Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and NIHR Manchester Clinical Research Facility (CRF) as a Senior Communications and Engagement Officer.
This pivotal role supports the delivery of ambitious communications activities across a range of audiences, partners and stakeholders to showcase Manchester’s world-leading research expertise.
The postholder will work proactively with internal and external partners to develop and deliver inclusive content, events and activities which involve and engage audiences in health research.
The post is offered on a two-year fixed-term contract aligned to the BRC funding window. The role is full-time (37.5 hours per week).
Based the Nowgen Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the role will include hybrid working and travel across partner organisations.
Main duties of the job
Reporting to the Manchester BRC/CRF Communications Manager, the Manchester BRC Senior Communications and Engagement Officer will support the implementation and operational delivery of the BRC and CRF Communications strategies and activity plans.
A key element of the role is building awareness of the organisations’ activities and capabilities in early phase experimental medicine research and communicating this to a wide array of internal and external stakeholders, including the media, industry partners and members of the public.
As part of this, this role will focus on ensuring core Patient and Public Involvement, Engagement and Participation (PPIEP), Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and Inclusive Research Method (IRM) activities across MFT-hosted NIHR Infrastructure are communicated well by producing impactful and accessible content for public and community audiences in a variety of styles, tailored to suit the audience.
An understanding of the medical research landscape in Manchester and nationally, and experience of working in communications in a health research or scientific organisation alongside experience of co-producing content with partner organisations is desirable.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Person specification
Application form and qualifications stated
Essential
- Educated to post graduate level or equivalent related experience in communications, journalism or media
- Evidence of continuous study and personal/professional development
- Significant experience of working in communications role or media team within a complex organisation
- Good general knowledge of the NHS and political landscape
- Experience of writing, editing, and producing a wide range of content including articles, newsletters, promotional materials and press releases different audiences using different channels, formats and styles
- Experience of successful partnership and stakeholder working across complex landscapes
- Experience of working with third parties and agencies on a project basis, including creative and digital agencies
- Experience, demonstrated interest in and knowledge of working closely with media organisations and experience of media relations, including proactive and reactive stories,
- Experience of delivering communications projects which engage patients, public or service users
- Ability to liaise and building relationships with a wide range of people, organisations, stakeholders regionally and nationally
- Awareness of importance of equality, diversity and inclusion and ability to engage inclusively with diverse audiences
- Experience of planning and delivering events and campaigns
- Excellent written, presentation and verbal communication skills, with ability to write for specific audiences and convert complex or technical terminology into plain English
- Ability to use a range of IT packages (eg. Microsoft Office, Canva, Wordpress)
- Experience of producing audiovisual content using creative design software (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite)
- Photography, videography and content production skills for social media channels
- Good problem solving skills – using ideas, imagination and initiative
- Flexible, highly motivated, and able to work at different locations and out-of-hours as required
- Ability to manage own time and multiple priorities, work independently and to tight deadlines and deliver objectives
Desirable
- Experience working in a busy communications role environment, within the NHS, NIHR or HEI sectors
- Experience or awareness of working in a research/innovation/Life Sciences/medical communications environment
- Experience of identifying and implementing appropriate mechanisms and developing accessible content
- Understanding of the medical research landscape in Greater Manchester and nationally
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Senior Communications & Engagement Officer (NIHR Manchester BRC & CRF) with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, North West, England. It is listed as a Band 6 Administrative and IT role. The advertised salary is £39,959 - £48,117 per Annum (pro rata). The contract type is Fixed term: 24 months (Contracted to end of current BRC funding award). The application deadline is 28 Jun 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (16 Jun 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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