External Relations Officer

HRUC; Swadlincote; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A merged College Group in the United Kingdom seeks an External Relations Officer to enhance its reputation and visibility. The role involves developing communication strategies, creating engaging content, and building relationships with stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have qualifications in media or PR, alongside relevant work experience. Key responsibilities include managing external communications and leading the press office. This role is based across campuses in Harrow, Richmond, or Uxbridge with travel required.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years' experience in external relations or a press office role.
• Good judgement with awareness of reputational risk.
• Strong writing skills for impactful stories.
• Ability to build relationships with stakeholders.
• Existing relationships with local media preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop engaging news for external communications.
• Support delivery of key events to enhance visibility.
• Establish a pipeline of news stories for enrollment.
• Devise and deliver an external communications plan.
• Develop the HRUC press office.

Skills

Media qualifications

Public relations experience

Storytelling ability

Relationship building

Media relationships

Education

Qualifications in media, PR or journalism

Job description

External Relations Officer

HRUC (Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges) is a highly ambitious merged College Group. Based in the diverse London boroughs of Harrow, Hillingdon, and Richmond upon Thames, we have five vibrant, modern campuses supporting its 16,000 learners.

In this role, you will bring energy and expertise to strengthen HRUC's external presence and its growing, wider reputation. You will lead the way in building vibrant communication channels, developing engaging content, and fostering positive relationships with key stakeholders and partners. With a focus on innovation and impact, you'll champion fresh ideas, provide expert advice, and continually enhance our communications, ensuring our colleges are visible, connected, and celebrated in the wider community.

The role will include:

• Working with stakeholders to develop engaging news and announcements for a range of external communications channels.
• Supporting with the delivery of key events that enhance the visibility of HRUC's colleges, and its engagement with external stakeholders.
• Supporting potential enrolment by establishing a positive pipeline of news stories and content by working closely with students, schools, and curriculum staff.
• Helping devise and deliver an external communications plan and any associated campaigns.
• Leading in the development of the HRUC press office

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic individual who can demonstrate the following:

• Qualifications in media, PR or journalism, complemented by at least 3 years' experience in external relations or a press office role
• Good judgement and awareness of reputational risk, and the principles of public relations
• Ability to write outstanding and impactful stories; able to translate complex information and data into content for media releases and social media
• Ability to build and maintain excellent working relationships with internal colleagues and external stakeholders
• Existing relationships with local and or sector media, or a proven ability to cultivate positive relationships with journalists

The post holder will be based at either Harrow, Richmond or Uxbridge campus and must be willing and able to travel to other college sites when required.

Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Notice for Recruitment Agencies

HRUC operates with a managed service provider (MSP) for recruitment services. We do not accept unsolicited emails, CVs, or contact from recruitment agencies. Any CVs or information sent to HRUC outside of this process will not be considered or acted upon, regardless of the terms and conditions stated by the agency.