Full-time, Permanent
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Communications and Engagement Officer with a specific remit to support the Agrifood Futures (AFF) strategic programme, based within the University of Reading’s Research Communication and Engagement team.
The University of Reading is a leading UK research-intensive university, committed to delivering a better world through the transformational impact of research and education. Ranked among the UK’s top 30 universities, we operate in a dynamic global environment and are driven to continually strengthen our ability to attract research funding, students, and outstanding academic and professional staff.
You will be joining the organisation at a critical point in our 100-year history as we launch our AFF strategy, an ambitious research programme that will be a major driver of change in how we produce, consume, and think about food as we move towards 2050. Building on our strong reputation for research excellence in agriculture and food, and our work with global partners, AFF reflects our commitment to a whole systems approach to addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the world today.
About the role
The Research Communications & Engagement (RCE) team sits within our External Relations Directorate, which provides expert marketing, engagement and communication strategy, advice, and delivery. We are responsible for building the University’s reputation, brand and profile, and delivering robust, innovative and global communications activity to support research engagement, impact and funding targets. We are currently recruiting an experienced Senior Communications and Engagement Officer who will play a key role in supporting the implementation of the University’s Agrifood Futures (AFF) strategy.
You will join the RCE team and, within a matrix management structure, work in partnership with the AFF Strategic Programme Manager and AFF leadership team to plan, develop and deliver communications and engagement projects that raise the profile and reputation of AFF, through University-owned and external channels. You will be responsible for developing activities and campaigns that promote the strengths, successes and impact of AFF research, partnerships and related activities. You will also have oversight and responsibility for the planning and delivery of an impactful programme of external facing activities and events.
You will:
- Have strong knowledge of the agrifood, agritech, farming and/or food systems sector
- Be highly motivated, with energy, enthusiasm and commitment to communicating about AFF research
- Have a proven ability to translate strategy and ideas into practical action
- Have a track record of delivering excellent and innovative communications outputs and activities to research diverse audiences
- Be accustomed to working independently in a fast-moving environment
- Be able to spot opportunities and respond to them quickly
- Have outstanding written and verbal communication skills with experience of using the full mix of communications channels
- Be creative with proven experience of building profile, reputation and brand
- Be able to build and maintain strong networks of internal and external contacts, working across different academic disciplines and with people at all levels of seniority
- Be resourceful and committed to high standards, quality and integrity
Contact
Contact Name: Kirstine Dunhill
Contact Job Title: Research Communications & Engagement Manager
Contact Email: k.dunhill@reading.ac.uk
Alternative Contact Name: Kirsty Withers
Alternative Contact Job Title: Agrifood Futures Strategic Programme Manager
Alternative Contact Email: kirsty.withers@reading.ac.uk
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