Strong media relations skills and confidence in dealing with journalists and stakeholders.
• Experience of digital and social media communications.

Responsibilities

• Write press releases, features, statements, blogs and news stories.
• Manage media enquiries and facilitate interviews and photo opportunities.
• Support internal communications activity and contribute to major campaigns.
• Contribute to events and evaluate coverage across channels.
• Maintain key communication channels and assist with reputation-building.

Skills

Degree-level education

Experience in communications/PR

Content writing for multiple audiences

Media relations skills

Digital and social media experience

Verbal and written communication

Relationship building

Time management

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent

Job description

The University of Wolverhampton is looking for an experienced and creative communications professional to join our Marketing, Communications and Digital Directorate as an External Communications Officer. This is an exciting opportunity to help raise the profile of one of the UK's fastest-rising universities, supporting institutional reputation, student recruitment, research impact and stakeholder engagement through compelling storytelling and strategic communications activity. Working as part of a small, busy and highly collaborative communications team, you will identify and develop newsworthy stories from across the University, producing engaging content for media, digital and social media channels. You will work closely with academics, professional services colleagues and senior leaders to showcase the University's achievements, research, partnerships and impact across the region, nationally and internationally. The role combines proactive media relations, content creation, digital communications and campaign support. You will write press releases, features, statements, blogs and news stories, manage media enquiries, facilitate interviews and photo opportunities, contribute to high-profile events, and support internal communications activity. You'll also help evaluate coverage, maintain key communication channels and contribute to major institutional campaigns such as Clearing, Graduation and student recruitment.

About You

You will be an excellent communicator with substantial experience in communications, media relations, journalism or public relations. You should be comfortable translating complex information into engaging content for a variety of audiences and channels, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience.
• Significant experience in communications, PR, journalism or media relations.
• Experience of writing high-quality content for multiple audiences and channels.
• Strong media relations skills and confidence in dealing with journalists and stakeholders.
• Experience of digital and social media communications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to build positive working relationships across a large organisation.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines.

Experience within higher education, delivering communications campaigns, creating digital content and using media monitoring or content management systems would be advantageous.

This role occasionally requires attendance at events outside normal working hours, including weekends, with time off in lieu provided where appropriate. Hybrid working is available in line with University policy.

Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom

The University of Wolverhampton recognises and protects the rights to freedom of speech and academic freedom, within the law. We are committed to ensuring that lawful expression of ideas, beliefs and opinions — including those that may be controversial or unpopular — does not result in disadvantage in recruitment, employment or progression. An offer of employment at the University of Wolverhampton will never be denied based on an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Wolverhampton is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

We Are Committed To

• preventing unlawful discrimination and harassment.
• promoting equality of opportunity.
• fostering an inclusive environment where colleagues are treated with dignity and respect.

We strive to create a workplace in which colleagues have the confidence and freedom to be themselves, while working professionally and in accordance with equality legislation and University policies.

Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications

We recognise that applicants may use AI tools to support the preparation of their applications. However, submissions must reflect your own experience, achievements and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role. Please ensure your application accurately represents your own voice and capabilities.

Flexible Working

We recognise the value of flexible working arrangements and are open to discussion wherever possible.

Your Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Standard Life Pension scheme – with employer contribution of up to 12% to the University's defined contribution scheme.
• Long Service Recognition – £200 gift voucher, certificate, and afternoon tea with Vice Chancellor for 25 & 40 years of service.
• Free Will Writing Service – Complimentary will drafting for employees and their partners.
• IT & Mobile Discounts – EE Perk (20% off for family & friends) & software discounts.
• Wellbeing and Mental Health Support – 24/7 access to EAP service, free counselling sessions, wellbeing support resources and Occupational Health Service.
• Gym memberships discounts – at our Walsall Campus and discounts at WV Active sites in Wolverhampton.
• Eyecare Support – Free eVoucher for eye tests and glasses contribution.
• Flu Vouchers – Free flu vaccinations for staff.
• Paycare Health Benefit Plan – Covers optical, dental, physiotherapy, and personal accident insurance.
• Chaplaincy & Prayer Rooms – Access to multi-faith chaplaincy services.
• Generous Annual Leave (see table below)
• Flexible & Agile Working – Flexible and Hybrid working arrangements.
• Free On-site Parking – available across campuses.
• Cycle Benefits Scheme – Save up to 42% on a bike & accessories via salary sacrifice.
• Tusker Electric Vehicle Scheme – Electric cars via salary sacrifice.
• Employee Discounts – Savings on groceries, fashion, and entertainment.
• Travel Discounts – Up to 10% off holidays through Sodexo Circles.
• Staff Network and Inclusion – Access to support networks and events with our LGBTQ+, Global Majority, Disability, and Women's networks.
• Library Access – Staff have access to books and resources at our onsite libraries.
• Staff Scholarship Scheme – Funding for part-time higher education, up to PhD level.
• Leadership and Management Development – Access to training opportunities to support you with advancing in your career.