Communications and Engagement Manager

Role Description

Department

Autonomous systems and how they connect and integrate with the wider world have the potential to transform the way we live, travel and work. Their use is increasing at a pace that sometimes outstrips the ability to fully understand and evaluate these systems. The Institute for Safe Autonomy (ISA) is one of the University of York’s flagship research institutes, and is advancing knowledge and practice in safe and connected robotics and autonomous systems, which increasingly rely on AI, so that they can be designed, deployed and operated safely. ISA’s distinctiveness stems from understanding that its research is stronger and more relevant to societal challenges by being interdisciplinary. ISA is housed in a purpose-built building providing a range of specialist experimental facilities in the areas of communications, robotics and autonomy. The Institute has an external facing remit working closely with industry, government and third sector to identify and exploit opportunities for interdisciplinary working and to deliver impact from the excellent research happening across the University in the area of robotics and safe autonomous systems.

Role

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and talented individual to join the ISA team as a Communications and Engagement Manager. This is a key role in a small team, which also includes a new Business Development and Community Manager,  administrative and technical support.  The postholder will be responsible for leading a variety of external and internal communications activities to facilitate and support the delivery of the ISA strategy, particularly in raising the profile of the institute and its researchers, supporting the development of impactful partnerships with key stakeholders, and driving a thriving and informed community. The institute is home to high quality and impactful research, and the Communications and Engagement Manager will work to high standards to reflect this.

This role is busy and varied, and will involve daily contact with academic, research, and professional support staff in ISA, the Department of Computer Science, the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, and other departments, as well as colleagues from central professional support services and external stakeholders. Applicants should have excellent interpersonal and communication (written and oral) skills, good attention to detail, and have the ability to multitask and prioritise.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• Experience of developing and implementing a communications strategy
• Experience of planning, creating and editing engaging content for the web, print publications and social media campaigns, with strong proofreading skills
• Experience of managing a public-facing website using a CMS
• Produce a broad range of marketing and communications materials, working independently and with others, which are tailored to the target audience, using a variety of media
• Able to convey and present complex information and technical concepts to specialist and non-specialist audiences in a responsible, accurate, and accessible manner
• Strong interpersonal skills and able to work with stakeholders and colleagues at all levels of seniority
• Experience of organising and delivering events for a range of audiences

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: Dr. Ana MacIntosh (isa-director@york.ac.uk)

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork