Press and Communications Manager

Aston University; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Aston University’s Press and Communications team plays a key role in protecting and enhancing the university’s reputation and delivering strategic communications. The role leads communications for Aston Business School and the School of Law and Social Sciences, and collaborates with researchers to translate complex ideas into impactful stories.

You will work with journalists, write press releases and other copy, coordinate multimedia content, and help shape institutional priorities through

Qualifications

• Substantial professional experience in journalism and/or public relations.
• Experience communicating complex subject matter in business, law or social sciences preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead communications for Aston Business School and the School of Law and Social Sciences.
• Write compelling press releases and other copy and support researchers with expert commentary.
• Develop annual and project-based communications plans and respond to media opportunities.

Job description

Bring your news judgement, creativity and relationship-building skills to Aston University’s communications team, part of the Marketing, Communications and Student Recruitment department.

The Press and Communications team protects and enhances Aston University’s reputation and delivers communications that support institutional priorities. Its audiences include prospective and current students, staff, alumni, partners, employers, policymakers and the wider public.

We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic and ambitious PR and communications professional to bring our research and expertise to wider audiences. You will work with journalists, write compelling press releases and other copy, support researchers to contribute expert commentary and analysis, and help produce podcasts and other multimedia content.

This role will lead communications for Aston Business School and the School of Law and Social Sciences, alongside their associated research institutes. Reporting to the Head of Communications, you will also contribute to the University’s corporate communications and major institutional priorities.

Collaboration will be central to your success. As a trusted professional adviser, you will bring people together around shared objectives, explain your recommendations clearly and offer constructive challenge where needed.

This is an opportunity to combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You will lead annual and project-based communications plans, identifying the strongest opportunities to showcase teaching, research, enterprise, engagement and impact.

Alongside planned campaigns, you will respond to emerging opportunities and sensitive enquiries. Accuracy, accessibility and editorial integrity will underpin everything you produce.

You will bring substantial professional experience in journalism and/or public relations. Experience of communicating complex subject matter, ideally within a business, law or social science environment, is ideal. Experience of coordinating contributors, managing agencies or suppliers, and commissioning or producing multimedia content will also help you deliver across this varied portfolio. Experience in research or higher education is desirable, but not essential.

If you enjoy asking questions, finding the story behind complex ideas and working with others to achieve impact, this role offers scope to take ownership and contribute your professional expertise.

The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications

While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities.

We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.