News and Media Relations Officer

Oxford Brookes University; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 15,000 - 16,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pro-rata pay

Flexible working

25 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

On-site nursery

Gym discounts

Travel discounts

Athena SWAN Bronze

Job summary

Oxford Brookes University is seeking a News and Media Relations Officer (0.4 FTE) to enhance our global visibility through proactive PR and multi-channel communications.

You will blend traditional media with digital storytelling, creating engaging content for social platforms while supporting senior leadership with speeches and editorial materials.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in journalism, public relations, or media relations.
• Experience producing digital and social content, including short-form video.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, able to meet tight deadlines.
• HE/public sector or charitable sector experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute multi-channel PR strategies to promote teaching, research, and student achievements.
• Plan, film, edit, and publish short-form video and graphical content for social platforms.
• Draft press releases, expert commentary, and reactive statements; manage media inquiries.
• Collaborate with academic and student groups to uncover stories and present research clearly to the public.
• Draft speeches and editorial materials for senior leadership and events.
• Track media coverage and measure performance to refine content strategy.

Skills

Proactive PR

Video editing

Strong writing

Education

Degree-level qualification or equivalent (NCTJ CIPR)

Job description

Elevate Our Voice and Storytelling at Oxford Brookes University

Are you a skilled storyteller, journalist, or PR professional with a knack for multi-channel communications and digital content creation?

Oxford Brookes University is a modern, forward-thinking institution rooted in a world-famous city of culture and learning. We are seeking a News and Media Relations Officer on a part-time basis (0.4 FTE) to help enhance our global visibility, shape our media presence, and bring our research and student achievements to life.

If you thrive at blending traditional media relations with dynamic digital content like short-form video and social media campaigns, this is your opportunity to make a measurable impact.

The Role

Reporting to the Deputy Head of Communications for News and Media Relations within the Strategic Marketing and Communications team, you will play a central role in driving proactive PR and managing institutional reputation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Proactive PR and Campaign Planning: Develop and execute multi-channel PR strategies to promote university teaching, impactful research, and student achievements.
• Multimedia Content Creation: Plan, film, edit, and publish engaging short-form video and graphical content optimized for Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
• Media Relations and Reputation: Draft press releases, expert commentary, and reactive statements, while handling daily media inquiries.
• Feature Development: Collaborate across academic and student groups to uncover stories and turn complex research into compelling public narratives.
• Executive Support: Assist with drafting speeches, scripts, and editorial materials for senior leadership and key university events.
• Analytics and Monitoring: Track media coverage, audience trends, and digital channel performance to continuously refine content strategy.

What We Are Looking For

• Professional Experience: Proven track record in journalism, public relations, or media relations, with experience managing proactive and reactive news.
• Digital Storytelling: Strong practical skills in producing engaging digital and social media content, including short-form video editing.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication, with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences and tight deadlines.
• Qualifications: Degree-level qualification or equivalent practical experience (NCTJ, CIPR, or equivalent professional qualifications are desirable).
• Sector Background: Experience working within Higher Education, the public sector, or charitable organizations is desirable.

Why Join Us?

Our people are at the heart of our success. We offer a supportive, inclusive, and progressive environment where you can develop, thrive, and make a tangible impact.

• Competitive Pro-Rata Pay: Please note this 0.4 FTE role pays an actual salary of £14,947 to £16,281 per annum based on the full-time rate.
• Flexible Working: Part-time hybrid model with equipment provided to support home and campus working.
• Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave (pro-rata, rising with service) plus 8 Bank Holidays and approx. 5 University closure days.
• Financial Wellbeing: High-quality Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, financial education, and relocation support (for moves over 30 miles).
• Perks and Facilities: On-site nursery, discounted campus gym membership, travel discounts, and TOTUM savings.
• Inclusive Culture: Athena SWAN Bronze award holder, Disability Confident Employer, and active staff networks fostering a welcoming community.