Engagement and Communications Manager WR)

Review: Engagement and Communications Manager at WorldPop Research Programme, University of Southampton

This is an exciting opportunity to join the internationally recognized WorldPop Research Programme at the University of Southampton, a globally respected institution. WorldPop is at the forefront of producing high-resolution population data, impacting critical areas such as public health, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development. If you are passionate about communicating complex research and fostering global collaborations, this role offers a unique platform to make a significant contribution.

Advantages for Candidates:

• Global Impact and Recognition: Become part of a world-renowned program with an award-winning team. Your work will directly contribute to providing essential data that supports governments, UN agencies, and NGOs, influencing policy and planning on a local to global scale.
• Career Growth and Development: This position offers substantial opportunities to enhance your skills in communication, stakeholder engagement, and strategic relationship management. You will have the chance to work with a diverse range of international partners, from UN agencies to local communities, broadening your professional network and experience.
• Cutting-Edge Research Environment: Work alongside leading researchers and specialists in a dynamic academic setting. You'll be immersed in the latest geospatial and statistical modeling techniques used to understand population dynamics and their implications.
• Diverse Stakeholder Interaction: The role provides a fantastic opportunity to develop strong relationships with a wide array of stakeholders, including media outlets, data users, potential funders, and academic collaborators. This will allow you to hone your ability to tailor communications to different audiences.
• Supportive and Inclusive Culture: The University of Southampton is committed to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion. This commitment extends to actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, creating a welcoming and supportive work environment.
• Excellent Benefits Package: Beyond the core responsibilities, the University of Southampton offers attractive benefits including flexible working arrangements, a generous holiday allowance (30 days plus university closure days and public holidays), a competitive pension scheme (USS), subsidized health and fitness facilities, and various employee discounts.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Strategic Communication Skills: The ideal candidate will possess considerable experience in communication roles and demonstrate a dynamic, independent approach to developing and implementing communication strategies. Your ability to align these strategies with the wider goals of the WorldPop program will be crucial.
• Relationship Building and Networking: A significant aspect of this role involves identifying, nurturing, and maintaining relationships with potential partners. If you excel at building rapport, fostering collaborations, and proactively seeking out opportunities for funding and wider data dissemination, this role is a strong fit.
• Content Creation and Dissemination: You will be responsible for drafting content that effectively communicates WorldPop's impact. This requires strong writing and storytelling skills, with an ability to translate complex research findings into accessible and compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Monitoring and Reporting: The ability to monitor and report on engagement with WorldPop's communications is a key requirement. This suggests a need for analytical skills and a data-driven approach to understanding communication effectiveness.
• Event Coordination: There may be a requirement to support the coordination of in-person events, indicating a need for organizational and logistical skills, and a willingness to contribute to building a stronger community of practice around WorldPop's data.

This position is a fixed-term contract until December 31, 2027, with a salary range of £36,636 to £44,746 per annum. For a comprehensive understanding of the specific tasks and responsibilities, please refer to the attached Job Description & Person Specification.