About Unit M
Launched in Autumn 2024, Unit M exists to unlock the University’s full potential as one of the North of England’s largest innovation assets by making the University’s world class research, innovation capabilities and talent more accessible to all.
Its remit is to accelerate the development of a global competitive, inclusive and impactful innovation ecosystem – from ideation and research translation, start‑up and scale‑up support, place making, talent and skills, community building and more – which systematically breaks down barriers to the flow of ideas between the University and its partners. Unit M is expected to attract, generate and mobilise significant external funding – from industry, investors, philanthropy and public sources – to sustain and scale innovation activity and create new, sustainable funding streams.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of the strategic marketing and communications plan for SMMC, ensuring alignment to programme objectives and long‑term ambitions.
- Define audience, messaging and channel strategy, establishing clear objectives, success measures and evaluation approaches.
- Position SMMC as a flagship innovation and scale‑up destination, building a compelling profile and communicating its regional and national impact.
- Own and shape the SMMC narrative across a complex programme environment, translating technical and research activity into clear, engaging communications.
- Lead the planning and delivery of integrated communications and marketing campaigns, ensuring coordinated delivery to agreed timescales and budgets.
- Provide strategic oversight of digital, media, content and event communications activity, ensuring consistent and effective engagement.
- Build and maintain influential relationships across internal and external stakeholders, acting as a senior communications representative and trusted adviser.
- Lead external agency and supplier relationships and report on communications performance and impact, ensuring high‑quality delivery and value for money.
Qualifications
- Educated to degree level, with a relevant qualification in marketing or communications, or equivalent professional experience.
- Significant experience designing and delivering strategic marketing and communications programmes within complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.
- Proven ability to influence senior leaders and build effective relationships across organisational boundaries.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, compelling and audience‑appropriate communications.
- Strong leadership capability, including experience of leading teams and developing staff performance.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence operating in high‑profile and politically sensitive environments.
Benefits
- 29 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and December closure days
- Generous pension scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Access to a wide range of staff benefits, including discounts, wellbeing support, and development programmes
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