R&I Communications and Engagement Manager

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a communications specialist to join the organisation promoting the exciting and world leading work of our research and innovation (R&I) division at The Christie.

You will be an enthusiastic and creative communicator and have the responsibility for managing the Trust’s research and innovation communications and engagement function.  This includes promoting research activity across the trust and positioning it as a leader in cancer research and innovation as well as raising the profile of the Trust’s research activity, highlighting the significant impact for patients and staff, through internal communications, media, staff engagement and stakeholder communications.

This is a strategic role which requires specialist understanding and skillset in research and scientific communications and information, alongside the ability to motivate and lead a variety of stakeholders. This is a new post and the postholder will play a key role in promoting and enhancing The Christie’s image and research reputation as one of the leading comprehensive cancer centres globally.

You will be working within both the communications and R&I team and be line managed by the Senior Communications Manager with accountability to the Associate Director of R&I.

Main duties of the job

The purpose of this role is to manage the development and delivery of the strategic internal and external research communications strategy and plan that promotes the reputation of The Christie.

You will drive strategic development of research communications functions and channels to ensure they are modern, engaging and reflect best communications practice.

Day to day this will include giving communications advice and support to the R&I senior management team as well as Trust staff carrying out research, supporting them with the tools and materials they need to take a proactive, robust and professional approach to communications.  You will also ensure appropriate research representation in internal communications such as Trust-wide communications planning, channels and outputs, as well as external communications such as newsletters, collateral, international conferences, online publications etc.

You will also liaise within the R&I division and across key stakeholders; ensuring that all elements in the division’s communications strategy are effectively delivered, this includes inputting to the broader communications output across the Manchester Cancer Research Centre partnership (a partnership founded by The Christie, The University of Manchester, and Cancer Research UK).

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Professional responsibilities

Manage the development and delivery of the strategic internal and external research communications strategy and plan that promotes the reputation of The Christie.

Provide communications advice and support to the R&I senior management team, and act as a member of relevant groups/committees.

Keep up to date with Research & Innovation division and wider Christie developments in order to ensure appropriate research representation in internal communications such as Trust-wide communications planning, channels and outputs, as well as external communications such as newsletters, collateral, international conferences, online publications etc.

Work with the Trust communications team to deliver communications strategies that engage all internal and external stakeholders.

Offer expert communications advice to Trust staff carrying out research and support them with the tools and materials they need to take a proactive, robust and professional approach to communications.

Management the Trust’s research and innovation communications function, working with the wider communications team to manage media relations, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, digital and social media channels for communication of Trust research activities.

Drive strategic development of research communications functions and channels to ensure they are modern, engaging and reflect best communications practice. Liaise within the Research & Innovation division and across key stakeholders; ensuring that all elements in the division’s communications strategy are effectively delivered, this includes inputting to the broader communications output across the Manchester Cancer Research Centre partnership (a partnership founded by The Christie, The University of Manchester, and Cancer Research UK). Evaluation and reporting

Provide reports and respond to ad hoc requests on the performance of R&I activities in relation to research impact, outputs, income, publications, partnerships etc. Present plans and programmes and credibly prove performance and results of marketing activity to the senior managers within the marketing and communications team – and other senior managers as required.  Develop KPIs and metrics to measure the performance of activity (reach and impact), and show value for money, using quantitative and qualitative research methods to inform future strategies.

Financial responsibilities

Manage budgets for assigned projects and materials, securing value for money from suppliers.

Oversee supplier relationships to ensure delivery against agreed contracts, quality standards and timelines.

Other responsibilities

Identify, report and manage risk within areas of responsibility and where required, perform duties of an unpredictable nature.

Continuously develop the communications service to reflect the organisation’s evolving priorities and needs

Provide advice, support and training to new starters and colleagues involved in delivering communications

Represent the communications team at internal and external meetings, contributing to Trust-wide projects and building relationships with key partners

Act at all times in accordance with the Trust’s values and behaviours, promoting a culture of respect, compassion and professionalism and being accountable for own attitude and behaviour.

The job description is not intended to be exhaustive and duties may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances and after consultation with the postholder.