This role is based at Alderley Park, with the flexibility to work remotely for part of the working week.
Based at Alderley Park, Medicines Discovery Catapult is a national facility connecting the UK community to accelerate innovative drug discovery. We provide unique scientific capabilities and act as a gateway to UK resources and expertise, supporting UK SMEs to drive the development and industrialisation of new approaches for the discovery of new medicines.
By validating new ways of discovering medicines and driving key talent and expertise across the sector, we will support the UK life sciences industry, SMEs and innovators to deliver growth for the UK economy and maintain the UK’s heritage position as a global leader in medicines R&D. Ultimately, new industrialised technologies are vital for delivering new medicines to patients, faster.
The values of the Catapult are:
* Excellence – we continually strive to deliver the best solutions for our partners and for each other. In everything we do, we instil confidence.
* Integrity – Our strong commitment to what we do and why we are here drives us to do the right thing for our partners and each other.
* Community – We’re a strong team, we work well together, and we respect each other.
* Innovation – We’re driven by the need to make a difference. We constantly look for ways to drive change in our sector and how we work.
Role purpose
As an enthusiastic communications professional, you will drive and implement a broad range of communications to a diverse range of stakeholders, supporting Medicines Discovery Catapult’s business strategy. With a creative flair and a passion for the written word, you will work with all departments across the business to identify newsworthy opportunities, whilst ensuring alignment of messaging, to enhance the reputation and profile of Medicines Discovery Catapult’s National Programmes.
Main duties and responsibilities
* Working across the Communications and Marketing team, develop and implement an integrated communications strategic plan that disseminates consistent messages to external audiences, with an external focus, including media.
* Lead the delivery of collaborative communications strategies alongside partners to promote and enhance the reputation of Medicines Discovery Catapult’s National Programmes.
* Working with the Senior Communications Manager and the Marketing Manager, support marketing campaigns that lead to successful business development.
* Draft press releases, statements, copy, quotes, case studies, Q&A, presentations and support the development of multimedia digital content.
* Maintain relationships with trade and national media, selling-in activity.
* Work in collaboration with PR agencies.
* Generate fresh story ideas, copy, edit, proofread and revise communications.
* Monitor media coverage and industry trends and compile media monitoring reports.
* Oversee the strategic planning, implementation, and tracking of specific communications to support the events calendar.
* Consult on reputational issues/risk mitigation.
* Contribute to raising the profile of Medicines Discovery Catapult, driving communication campaigns which support the business strategy and R&D income-generating initiatives.
Qualifications and Experience
* Press office, public relations or journalism experience.
* A proven track record in press release writing and media sell-in to achieve coverage across trade, national and broadcast press. (Experience in using media databases such as Gorkana, Meltwater).
* Demonstrable ability to build strong media relations, manage stakeholders and deliver impactful PR campaigns. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to ensure effective communication with a wide range of contacts both internal and external.
* Proven experience of successful stakeholder management and engagement and demonstrable experience of delivering collaborative projects with external partners.
* Experience in the life sciences sector (highly desirable) and a BSc or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject (desirable).
* Good attention to detail.
* A flexible, proactive approach to work including the ability to prioritise and re-prioritise to achieve successful outcomes.
* Ability to deal with sensitive information with discretion and to maintain confidentiality at all times.
* Ability to organise and plan own work, with a track record of consistent delivery on time.
* Ability to translate complex technical messages to a variety of audiences, to write in a clear and accessible manner.
* Ability to work on own initiative.
* Demonstration of the ability to work under sustained pressure and to tight deadlines.
* Excellent IT skills including working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software packages, preferably Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
* Excellent team working skills with the ability to work collaboratively and co-operatively with colleagues.
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