Head of Communications

Corehr; Oxford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking department at a world-leading research institute is seeking a Head of Communications. This exciting role involves strategic oversight of communications, enhancing internal engagement, and implementing innovative tools to professionalize communications. The ideal candidate will possess strong stakeholder engagement skills and a proven track record in public relations and media management. Join a diverse environment where your expertise will contribute to impactful communication strategies that resonate with various audiences. This is a fantastic opportunity to thrive in a supportive and dynamic setting.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in higher education communications.
• Demonstrable ability to conceive and implement successful communication strategies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee internal and external communications for the Nuffield Department of Medicine.
• Implement and refresh the communications strategy with a focus on internal communications.

Skills

Stakeholder Engagement

Strategic Thinking

Operational Communication

Networking

Public Relations

Media Management

Outreach

Creative Strategy Implementation

Written Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Degree in Relevant Subject

Equivalent Experience in Higher Education

Job description

Offices of the Nuffield Professor of Medicine, Henry Wellcome Building, Headington, Oxford OX3 7BN

We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and motivated individual to join our forward-thinking Department as our Head of Communications. Responsible for the strategic oversight of the Nuffield Department of Medicine’s (NDM) internal and external communications, you will refresh and implement the communications strategy with a specific focus on strengthening internal communications across the different NDM units.

The Head of Communications for NDM will have an expert understanding of the Higher Education communications field and will be expected to understand the context and scope of the communications required by a very large, world-leading research department. Engaging proactively internally and externally, you will generate all forms of communication, translating and targeting messages to a wide variety of audiences. You will identify and implement contemporary communication tools and services to professionalise communications across and beyond the Department. You will also be responsible for all departmental communication tools and channels, ensuring content is timely, accurate, relevant, and creatively executed, while maintaining a high level of service.

This challenging role requires excellent stakeholder engagement skills, strategic thinking, operational communication abilities, and networking. You will work largely independently, relating to staff at all levels, maintaining confidence, tact, and diplomacy in complex situations.

To succeed in this role, you should be educated to degree level in a relevant subject or possess equivalent experience in a higher education or science communications role, including public relations, media management, and outreach. Demonstrable ability to conceive, implement, and evaluate creative and successful communication strategies in a large, complex organization with multiple stakeholder groups is crucial. You should have excellent written skills, capable of developing high-quality, accurate, and consistent communication materials, including those about scientific matters internally and externally. A self-directed strategic thinker with problem-solving abilities, initiative, good judgment, and the capacity to deliver clear messages will excel in this position.

The Nuffield Department of Medicine is a world-leading medical sciences research institute at the University of Oxford, working across several clinical disciplines. NDM is friendly, welcoming, and eager to engage with the challenges and opportunities in our internationally recognized department. This role offers the chance to thrive in a diverse environment with support.

Applications should be made online, with a supporting statement and CV uploaded as part of your application. Your supporting statement should detail how you meet each of the selection criteria, with examples of your skills and experience.

This position is offered full-time on a permanent contract. Only applications received before 12 midday on 16th May 2025 will be considered. Interviews will be held during the week commencing 26th May. Please quote 179340 on all correspondence.

Salary (£): Standard Grade 9: £55,636 - £64,228, with a discretionary range up to £70,029 per annum.