Press, PR and Policy Manager

Overview

This is a hybrid role; regular on-campus presence is essential to support senior engagement, media activity and institutional priorities. We are open to discussions around flexible working and also open to discussions around a lesser FTE.

In this high-profile and influential role, you’ll lead the University’s media relations, reputation management and policy engagement activity. Acting as Marjon’s primary point of contact for the press, you’ll deliver proactive and reactive communications that enhance, protect and strengthen the University’s profile at local, regional and national levels.

Alongside media relations, you’ll play a key role in strengthening Marjon’s engagement with policymakers, civic leaders and sector stakeholders. Working closely with the Executive Leadership Team, Executive Support Team and academic colleagues, you’ll help shape clear, compelling institutional messages and ensure the University’s expertise, research and impact are visible and influential in policy and public debates.

This role requires strong editorial judgement, political awareness and confidence operating in complex, fast-moving environments, including managing sensitive issues and crisis communications.

You will have:

• Substantial experience delivering press, PR or corporate communications activity, including media handling and crisis communications
• Experience of policy analysis, public affairs or political engagement, including working with senior or external stakeholders
• A proven ability to develop and deliver proactive PR activity and media strategies
• Outstanding writing and editing skills, with experience producing high-quality press materials and statements
• The ability to translate academic research and complex issues into accessible, policy-relevant messaging
• Strong influencing and relationship-building skills, with confidence engaging senior leaders, journalists and policymakers

As Press, PR and Policy Manager, you’ll lead the University’s press, PR and policy engagement work, ensuring communications are timely, accurate and strategically aligned. You’ll play a central role in protecting and enhancing Marjon’s reputation while extending its influence across civic and policy arenas.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as the University’s main point of contact for media enquiries and coordinating effective responses
• Leading proactive PR activity and developing compelling stories that showcase Marjon’s expertise and impact
• Overseeing crisis communications, including preparation of statements and coordination of responses
• Providing media training and tailored briefings to staff and senior leaders
• Monitoring political, policy and sector developments and providing timely briefings to the Executive Leadership Team
• Supporting the University’s influencing strategy and identifying opportunities for policy and public affairs engagement
• Building strong relationships with journalists, policymakers, civic leaders and sector bodies

• Communicating with authority and clarity: delivering high-quality messages in complex or sensitive contexts
• Building trusted relationships: working confidently with senior leaders, academics, journalists and external stakeholders
• Thinking strategically: spotting risks, opportunities and routes to influence a changing political and media landscape
• Working under pressure: remaining calm, resilient and solutions-focused in fast-paced environments
• Collaborating with others: contributing to coordinated planning across External Engagement and the wider University

You’ll be based in the External Engagement Directorate on our green campus in the north of Plymouth.

Under our hybrid working policy, you may work from home or on campus; however, regular on-site presence is expected to support senior engagement, media activity and institutional priorities.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Roger Pitt, Director of External Engagement, at

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