Communications and Engagement Officer

Role
:
Communications and Engagement Officer

Grade and Salary
:
Grade 6 - £31,236 - £36,636 per annum

Contract Type: Full Time (1

FTE), Fixed Term for 6 months

Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full‑time staff

Reports To
:
Public Affairs and Communications Manager (with matrix working across the Communications and Marketing team)

The Communications and Engagement Officer will provide operational communications support during a significant period of institutional activity, helping deliver integrated internal and external communications across Heriot‑Watt University's global community.

Working across multiple communications disciplines, the role will support the successful launch of Strategy 2035, engagement activity associated with the University's new Principal and Vice‑Chancellor, and business‑as‑usual communications for colleagues, students and external stakeholders.

The postholder will develop compelling content across digital channels, support campaigns and events, maintain communication platforms, monitor performance and work collaboratively with colleagues across the University to ensure communications are timely, engaging and aligned with the University's strategic priorities.

• Support delivery of the University's internal communications and engagement plan.
• Produce engaging content for staff newsletters, Newsbeat, the staff intranet and other internal digital channels.
• Support leadership communications including speeches, presentations, briefing documents and staff updates.
• Help coordinate communications around major institutional announcements and organisational change.
• Maintain forward plans and communications calendars.

• Draft media releases, case studies, feature articles and web content.
• Assist with media enquiries and proactive media opportunities.
• Work with academic and professional services colleagues to identify newsworthy stories.
• Produce content showcasing research, education, student experience and global partnerships.

• Create content for University social media channels including Linked In, Instagram, Facebook, X and emerging platforms as appropriate.
• Develop multimedia content including graphics, photography, short‑form video and digital storytelling (working with specialist colleagues where appropriate).
• Publish and update content using the University's content management system.
• Ensure content is accessible, audience‑focused and aligned with brand guidelines.

• Support delivery of integrated communications campaigns aligned to Strategy 2035.
• Assist with communications for University‑wide events, leadership engagement and staff forums.
• Help coordinate campaign assets across multiple channels.
• Work closely with colleagues across Communications and Marketing to ensure a joined‑up audience experience.

• Build positive working relationships with Schools, Professional Services and Global Campuses.
• Advise colleagues on appropriate communications approaches, timing and channels.
• Support senior communications colleagues with planning and implementation of projects.

• Monitor digital performance using analytics tools.
• Produce simple reports measuring engagement across internal and external channels.
• Make recommendations to improve content performance and audience engagement.

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification, or significant relevant communications experience.
• Excellent writing and editing skills with the ability to adapt tone for different audiences.
• Experience managing website and digital content.
• Experience using social media professionally.
• Ability to prioritise competing deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across a complex organisation.
• Experience supporting communications campaigns.
• Good understanding of accessibility and inclusive communications.
• Experience using Microsoft 365 and digital collaboration tools.
• Experience with in Higher Education or…