Job summary
We are looking for a talented communications professional to bring the research oftwo local parts of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) infrastructure to life. The Communications Manager leads on promoting the work of both the Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and the Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) West.
With a solid understanding of good communication practices, a flair for writing and excellent organisational skills, the postholder will turn both organisations' high quality research into accessible and compelling communications products. This involves writing news and summaries, planning campaigns, developing channels and products, keeping websites and social media up to date, and supporting and training researchers.
Main duties of the job
- The primary duty is to promote the work of NIHR Bristol BRC and ARC West to a wide range of targeted audiences, with responsibility for planning and implementing communications projects.
- Support and work alongside the Head of Communications (HoC), with autonomy to both lead and develop projects, and prioritise workload. Deputise for the HoC as required.
- Develop and implement the NIHR Bristol BRC's communication strategy. This includes establishing relationships with researchers and theme managers, promoting a communications culture within the organisation, developing communications products and advising the leadership team and other key groups on the strategy.
- Lead on the development, sourcing, writing and editing of content and produce communications materials on complex scientific and health-related issues, tailoring to target audiences. This includes internal and external publications, research summaries and other documents, and plan for their distribution across a range of channels and third-party media.
- Lead and co-ordinate the development of press releases and news articles involving other research institutions. Liaise with NIHR's central communications team to showcase NIHR Bristol BRC's work during national campaigns and make sure the organisation is represented in NIHR's corporate communications.
About us
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the country, bringing together a combined workforce of over 13,000 staff and over 100 different clinical services across 10 different sites, serving a core population of more than 500,000 people across South West England. UHBW has been rated by the CQC as 'Good' overall and our staff are proud to deliver excellent care to the people of Bristol, Weston and beyond. As a forward-thinking multi-award winning Trust and a digital exemplar committed to improving patient care, our world-leading research and innovations are having a positive local and global impact. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone's throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer. UHBW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we're meeting our pledge.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For a more detailed role profile and main responsibilities, please refer to the full job description.
NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centres (BRC) innovative biomedical research takes science from the laboratory bench or computer and develops it into new drugs, treatments or health advice. Its world-leading scientists work on many aspects of health, from the role played by individual genes and proteins to analysing large collections of data on hundreds of thousands of people.
NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) West conducts applied health research with its partners and others in the health and care sector, alongside patients and members of the public. Applied health research aims to address the immediate issues facing the health and social care system. ARC West also helps bring research evidence into practice and provides training for the local workforce.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For a more detailed role profile and main responsibilities, please refer to the full job description.
NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centres (BRC) innovative biomedical research takes science from the laboratory bench or computer and develops it into new drugs, treatments or health advice. Its world-leading scientists work on many aspects of health, from the role played by individual genes and proteins to analysing large collections of data on hundreds of thousands of people.
NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) West conducts applied health research with its partners and others in the health and care sector, alongside patients and members of the public. Applied health research aims to address the immediate issues facing the health and social care system. ARC West also helps bring research evidence into practice and provides training for the local workforce.
Person Specification
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Experience of communicating complex information
- Expertise in successfully delivering communication campaigns across a range of channels and organisations
- Experience of managing digital channels including websites, social media, especially X and / or Bluesky, and email newsletters using relevant tools
- Excellent understanding of communication best practice, including a solid understanding of accessibility issues
- Experience of collaborating in multi-disciplinary teams
- Experience of advising and influencing at many levels
Desirable
- Experience of handling journalists and media
- Experience of communicating science and health related information
- Experience of Wordpress, Mailchimp, YouTube
Qualifications and training
Essential
- Educated to graduate level, or with experience to the equivalent level
Desirable
- Science communication qualification
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Advanced communication skills across a range of media
- Exceptional writing skills for drafting content
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to influence and negotiate with a range of stakeholders
- Ability to balance competing deadlines and busy work programmes, prioritising where necessary
- Ability to work with autonomy to set own goals and achieve them, while making effective judgements on when to escalate issues
- Organisational and planning skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels
- Able to maintain judgement under pressure and meet deadlines
- Skilled in using all appropriate information technology effectively
Desirable
- Engaging presenting skills
- Ability to advise and train a range of people
- Design skills
- Ability to train others and share skills, best practice and tips
Person Specification
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Experience of communicating complex information
- Expertise in successfully delivering communication campaigns across a range of channels and organisations
- Experience of managing digital channels including websites, social media, especially X and / or Bluesky, and email newsletters using relevant tools
- Excellent understanding of communication best practice, including a solid understanding of accessibility issues
- Experience of collaborating in multi-disciplinary teams
- Experience of advising and influencing at many levels
Desirable
- Experience of handling journalists and media
- Experience of communicating science and health related information
- Experience of Wordpress, Mailchimp, YouTube
Qualifications and training
Essential
- Educated to graduate level, or with experience to the equivalent level
Desirable
- Science communication qualification
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Advanced communication skills across a range of media
- Exceptional writing skills for drafting content
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to influence and negotiate with a range of stakeholders
- Ability to balance competing deadlines and busy work programmes, prioritising where necessary
- Ability to work with autonomy to set own goals and achieve them, while making effective judgements on when to escalate issues
- Organisational and planning skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels
- Able to maintain judgement under pressure and meet deadlines
- Skilled in using all appropriate information technology effectively
Desirable
- Engaging presenting skills
- Ability to advise and train a range of people
- Design skills
- Ability to train others and share skills, best practice and tips
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
