We are looking for
a talented communications professional to bring the research of two 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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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.
For a more detailed role profile and main responsibilities, please refer to the full job description.
NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre’s (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.
Knowledge and experience
Essential criteria
6. Experience of communicating complex information
7. Expertise in successfully delivering communication campaigns across a range of channels and organisations
8. Experience of managing digital channels including websites, social media, especially X and / or Bluesky, and email newsletters using relevant tools
9. Excellent understanding of communication best practice, including a solid understanding of accessibility issues
10. Experience of collaborating in multi-disciplinary teams
11. Experience of advising and influencing at many levels
Desirable criteria
12. Experience of handling journalists and media
13. Experience of communicating science and health related information
14. Experience of Wordpress, Mailchimp, YouTube
Qualifications and training
Essential criteria
15. Educated to graduate level, or with experience to the equivalent level
Desirable criteria
16. Science communication qualification
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
17. Advanced communication skills across a range of media
18. Exceptional writing skills for drafting content
19. Excellent attention to detail
20. Ability to influence and negotiate with a range of stakeholders
21. Ability to balance competing deadlines and busy work programmes, prioritising where necessary
22. Ability to work with autonomy to set own goals and achieve them, while making effective judgements on when to escalate issues
23. Organisational and planning skills
24. Ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels
25. Able to maintain judgement under pressure and meet deadlines
26. Skilled in using all appropriate information technology effectively
Desirable criteria
27. Engaging presenting skills
28. Ability to advise and train a range of people
29. Design skills
30. Ability to train others and share skills, best practice and tips
We hope that you will decide to join us and become part of this exciting journey, helping us to shape our future together.
· 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 to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.
· The Trust is committed to investing in and caring for all our staff. We will support you in maintaining and improving your health and wellbeing, as well as your career development through management and training support - developing exceptional people for exceptional careers.
· UHBW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
· To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 all applicants must be able to speak fluent English to an appropriate standard which will be assessed at Interview.
· If you require sponsorship for a visa to work in the UK, to avoid disappointment, please check to ensure you are eligible under the UKVI points based system.
· The Trust uses electronic new starter forms on Trac to collect personal details. Information collected is securely stored and used to set up the employee record on the ESR HR system.
· By applying for this post, you are agreeing to University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust transferring the information contained in this application to its preferred applicant management system. If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system.
· Please be aware of scams – unless specified above, we will only communicate with you via @recruit.trac.jobs or nhs.net e-mails and we will never ask you for any payments.