Communications Executive; External Engagement

We are looking for an enthusiastic Communications Executive (External Engagement) ready to take on a challenging and rewarding permanent role.

As a key member of the University's external communications and engagement team, you will play an important role in strengthening Manchester Met's relationships with external stakeholders and enhancing its profile and reputation through strategic engagement, communications and events.

Working closely with the Communications Officer (External Engagement) and colleagues across Communications and Engagement, you will coordinate, deliver and evaluate engagement and communications activity with key external stakeholders at regional and national level. This includes MPs and politicians, government and civil servants, sector bodies and strategic partners.

You will help develop and deliver communications content and engagement activity that supports the University's external engagement priorities, ensuring stakeholders are informed, engaged, and connected to Manchester Met's work.

As a hybrid worker, you will be based at our All Saints Campus for part of the week, with flexibility to work remotely.

• Support the development and delivery of external communication and engagement plans aimed at key stakeholders and policymakers.
• Identify and deliver opportunities that strengthen the University's profile with parliamentarians, policymakers, partners and sector influencers.
• Create high-quality communications content including briefings, updates and materials for senior stakeholders and leadership.
• Coordinate and support events and engagement activities on and off campus.
• Provide insight through horizon-scanning of policy developments, parliamentary activity and stakeholder landscapes.
• Support the evaluation and reporting of engagement activity to demonstrate impact and inform future planning.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, concise content for a range of audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Good understanding of policy making, parliamentary activity and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience of planning and delivering events, projects or engagement activities.
• Ability to analyse complex information and translate it into clear messages.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• A collaborative and solutions-focused approach to working across teams.

Our team is dedicated to building and enhancing the University's brand, profile and reputation, supporting our goal to be recognised as the University, employer, and partner of choice.

As part of a great university in a great global city, the Communications & Engagement team plays a key role in developing and delivering strategic communications and engagement to raise Manchester Met's profile and protect its reputation.

The External Engagement function works at the heart of the University's relationships with policymakers, partners and stakeholders, helping to ensure our voice is heard and our expertise informs regional and national conversations.

This permanent role offers a valuable opportunity to contribute to high-profile engagement activity, develop expertise in stakeholder and political communications, and experience the breadth of work across a dynamic team.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.