Further Particulars
This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the
information you will need to provide with the application.
1. Role details
Vacancy reference:
OUW/BDU - CC
Job title:
Communications Coordinator
Reports to:
Sales Support Manager
Salary:
£28k to £38k pa
Terms and conditions:
OUW
Grade:
N/A
Duration of post:
Permanent
Working hours:
37
Location:
Milton Keynes
Closing date:
11 September 2013
Type of application form accepted:
OU Short, plus CV & Covering Letter
Number of referees required:
.3
Unit recruitment contact:
Anita Bateman
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January 2010
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2. Summary of duties
Role Purpose:
As a member of the BDU Sales Support (Marketing) team the role holder will
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contribute to the coordination and administration of the Business Development
Unit’s promotional and sales support functions, primarily through print-based and
digital medium.
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design and create support pieces either directly or by the management of third
parties to produce output across the full range of marketing channels.
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lead on copywriting and editing tasks at the direction of the Sales Support
Manager.
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work with stakeholders, providing insight during the briefing process, to ensure
accurate and deliverable outputs are agreed.
Responsibilities:
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To coordinate the production of direct mailings, e-mailings, other promotional
initiatives and brochures including some, or all, of the following tasks as
required by the BDU marketing plan:
Researching promotional opportunities e.g. mailing lists, conferences
Coordinating and producing design and print output either directly or through
third party agencies
Copy writing, coordinating copy when prepared by others, proof reading
Operating within authorised budgets and to agreed time schedules
Evaluation of results
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To maintain and review the content, design, purpose and functionality of
various BDU web sites. To be responsible for reports of Webshop visitor
statistics, benchmark against competitors to evaluate their effectiveness.
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To regularly review and make recommendations for refreshing the positioning
of our web sites to ensure appropriate and effective use of links and to
demonstrate added value of these links to BDU sales.
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To assist with the distribution of publicity materials and press releases
generally by:
Researching new data sources for sales and business development purposes
e.g. mailing lists, conferences, etc.
Evaluating results of promotional activity
Managing databases.
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To liaise over the production of any print collateral that may be produced
jointly (for example in conjunction with academic units) and or/freelance
contributors (OU Marketing Department and/or freelance contributors).
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January 2010
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To be responsible for the production of print and digital collateral that may be
produced within the BDU, including some or all of the following duties:
Liaising with other departments and/or contributors over content
Co-ordinating, according to procedures agreed for each project, design and
print
Editing, copywriting and proof reading.
Operating within authorised budgets and to agreed time schedules.
Distributions and reader communications.
Evaluation and reporting of results
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To assist when requested with the development and production of
advertisements, presentations, proposals, etc.
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To apply and disseminate information on branding policies as required
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To monitor the quality of production work and maintain samples of all
promotional material and stationery that the Sales Support team produces.
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To maintain BDU marketing budget information, providing regular
administrative reports to the Sales Support Manager.
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To convene and administer meetings with stakeholders at agreed intervals,
helping clarify and refine creative briefs as required.
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To undertake small to medium design projects creating items such as DVD
covers, leaflets, booklets etc.
3. Person specification
Person specification:
Skills/Knowledge required:
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Ability to write clear, concise and persuasive copy.
Ability to produce print and direct mail items, including print buying, organising
mailings and distribution, selecting mailing lists.
Accuracy in proof reading and copy editing.
Understanding of design principles and brand guidelines.
Experience of delivering against a creative or campaign brief
Administrative experience, including ideally experience of administering a budget.
Experience of publicity work.
Interpersonal Skills:
 Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
 Flair and flexibility in approaches to working, with excellent organisational skills
 A motivated self starter who is able to work within a multi-functional team
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January 2010
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An ability to work under pressure, to prioritise work load and meet deadlines without
compromising quality.
IT Skills:
 Proficiency in Microsoft Office packages; experience of a CRM application desirable.
 Ability to work with web, web editing tools and similar packages.
 Adobe InDesign and Photoshop proficient
Education and Training:
 Education to degree level
 A professional marketing qualification (CIM / IDM) is desirable
4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working
n/a
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January 2010
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5. About the unit/department
Open University Worldwide
It is essential The Open University continues to become less dependent on government
funding. To do this it manages a balancing act: supporting teaching, learning and open
access as well as funding and developing top level research.
Competition for students, staff and funding is intense and global, and students’
expectations have risen sharply as learners increasingly view themselves as
‘consumers’ of education. The demand for top class facilities and services is growing,
as are expectations for flexible learning patterns and qualifications that will really make
a difference to careers.
To address these market factors, The Open University has developed ambitious plans
to grow the number of students and associated revenues from students overseas
through its commercial entity, Open University Worldwide (OUW).
OUW currently generates revenues of around £18m from about 8,000 international
students, with plans to increase these numbers significantly over the next five years.
With a market leading range of products, cutting edge technology and a strong,
commercially focused team, this is an exciting time to join the OUW.
OUW Ltd is part of The Open University’s Business Development Unit (BDU)
The Business Development Unit
The aim of the Business Development Unit is to create and implement a profitable
commercial and international strategy for the Open University
The BDU is working to construct and implement the overall business development
strategy for the OU both in the UK and internationally. This activity includes improved
partnerships with business development efforts in faculties and in the nations and
regions.
The unit has two core activity streams:
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To deliver sustainable net revenue streams for the OU through developing
existing and as yet undeveloped new markets
To be a customer-focused business, generating significant growth of revenue.
The rate of growth will be governed by the BDU’s Unit Plan, which will set
achievable targets for increasing both income and profitability.
6. How to obtain more information about the role or application process
If you would like to discuss the particulars of this role before making an application please
contact Andrew Gibb on email andrew.gibb@open.ac.uk.
If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Anita Bateman on
email bdu-staffing@open.ac.uk
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January 2010
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7. The application process and where to send completed applications
Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: midday on 11 September
2013
Post it to:
Name/Job title:
Anita Bateman – Business Support Manager
Department/Unit: Open University Worldwide Ltd
Address:
1st Floor, East Perry Building
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
Bucks
Post Code:
MK7 6AA
Or e-mail your application to: bdu-staffing@open.ac.uk
8. Selection process and date of interview
The interview panel will be chaired by Andrew Gibb. The other members of the interview
panel will be (tba)
The selection process for this post will include a copying & editing test and may also include
an Adobe InDesign test
We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been
shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to
shortlisted candidates.
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
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January 2010
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