Senior Communications Officer (Oxford Policy Engagement Network)

**Grade 07S: £36,024 - £44,263 per annum**





Applications for secondment from policymaking organisations are encouraged.





We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, proactive, and
approachable communications professional to join the University-wide Policy
Engagement Team in the new role of Senior Communications Officer for the
Oxford Policy Engagement Network (OPEN).





OPEN is a growing network of researchers, doctoral students and professional
services staff across the University who share a vision of public policy
powered by the world’s best available research evidence and expertise. Its
mission is to equip members to share knowledge and expertise with the
policymaking community so that, with them, they can contribute to better
policies that protect what is valuable and change the world for the better.





The Policy Engagement Team (PET) connects OPEN members with each other, with
policy professionals, and with opportunities aligned to their particular
policy interests – for engagement, professional development and funding, and
provides relevant guidance and support.





The role of Senior Communications Officer (OPEN) is a new one in the PET,
created in response to the growing number of researchers, staff, policy
professionals and related activities that the team supports. For operational
purposes, the PET is integrated into the Social Sciences Division’s (SSD)
Research, Impact and Engagement Team. Under the supervision of SSD’s Research
Communications Manager, the postholder will play a key role in developing a
communications strategy to support a refreshed OPEN Strategy, and lead the
development, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of its implementation. With
support from the Communications and Events Officer (OPEN), whom the postholder
will supervise, they will produce a range of communications outputs, share
these via internal and external channels with research and policymaking
communities to alert them to opportunities, keep them informed, and contribute
to more effective engagement. The postholder will also lend support to the
Research, Impact and Engagement Team when needed.





The successful candidate will have extensive experience in a communication,
media relations or journalism role, including proven experience in producing
effective print, digital and social media content. They will have excellent
writing skills and attention to detail, with a proven ability to communicate
complex concepts to non-specialist audiences. They will have strong
interpersonal skills, and be able to work independently in a complex
environment, taking initiative when necessary and prioritising effectively to
meet deadlines.





This is a full-time, fixed-term role until 31 July 2025, with the possibility
of extension depending on the availability of external funding.





As part of your online application, you will be required to upload a
supporting statement, providing evidence as to how you meet each of the
selection criteria.





Please note: we are also recruiting to a related role (Communication and
Events Officer, OPEN). The panel will assess applicants against the selection
criteria for the post to which they have applied, but may also consider them
as part of a joint candidate pool for both roles if appropriate.





For an informal discussion about the role, please contact
elizabeth.crawford@socsci.ox.ac.uk.





Only applications received before 12:00 GMT on **22 July 2024** will be
considered. Interviews will take place on Tuesday 6 August 2024.