You will create content that can be adapted for use by teams working in media relations, external comms and government and external affairs as well as nations and faculty. You will draft copy and keep the OU Research website up to date with research news.

Your role will work across multiple channels including event support for key research moments such as the Research Excellence Awards/key OU research showcases. Your ultimate aim is to further the understanding of the impact of the OU’s research both internally and externally.

About You

Essential Skills and Experience

• Experience of external communications. Generating stories, creating content and campaigns that work across multiple channels.
• Experience of contributing to the delivery of integrated campaigns across paid, earned, shared, and owned communications channels.
• Can demonstrate a track record of actioning different and varied communications quickly across a range of channels.
• Evidence of strong spoken and written interpersonal and communications skills and the ability to work quickly and accurately to tight deadlines producing material which requires minimal input from senior colleagues.
• Can navigate a complex organisation, prioritise and deliver with multiple stakeholders that have different objectives.
• An understanding of the role research can play in promoting the OU to key audiences.
• Experience of supporting academics in helping them explain complex research projects to a wide audience.
• Evidence of an ability to utilise research outputs and creatively communicate it both internally and externally.
• Experience of regular reporting to demonstrate the effectiveness of research communications towards the greater reach plan.

Support with your application

If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.

What's in it for you?

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).

Flexible working

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

Working location

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where you can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that the role holder will be required to work from our Milton Keynes campus at least 1 day per week, with flexibility to attend campus more or less frequently dependent on business need.

Next steps in the Recruitment process

If shortlisted, we anticipate interviews taking place 8th and 9th October.

Early closing date notification

While most roles will remain open until the advertised closing date, applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis. In some cases, vacancies may close earlier if a sufficient number of suitable applications have been received and equality impacts have been appropriately considered. All roles will remain advertised for a minimum of one week before any early closure is implemented. If you have started an application or were in the process of applying when the advert closed, we encourage you to get in touch. We are committed to understanding individual circumstances and can offer further support where needed, including reasonable adjustments for applicants with protected characteristics.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please submit the following document(s):

• CV
• Supporting Statement (Your Supporting Statement should be no more than 1000 words and should outline how your current skills and experience meet the essential criteria listed above).

You can view your progress and application communications when you are logged into our recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive associated email updates.

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.