Communications Officer - Sustainability (Maternity Cover)

Role Description

Department

Based in the University’s Reputation, Economic Development and Advocacy Directorate at York, the Communications team brings together specialists in digital communications, research comms and media relations, internal communications, and events and public engagement. Our mission is to be a University for Public Good, helping to build a strong University community who are informed, supported and connected.

This is an exciting time for the Communications team as we support the University’s ambition to be the University of Opportunity. Working in partnership with the Environmental Sustainability Academy at York, York’s Geothermal Energy Project and teams across the University, we are helping to communicate and engage  internal and external audiences with the vital sustainability work taking place across the University’s teaching, research, policy impact and campus operations.

About the Role

We are seeking a creative and driven Sustainability Communications Officer to help inspire our community to support our net-zero targets and embed sustainability into everything we do. You will be an adaptable communicator, able to juggle shifting priorities and promote a diverse range of sustainability initiatives.

In the role, you will engage key audiences with our transformational Geothermal Energy project, promote the Environmental Sustainability Academy at York (ESAY) and inspire students to participate in research or volunteering. You will also build connections between academics and third-party partners, unify messaging, curate engaging content, and leverage existing channels across digital (web and social media), internal comms, print, media and events to help deliver the University Sustainability Plan.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who loves coordinating, to be part of a dynamic team helping to drive environmental sustainability at the University.  This post is fixed term to cover maternity. 

Role Specific

• Significant experience in managing and developing best practice communication campaigns and engagement activity, to drive behavioural change in a complex organisations
• Knowledge of evaluating effectiveness of communication channels, including demonstrable experience of improving digital communications (web and social media)
• A passion for, and understanding of, the breadth of issues related to the environment and/or sustainable development
• Evidence of being able to synthesise, co-ordinate and curate materials from multiple sources, tailored to target audiences and presented in different formats (policy briefs, web articles, news stories, social assets)
• Experience of producing, editing and - where necessary - commissioning video/audio content for web and digital channels
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with ability to communicate complex information and explain research in a responsible, accurate and accessible way
• Dedicated and self-motivated, with evidence of being able to use own initiative and judgement to work independently, as well as the ability to support others and work collaboratively
• Excellent organisational skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities, manage competing demands, and work effectively and flexibly under pressure to meet deadlines

Qualifications

Level 3 qualification. (Qualifications at this level include A levels. Please view the full list). We also welcome applicants with equivalent non-uk qualifications or equivalent professional experience.

Skills

• Lead projects
• Gather, analyse, interpret and report complex data/information
• Use digital technologies including Google applications and/or Microsoft Office
• Communicate effectively in verbal and written formats, including the use of a variety of digital tools

Interview date:To be confirmed

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact: Deb Ward, Head of Internal Communications at deb.ward@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

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.  Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.