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Communications & PR Manager
Marketing & Communications Directorate
Director of Marketing & Communications
Continuing
Administration
8
Administrator Band 8
N/A
AP0011
Details Specific to the Post
Background and Context
The core purpose of the Marketing & Communications Directorate is to promote the
University of Hull, particularly its vision and values, in support of achieving its strategic plan
and objectives. A primary role of the department is to support student recruitment activities
but the team also takes a lead role in positioning other areas of the University’s core offer
including its research and enterprise capability to drive engagement and investment.
The Directorate leads and manages the delivery of all marketing and communications
activity, steering and liaising with marketing and communications practitioners in the faculty
and service departments across the University. The Directorate also provides strategic and
tactical marketing and communications support to the Vice Chancellor, other members of the
University’s Executive and Senior Management Group, as well as Heads of
Departments/Schools and Service Departments.
The Marketing & Communications function leads on the branding and promotion of the
University of Hull, external and internal communications, publications and marketing
materials, PR & media engagement, market research & product/proposition development
and the University’s digital presence – web, intranet & social media.
The University has embarked on an ambitious programme of change. The Directorate
supports the University Transformation Programmes as part of this agenda.
Overall Purpose of the Role
Reporting to the Director of Marketing & Communications, the post holder will manage the
University’s communications, PR & media engagement activity, as part of the Marketing &
Communications strategy. The post holder will manage and motivate a high performing team
to deliver internal and external communications campaigns, as well as PR & media
engagement activity, to support student recruitment and other aspects of the University’s
core offer, including research and enterprise. The post holder will manage the development
and usage of the University’s core messages, in support of our brand development and core
proposition. The post holder will also develop and manage key messages in support of our
Institutes, faculties and departments, creating evidence in support of our key strengths and
points of differentiation.
With support from the Director of Marketing & Communications, the post holder will lead the
development and delivery of a target PR & media engagement plan in support of the
Marketing & Communications strategy. The post holder will also be responsible for the
Marketing and Production Manager Band 8
March 2015
creation and execution of the internal communications plan, developing and managing the
right platforms for communication and engagement within the University.
The post holder will work closely with the Web Manager and Communications & PR
manager, to ensure well-coordinated activity is delivered and that all opportunities are
maximised to ensure successful delivery of projects, in support of the University’s strategic
plan.
Key Accountabilities
 An experienced communications professional who can work autonomously and be
responsible for delivering an outstanding internal and external communications, PR &
media engagement activity for the University through the management of a high
performing Communications & PR team.
 Understands the competitive environment in which the University operates and through
the development of core messaging to support our strengths and points of differentiation,
ensures the University presents an irresistible offer through its communications, PR &
media activity; growing its share of voice in the sector and building its reputation.
 Leads on the importance of excellent communications practices within the University,
providing specialist advice, guidance and support to at a senior level, to maximise the
delivery of outstanding internal and external communications activity.
 Manages and develops the Communications & PR team improving quality, delivery,
processes, developing capability, meeting University objectives and delivering value for
money.
 Establishes and manages appropriate systems and contracts for services, monitoring
both performance and budget.
 Manages fee contracts and temporary staffing.
 Maintains expertise and evaluates all data and activity to ensure trends are monitored,
and data is effectively used to drive improvements.
The job duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature
of the role. The duties and responsibilities and the balance between the elements in the role
may change or vary over time depending on the specific needs at a specific point in time or
due to changing needs in the department. Candidates should note that there may not be an
immediate requirement to carry out all the activities listed below.
Main Work Activities
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Advise senior University management on the vital role of communications in achieving
the University’s strategic objectives.
Develop and lead a targeted Communications, PR & media plan in support of the
Marketing & Communications strategy to build awareness of the University; its strengths
and opportunities amongst key target audiences.
Develop and lead the delivery of an Internal Communications plan, creating high quality,
engaging platforms to enable outstanding internal communications.
Be the Communications lead for the University, ensuring that our core messages are
understood, evidenced and used effectively at all times.
Be fully aware of the competitive environment in which we operate, and look to drive
points of differentiation through our messaging, communications, PR & media activity, to
ensure that the University of Hull is well positioned, in its relevant markets, with a strong
and evidenced proposition.
Monitor trends and opportunities presented by the news agenda, to proactively position
the University in key areas of the thought leadership. Develop thought leaders and key
sector/specialist spokespeople internally, ensuring that they are media trained.
Work closely with the Marketing & Production Manager and Web Manager, to ensure
that core and most relevant messages are used to best position in the University in all
marketing and digital activity.
Marketing and Production Manager Band 8
March 2015
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Create & deliver core messages for use by colleagues across the University for
effectively positioning the University to target audiences.
Represent the area and University at key internal & external events.
Lead and inspire a high performing team to deliver outstanding results.
Coordinate communications, PR & media activity cross other faculties and departments
within the University.
Develop an excellent relationship with the Director of Marketing & Communications,
Web Manager and Communications PR manager, to ensure full coordination of all
activity in support of the University’s strategic plan.
Proactively develop and maintain internal and external relationships to benefit the
University, particularly with key stakeholders including the media.
Investigate and maximise the opportunities for the University’s involvement in external
PR & media opportunities.
Develop an excellent understanding of the market, our competitors and the opportunities
for the University of Hull.
Manage external contracts relating to the communications, PR & media service e.g.
marketing/advertising agencies, consultants etc.
Work to agreed timescales and budgets
Analyse qualitative and quantitative data specifically relating to key marketing and
activity, producing reports identifying key issues and trends to inform marketing activity.
Formulate recommendations and provide advice on the implications of the data.
Additionally the post holder will be required to:
Fulfil the employees’ duties described in the University’s health and safety policies
and co-operate with the health and safety arrangements in place within the department.
May be required to undertake specific health and safety roles on request e.g. Display
screen equipment assessor, departmental safety officer, fire warden.
Show a commitment to diversity, equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices.
This includes undertaking mandatory equality and diversity training.
Comply with University regulations, policies and procedures.
Qualifications and Experience
 A good honors degree or equivalent relevant experience
 CIM/CIPR or equivalent professional qualification is desirable.
 A track record of managing a high performing team to deliver successful
communications campaigns, PR & media activity.
Core Competencies
Communication - Can demonstrate the ability to summarise complex ideas or information
which may be highly detailed, technical or specialist.
Service Delivery - Can demonstrate the ability to adapt the service and systems to meet the
needs of the customer and identify ways of improving standards. Takes action to resolve
issues and complaints. Collates feedback and views from customers and keeps up to date
with changing needs to inform service development/adjustments.
Planning and Organisation - Can demonstrate the ability to agree objectives and
requirements for the team or area of operation. Monitors overall progress of project or area
of operation and ensures corrective action is taken.
Analysis - Can demonstrate the ability to design and use data gathering and analytical
methods appropriate for each investigation. Recognises and accurately interprets patterns
and trends. Recognises when additional data is required and identifies appropriate
sources. Produces reports and identifies key issues and findings.
Professional Competencies
 Decisive thinker – clear and effective evidence based decisions.
 Driven to deliver – determination, resourcefulness and purpose to deliver excellence.
 Collaborative – works effectively and inclusively both within and outside the University.
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Curious – future-focused, inquisitive and open-minded, seeking out innovative ways to
add value.
Marketing and Production Manager Band 8
March 2015