External Communications Officer

The Alan Turing Institute

Named in honour of Alan Turing, the Institute is a place for inspiring, exciting work and we need passionate, sharp, and innovative people who want to use their skills to contribute to our mission to make great leaps in data science and AI research to change the world for the better.

Please find more information about us here

BACKGROUND

The External Communications Officer forms part of the Communications and Engagement Directorate, reporting into the Senior External Communications Manager. Given the growth of the Institute, the external communications officer would join a busy team in a vibrant and energetic communications and marketing department. The postholder manages a wide portfolio of projects, announcements and collaborations, working with stakeholders and partner organisation at the local, national and international level. The External Communications Officer will provide proactive comms planning and project management, media support, advice and expertise on matters relating to the Institute’s external communications.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

We’re seeking a candidate with strong written & oral communication skills and demonstrable experience of collaborating with peers & technical experts to create engaging, insight driven communication plans. You should have strong knowledge of current communication industry trends and experience in working with the media in a press office or communications environment. The ideal candidate will be comfortable with liaising and influencing a diverse range of stakeholders and be able to work flexibly whilst managing a varied workload to tight deadlines.

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

External communications

• Support priority Turing projects (such as our grand challenges) by being a key contact point for research teams, providing trusted advice and working with your colleagues in the wider comms and engagement directorate to create and deliver related communications plans
• Create content for the organisation’s social media and website
• Sourcing, writing or editing accurate and creative content such as newsletter articles, blogs, case studies, researcher spotlights or briefing documents
• Deputise for the Senior External Communications Manager where required

Media relations

• Monitor media coverage and prepare regular evaluation reports
• Coordinate media activities, arranging spokespeople for interviews, attending press conferences and preparing necessary briefings
• Advise senior staff members on written responses to the media, proofreading and rewriting statements as needed
• Ensure timely response to media enquiries, manage shared inbox and occasionally be on--call when required
• Develop and maintain relationships with key journalists and external partners
• Identify potential opportunities for media outreach, work with Institute partners and outside organisations to co-ordinate, write and disseminate press materials.
• Manage announcements, liaising with colleagues across the Directorate to co-ordinate website and internal communications messages

Person Specification

• Experience of working with the media in a press office or communications environment, and or journalistic experience
• At least one years’ coordinator level experience in a fast-paced communications, media or press office environment
• Experience of planning communication activities such as announcements, projects or campaigns
• Ability to work with complex information, make it accessible/strong writing skills and ability to work with experts
• Experience of Microsoft applications
• Interest and/or knowledge of media outreach
• Experience of fielding, handling media enquiries

Please see our portal for a full breakdown of the Job Description.