Communications Officer (Developmental Leadership Program) - School of Government - 97315 - Grade 6

Position Details

School of Government

College of Social Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £27,511 to £30,046. With potential progression once in post to £33,797 a year.

Grade 6

Full Time

Fixed Term Contract from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022

Closing date - 23 May 2021

Job summary

The Communications Officer will play an important role in supporting the Developmental Leadership Program (DLP), an international research collaboration focused on the role of leadership in improving development in the Asia Pacific region. It has been based in the University of Birmingham since 2014, is funded by the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and has been influential in shaping international development policies and programmes since its inception. The current phase of DLP works collaboratively with Universities, NGOs and governments in several countries in the Asia Pacific region to deliver a portfolio of innovative and locally-owned research projects. In the next year, research findings will start to emerge and plans include an ambitious programme of global dissemination activities including webinars, evidence based outputs for policy makers and practitioners, workshops, and conferences.

The DLP Communications Officer will contribute to the development and implementation of a communications plan; manage DLP's social media channels and website; support the production of DLP outputs; track communications activities and progress for reporting purposes; and assist with the organisation of webinars, workshops and other events and so on. The Communications Officer may support additional communications activities in the International Development Department and School of Government. This post is offered as fixed-term contract for one year.

Main duties

Research communications and outputs

• Producing communications material of the highest standard across a range of forms: online, publications, digital media (such as podcasts, newsletters, webinars and video production) as well as briefing materials for DLP's management team and external partners.
• Contributing to developing and implementing a communications plan for DLP and DLP-funded project teams to enhance the uptake and impact of research findings.
• Publishing materials on the project website (news, blog posts, research and policy reports and other items), and maintain website in line with expected quality assurance, legal requirements and accessibility standards.
• Maintaining social media accounts (Twitter, YouTube, etc.) and deliver captivating social media campaigns.
• Formatting, copyediting and proofreading DLP research papers, blogs and other outputs.
• Proactively seeking timely opportunities for placing stories, features and research findings in outside blogs or outlets through identifying news hooks and maintaining relationships with editors and others.
• Supporting researchers with blog drafting and editing.
• Writing short, engaging summaries of research papers and events for external audiences.
• Maintaining an up to date knowledge of a range of development, politics and leadership disciplines, especially as it relates to Australian aid policy.

Event and project support

• Assisting the DLP management team and project and finance officer with scheduling, organising and promoting events, webinars and conference sessions.
• Providing logistical support for events, including among other things making arrangements with venues, helping with travel and other bookings, and assisting with promotion and facilitation.
• Arranging and managing web-based platforms for events taking place online. Occasional travel to events might be required.
• Liaising with technical support staff and consultants to implement new services and features on the website, and/or to develop innovative research communication outputs such as film and animation.
• Monitoring the uptake and impact of communications activities and preparing progress reports based on this data for the DLP management team and external funder, DFAT.
• Assisting with stakeholder management and maintaining mailing lists and regular contact with stakeholders.
• Promoting equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
• Undertaking any other duties as requested by the DLP Program Manager and/or the management team.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• A degree qualification or equivalent, preferably within a social/political science related area.
• Significant experience of working in a digital marketing, web and communications environment with experience of developing and implementing communications plans.
• Strong project management and administrative skills, with a proven ability to prioritise, exercise good time management and use organisational skills to meet deadlines.
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to tailor material for different formats and communicate specialist knowledge in non-technical language.
• Demonstrable experience of creating engagement and informative content for a variety of audiences with the ability to repurpose content to suit different channels; creating and uploading content for digital media channels, including the web and Twitter.
• Good understanding of a broad cross-section of the field of international development, including governance, social development, public policy processes, and humanitarian work.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Demonstrable experience in copy-editing and publication design.
• Demonstrable experience organising (international) workshops and professional events in academic or policy settings.
• Demonstrable ability to use good judgement and own initiative to diagnose and resolve problems and to provide rapid, high-quality service to a range of internal colleagues and external partners.
• Computer literate with an expert understanding of web content, Microsoft Office software and custom systems and databases.
• Demonstrable experience of building excellent working relationships based on mutual trust and respect and working as part of a team.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally when travel restrictions are lifted.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Familiarity with the internal workings and staff incentives within international donor agencies.

Enquiries to Alana Tomlin, DLP Program Manager ( a.tomlin@bham.ac.uk )

We value diversity at The University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community

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